Saint Francis, who valued the natural world as “a place where God is revealed,” encouraged his followers by his own unique celebration of creation. God’s goodness, generosity and love were not off-limits somewhere in far-off cathedrals, but rather to be found in creation as a whole.
This Franciscan spirit called Prairiewoods to create space to connect with the healing power of the natural world. Looking back at the earliest days of Prairiewoods, it became evident that many people felt the need. One of the most amazing facts recorded in its history is the response of the larger community to this new spirituality and ecology center.
First to come were the great many volunteers who planted trees. Volunteers created a network of trails and began the work of restoring the prairies. Trees Forever provided much encouragement and support in the form of donated seedlings and prairie plants along with their valuable expertise. I-Renew (the Iowa Renewable Energy Association) actively supported Prairiewoods in so many ways—from promoting workshops on environmental topics and installing solar panels to bringing their annual Expo, an event which brought new friends and collaborators who joined the already growing community.
Members of the Native American community came with an offer to build a sweat lodge, a blessing to the land and to all who continue to join with them in this sacred ritual. Scout leaders brought troops of young workers, some of whom created Eagle Scout projects that continue to enhance the land to this day. Churches and schools responded by encouraging participation in programs and by sending busloads of energetic students to help in the development of the outdoors.
Those early supporters were not only appreciated, they were extremely vital. In return, Prairiewoods could offer gifts of its own to the surrounding community. Among these was the land itself: 70 acres of natural prairie and woods in the midst of a busy city. This land, which already embraced a vibrant community of plants and animals, served as witness to the essential interdependence of all beings. For some, Prairiewoods became a place to be with people of differing faith traditions, a place for stimulating conversation and a place where questions are safe. Amazing dialogues have happened here, in sound and in silence.
This land calls to the heart. Long before the groundbreaking in 1995, neighborhood children built tree houses, rode their sleds and created a pattern of biking trails. People came for bird watching and to discover those hidden places where mushrooms could be found in early spring.
With its actual founding in 1996, Prairiewoods began to provide hospitable access to the land for anyone seeking solitude, silence, reflection and community. It began to house guests for long and short stays, as well as provide a focus for both spiritual and environmental studies and practices.
Sacred spaces aren’t designed for control, manipulation or persuasion. They welcome all into a circle where each voice is respected and valued. They encourage participation and transformation.
We are here to take care of and celebrate the natural world. We are here to take care of and celebrate each other. We are here to ask questions. We come together to co-create this sacred space. We come together to share in wonderment.
—Jessica Lien, Prairiewoods development coordinator