“The people who walk in darkness have seen a great light, and on those living in a land of deep darkness, a light has dawned.” —Isaiah 9:2 At Prairiewoods, our other-than-human kin often stop us in our tracks. The leafless trees are moaning all around us, and the dried prairie grasses are whispering their ancient secrets.…
In this time of gratitude and generosity, kindness and kinship, we are reminded that we are all one. Nowhere have I felt that more keenly than at the Inter-Religious Council of Linn County’s Annual Thanksgiving Service: The Transformative Power of Giving Thanks. Representatives from a huge variety of faith traditions contributed to the service, including…
“As Christians, we believe that we bear the image and likeness of God inside of us and that this is our deepest reality … God is fire—wild, infinite, ineffable, non-containable. If that same fire is inside us, and it is, then there are divine appetites inside of us too, appetites that are not ever satiable…
Saturday, Nov. 17, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. Join us for Prairiewoods’ annual Holiday Bazaar to jump start your Christmas shopping and get in the spirit of the season! There is no entrance fee, and coffee, warm apple cider, breakfast items and lunch will be available for purchase. Prairiewoods’ newly renovated Gift Shop offers: Prairiewoods Tree-shirts in…
Come to Prairiewoods this weekend to hear the voice of the land! The fourth annual Sweetgrass Flute & Nature Festival is coming to Prairiewoods this Friday–Sunday, Sept. 28–30. This free, family-friendly festival includes live performances by internationally renowned musicians specializing in the music of Native American–style flutes and other world and indigenous instruments. Unlike any…
Arriving on the Prairiewoods grounds on a morning in late summer is like driving into an advertisement for abundance: everywhere we look, there is growth and beauty. Stop for a moment and hear bird song and frogs, the leaves and prairie grasses rustling in a soft breeze. Take a deep breath and smell the earthiness…
Come hear the voice of the land! The third annual Sweetgrass Flute & Nature Festival is coming to Prairiewoods Sept. 29–Oct. 1. This free, family-friendly festival includes live performances by internationally renowned musicians specializing in the music of Native American–style flutes and world flutes. Unlike any other event in the Midwest, Sweetgrass offers abundant opportunities…
When I see a tyrant, Bloated with ego, I must look beyond His twisted fury At the ancient tree behind him. Then I remember what is real. Those beautiful gnarled branches Still creaking, reaching out Providing shade, even to tyrants. Her roots still pushing Against rock-hard darkness Deep in the ground Under everyone’s feet. Where…
Have you noticed the many changes happening around the Prairiewoods Center? We’re working with Backyard Abundance to create new permaculture landscaping that features edible landscapes (with lots of veggies and herbs for snacking), a Healing Garden, a mushroom growing area and Outdoor Classrooms. These are all part of the Garden of Eat’n that began this…
Lilies Rising The Milky Way is overflowing With mother’s milk that keeps pouring Down, upon the earth. Droplets rooting as lilies. I woke up the day A lily brushed my cheek. Strong stalk and fleshy petals Trumpeted out a mother’s fierce cry- Love the earth and all who dwell upon it! Oh, drink freely from…