Not Just a Cemetery

Conservation burial grounds around the country embrace life-affirming activities on the land. At Higher Ground, the intersection of generations and seasonal goings-on brings flourishing connections of people together with one another, with Nature and the land—and themselves.

Summer Camp neighbors to Higher Ground

Solstice Gatherings

Seasonal gatherings honor each Solstice and Equinox. In Winter, the bonfire or time around the Hogan's woodstove in the woods, brings warmth and fellowship with stories, stillness, readings, song and reflection. From Spring through Fall, the forest theater is home to concerts and sound healing with renowned local musicians.

Warmth and light around the Solstice Bonfire

Workshops

Nature writing, Mindfulness practice, Movement, Forest bathing, and Deep Ecology: An array of learning and experiential opportunities draw on the dynamic beauty and magic of the Manitou land to invite participants into their personal and shared connection with it. Contact us to join the mailing list.

Nature writing at the glorious bloom of lady slippers in Spring

Woods Music

The Forest Theater is home to three-season gatherings of music and sound healing, with local musicians vying for the chance to blend their violin, tabla, flute and handpan harmonies with accompanying birdsong.  

Aura Shards (Jed Blume & Anders Burrows) playing the Forest Theater

Healing Walks

​Healing walks on the land have long been a favorite of locals and visitors taking the short drive up Sunset Lake Road—2nd and 4th Fridays, Spring through Fall—to gather beneath the tall oak and pine for the stroll to the In-between Place to breathe and listen; first to the stillness and teeming life of forest and fen, then to shared reflections from the walk held in silence.

Ecologist Tom Wessels helping us see the forest through the trees

Placemaking with curated sculpture in wood and stone from the land is part of the celebration of Nature at Higher Ground

The Labyrinth at Manitou

Circle dancing with Rupa

Earthfriends Discovery Day Camp each summer hosts kids of all ages exploring Nature on the land

Seasonal concerts are regular features in the woods

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Photo image: Sculpture in wood from the land by Michael Mayer welcomes visitors at the south entrance.

“The forest amphitheater is an ideal venue for evoking connections between art, audiences and the rhythms of Nature.” 
​—Jed Blume, acclaimed local musician