History of Our
Sacred Grounds
Rod Belshee conceived the idea of Sacred Grounds in 2017, triggered a few years earlier when Bruce Elwood led him to the small patch of the endangered Coachella Valley milkvetch on the property. A small cadre grew along with the enthusiastic support of the minister. In the Fall of 2019 planning began to involve the Congregation and to see where the concept might take us. The minister spoke of Sacred Grounds from the pulpit, many articles appeared in the monthly and weekly newsletters, Jack Fitzsimmons made beautiful posters, and excitement grew.
Kickoff
The first kickoff meeting was held January 9, 2020 with 22 people in attendance. The theme was “Dreaming” and the meeting was structured to collect ideas and dreams from the every attendee and then to see which ideas resonated with the most people. Several Board members were present, and the others were kept informed by email. The only Dreaming ground rules were that too many ideas was the right number (for now) and that all Sacred Grounds projects would be self-funded, separate from the operating budget of the church.
Action!
The enthusiasm sparked by the first meeting was overwhelming. Many people volunteered their time and donations began to flow in. The leadership team grew to Rod Belshee, Jack Fitzsimmons, Diana Leslie and Hiroshi Yamaguchi. Many activities started, including trimming trees, inventorying our landscaping, installing art, studying architectural drawings, investigating our irrigation system and sketching ideas. Twenty people turned out for our Love the Land event on February 22, removing trash and invasive weeds. Enthusiasm for the Sacred Grounds Initiative was extremely high.
Growing Momentum
On March 9 a second meeting was held with 33 people now engaged in the Sacred Grounds Initiative. Vikki Porter gifted an amazing glass chalice that she created for the group. Attendees walked the grounds, reviewed the progress, discussed sketches and planned the major roll-out to the congregation.
The Big Launch!
The March 22 worship service would center on the Sacred Grounds Initiative with the minister speaking to our seventh principle and our spiritual connection to the land. A large event was planned on the patio afterwards that included information posters, sketches of potential projects, and tables staffed with people to explain the concepts and stir up more support. Newsletter articles ran for several weeks, Evelyn Kain created art and poems, Jonathan Fast posted a video on the UUCOD YouTube channel, and a blurb was submitted for the website as well as other promotion. Outreach included the University of California Riverside Center for Conservation Biology, desert conservation organizations and groups interested in native plants.
The Pandemic
Three days before March 22, 2020, the Covid Pandemic closed the building. The worship service, streamed on an iPhone, still focused on Sacred Grounds but all other aspects were canceled. The Sacred Grounds Initiative leadership team immediately shifted their individual efforts to the higher priority of Staying Connected, and Sacred Grounds was put on the back burner.
Maintaining Connection to the Land
In the Winter and Spring of 2020 a number of people found connection with the land and each other by joining weeding parties. That repeated in 2021, and again in 2022 as we keep ahead of the invasive species, improve the appearance and make space for natives that feed our butterflies and lizards. We largely eliminated the Saharan mustard, fountain grass and some other invasives. Others took on watering and otherwise caring for the land while Sacred Grounds Initiative remained dormant.
Gradual Restart
Several people led a small restart of Sacred Grounds in the Spring of 2021, leading to more donations, a plan for enlarging the patio and adding misters, a Celebration Garden and other aspects.
However, the team agreed that such changes shouldn’t just appear while the building is empty. It is important for the full congregation to engage and celebrate.
Sacred Grounds was formally re-started on Earth Day 2022. The Worship service included discussion of the 7th Principle, Dr. Katie Barrows talking about conservation in the Coachella Valley, and a kick-off of Sacred Grounds. Implementation started with the installation of misters on the patio.
The Gardens
In the Spring of 2023 a Steering Committee was established and planning began in earnest. Several major projects were completed Fall 2023, including the Celebration Garden, a demonstration Desert Canyon Garden and a Mesquite Grove. In 2024, more habitat was created, including the Creosote Scrub Habitat, the Blow Sand Habitat, and the Pollinator Promenade.