Earth Sanctuary: A Nature Reserve, Meditation Parkland and Sculpture Garden

This Grandfather tree snag is located on the Celestial Trail at Earth Sanctuary. When Michael Angelo was putting the colored ribbons around the tree, a Barred Owl poked its head out of one of the holes in the snag and then proceeded to watch Michael finish putting up the ribbons. At first, we weren’t sure what owl species it was, so Frances Wood and Yvonne Palka came over to the tree. Frances has a birding iPod with the bird calls of Western Birds. She played the Barred Owl call and the Barred Owl immediately returned its call and came over to see who they were.

At Earth Sanctuary, I was blessed with several beautiful experiences. The Rose Quartz altar near the stone circle is very active and alive. She shared such love that I was in tears as I bowed before her. Actually tears flowed quite a bit while I was here. The deer, the bunnies, the Osprey, all so beautiful and free. Every sacred site with the overall holiness of the Earth Sanctuary filled and embraced me with love. I had no choice but to be in love. This has been a blissfully heart-opening experience. I hope to return. Thank you so very much.

Rev. Gwen Tara Anderson

When you drive to Earth Sanctuary along Newman Road, you will notice the ecological restoration being done by the University of Washington’s Restoration Ecology Network’s students. Each year, a new set of students works for the school year to conduct an ecological site analysis, prepare a proposed plan, prepare the site and then plant the plants according to the plan. Earth Sanctuary covers the cost of the plants, lunch for the students, and training and planting plan review by Earth Sanctuary’s landscape designer, Dan Borroff.

This year’s group had the tough problem of “the wall,” a steep embankment that required coir logs and a lot of special attention. Gracing the top of the wall are three standing stones.

The next time you visit Earth Sanctuary, stop and park in the pull off, look at the great work done by the students, and read the signs that describe the restoration work being done by the UW students.

Here is a link to all the documents prepared by this year’s students.

Here’s a beautiful photo of the Earth Sanctuary fen by Drew Kampion.

If you have a special photo of Earth Sanctuary email to me at cpettis@earthsanctuary.org. I’d love to see it.

Chuck Pettis

“Beautiful!”

“Each time better than before - as in life.”

“Wonderful vision!”

“Thank you!! I have much gratitude for this day.”

“Great place!”

“Beautiful healing place.”

“Love this place.”