Sacred Grounds Northern Michigan
Au Sable Institute partners with the National Wildlife Federation to administer their Sacred Grounds program in Northern Michigan. Sacred Grounds works to support the faith community and the environment through native plant gardening and wildlife habitat creation. Participants can apply to receive free plants and technical support from Au Sable Institute to create native plant gardens on their property or within their community.
We are calling for Sacred Grounds participants and accepting applications!
The Deadline for Participation requests HAS been extended to May 20, 2024.
About Sacred GroundsTM
The National Wildlife Federation’s Sacred GroundsTM program recognizes congregations, houses of worship, and faith communities who create wildlife habitat, actively link faith practices and caring for the environment, and disseminate these practices throughout the community. Sacred Grounds is a national program open to all houses of worship of all faiths. More information can be found at www.nwf.org/sacredgrounds
What is the Rationale?
Houses of Worship are cornerstones in our communities with passionate members who can respond quickly to solve pressing and immediate needs within our home places. As such they are uniquely poised to help address concerns about biodiversity and habitat loss by engaging their congregations in native plant gardening and habitat creation and restoration practices.
What do Participants Receive?
Up to 1000 native plants for use in their garden project
Project site assessment
Technical support and advisement
Help with project site preparation and garden installation
Why Native Plants?
Native plants are plants that are indigenous or occur naturally in a particular region or area. They are important because they are adapted to the environmental conditions where they are found. Their adaptations also extend to their relationship with native wildlife, which together contribute to the overall health and stability of an ecosystem. Native plants can also help to manage stormwater and reduce flooding, support local food cultivation, improve water quality, and enhance community resilience. Through the Sacred Grounds program, participants both learn to plant and install their own native plant garden, while educating and engaging the community and contributing to a network of accessible natural spaces and habitats.
Who is Eligible?
Houses of worship within Grand Traverse, Antrim, Kalkaska, Crawford and Emmet Counties are eligible. Neither plant nor gardening expertise is required to participate in the program. However, it is important to demonstrate the volunteer capacity to help install and maintain the garden.
How does my House of Worship Apply?
Au Sable can support and accommodate a limited number of Sacred Grounds projects each year. Interested participants are encouraged to contact Paul Wiemerslage for more information and apply here: Sacred Grounds Northern Michigan- Participation Request
Participants in Sacred Grounds Northern Michigan
First Congregational Church, Traverse City
Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Traverse City
Faith Reformed Church, Traverse City
Sojourn Church, Traverse City
The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Elk Rapids
Church in the Hills, Bellaire
Mancelona United Methodist
Cold Springs Christian Fellowship, Kalkaska
Grayling Free Methodist
