Just as the natural world can have a powerful impact on us as individuals, the Uplands is committed to doing its part to heal and regenerate the environment. We take seriously the stewardship of 290 acres of forest, fields, and water, and implement several conservation initiatives that support diversity and wildlife habitat.
Conservation & Ecological Projects
We implement various land-based conservation projects and practices that preserve and enhance the natural world such as:
Bird monitoring and environmental inventories to assess diversity and abundance of various species
Grassland bird habitat promotion through a conservation-based mowing schedule
Native tree planting project to improve water quality, reduce stream-side soil erosion, and increase biodiversity
Pollinator habitat improvement through native wildflower meadow establishment
By offering opportunities for visitors and community members to engage in meaningful interactions with the farm and woodlands at the Uplands, we hope to rejuvenate guests and inspire them to view the world as a network of interdependent, transformative relationships.
Environmental programs for guests include:
Interpretive nature walks including wild plants, birding, trees, and land history
Nature immersion, forest bathing, sensory awareness in nature
Garden tours
Nature-based creative arts
Research & Nature-based Education
Working with the local school districts, we offer field trips for students to engage in hands-on, enriching activities on the land. The Uplands is also a site for “Little Explorers” homeschool co-op, a community group focused on outdoor education and experiential, place-based learning for children outside of the public school system.
We welcome opportunities to work with regional universities to engage in environmental-based research. Possible research projects could include:
Wildlife surveys and observational studies on birds, amphibians, mammals, etc
Vegetation surveys and plant community research
Habitat restoration and management practices
Soils and geochemistry
Sustainable Features
The facilities and systems at The Uplands Center are developed to reduce our ecological footprint. Some of our sustainable features include:
Organic Garden – We use a permaculture approach and bio-dynamic techniques to create a healthy garden ecosystem. Our garden provides nourishing food for the kitchen, offers educational opportunities, attracts native pollinators, and improves soil biology.
Regenerative Agriculture – We employ our small chicken flock in our garden and fields to increase fertility, reduce pest pressure, and aerate the soil. In addition to our garden, a food forest is being developed with the aim to provide food and medicinal herbs while improving biodiversity, building and maintaining soil, and providing wildlife habitat.
Solar Panels – Our solar array provides us with a renewable source of energy.
Composting – Food scraps are transformed into soil for our garden.
Recycling – A user friendly sorting system promotes waste minimization.
Supporting local, organic farms – Food purchased for retreats comes from local and organic sources whenever possible
Interested in learning more?
If you would like to find out more about our environmental programs or collaborate on learning opportunities, contact us today to speak with a member of our team.
