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…
My name is Taryn Freilinger. I am a student at Mount Mercy University and graduated in May with a Bachelor’s of Biology and a Bachelor’s of Outdoor Conservation. I am currently interning at Prairiewoods, helping create the Garden of Eat’n in order to fulfill requirements for my Outdoor Conservation degree. When I heard of this…
Hatha Way Yoga has been at Prairiewoods for almost 4 years now, and it has been an effortless recipe for calm and well-being. Created by the simplicity and beauty of a natural setting coupled with down to earth and loving people—I can’t think of a better place for yoga! Check out our schedule here. We…
This was written as my reflection following the lecture by Wendy M. Wright and her reading of Gerard Manley Hopkins’ poem God’s Grandeur. As I pondered these things, the Canticle of the Sun came to mind, as did the book my Companion group People of the Earth is reading, Ilia Delio’s Care for Creation: a…
Last week, my niece posted a photograph of her new tattoo: hands, holding the Earth, with the word “Ubuntu” inscribed below it. The next day, I met singer/songwriter Sara Thomsen, and saw her project booklet (from an event combining music, art, poetry) titled Ubuntu. On the third day, I walked into my brother’s home in Chicago…
I am not comfortable with the phrase “beggars can’t be choosers.” Why can’t they be choosers? Someone who has to ask for help is no longer entitled to preferences? A few months ago, I saw a woman standing on the side of the road, asking those who passed by in a little Prius or a…
On March 31, Iowa Interfaith Power & Light organized a solar tour in Eastern Iowa, inviting local elected officials to learn about solar and why organizations in the area choose solar power. Here at Prairiewoods, we choose solar for a number of reasons: 1) Solar (renewable energy) fits deeply with our missions and core values of…
A song is a gardener It picks up a shovel and starts to dig. Tenderly tips the blade into the burnt and brazed, Crusted, cranky, depleted, impenetrable soil at the surface of the heart Tosses and turns over and around all the scraps, remnants, remains, All the crap, cruelty, and craziness Amending, softening, sifting Activating,…