“He that plants trees loves others besides himself”
Thomas Fuller
Our Commitment to the Environment
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 the stewardardship of 290 acres of forest, fields, and water, and implement several conservation initiatives that support diversity and wildlife habitat.
Conservation 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
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
Sharing Knowledge through Experiential Learning
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
Invasive species management and control
Habitat restoration and management practices
Soils and geochemistry
Interested in utilizing The Uplands as a research site, or field trip destination? Reach out to renee@uplandscenter.org to explore the possibility!
