Help us provide safe passage for the Monarch Butterflies, a habitat for the lizards, roadrunners, and all the other native species who belong on our sacred site. We want to make sure we are living in concert with the environment that is hosting our space, and we need funds to make it happen.
Your donations are so necessary and very much appreciated!
About the Sacred Grounds Oasis
The Sacred Grounds Initiative is a project of the 501 (c) 3 Unitarian Universalist Church of the Desert in Rancho Mirage, CA.
The Peace Labyrinth was conceived as a tranquil home-away-from-home open 24/7, for respite, contemplation, and, dare we say, fun! Construction was completed in 2018 by efforts made by the entire UUCOD community.
At the same time, a Peace Pole was erected on the site as part of our shared commitment for world peace.
Motivated by their love of the native desert environment, volunteers have designated the rest of the space as Sacred, and are in process of developing expanded habitats for the lizards and road runners living there, and adding elements to attract and protect other native species.
Volunteers have inventoried the endangered species on the property and set up protections to preserve them. Guided by the UU 7th principle “respect for the interdependent web of all existence” it is our intention to support what is already there and continue enhancing the space with guided pathways flanked by more local flora.
Walking the Labyrinth
You are welcome to walk the meandering pathway that leads into the center of the Peace Labyrinth, then out again with no blocks or false turns (as there are in a maze which is designed to challenge).
A walk into the center of the labyrinth can offer healing for your troubled mind, sad heart, restless sleep, even anger. If you choose, you can let the Labyrinth path guide you from rage, helplessness, or hopelessness toward peace, hopefulness, and acceptance. And, if you pause in the center, you can permit yourself to feel held with your hopes & dreams for the healing of all.
Exiting, in the spirit of allowing, being open, you may receive a spurt of focus for how to use your energy going forward.
May you feel uplifted by this walk.
May Healing Prevail.
May Kindness Prevail.
May Peace Prevail.
Support The Sacred Grounds Initiative
The Sacred Grounds Initiative is creating a refuge for the native plant and animal life, as climate change affects the valley. Creating our refuge for contemplation, meditation and remembrance in concert with the environment is critical.
Upcoming projects include the Plaza Enhancement, Celebration Garden, Garden of Hope, and Peace Garden, with emphasis on native habitat for migrating species and current residents.
The Space now includes:
- Peaceful sitting areas for meditation, painting, writing, contemplation
- 50 ft diameter Peace Labyrinth
- Concrete Peace Pole
Visioning for the site is on-going, including:
- Gardens for native pollinators
- Butterfly and moth gardens
- Increased habitat for lizards
- Safe harbor for diminishing bat population
Future concepts under consideration:
- Meandering strolling paths with reflection pauses
- Inspirational quotes and/or art
- Memorial space, including the Diversity Pavers and Sacred Stones, to acknowledge special events and people
Support Sacred Grounds With Your Time
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More immediate jobs
- Collect verbena seeds and sprinkle liberally into rock garden along patio
- Gently tend the grounds
- Propose the native Green Wall to shade the back wall of the sanctuary, and provide habitat
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Phase 1
- Work with concrete contractor for sidewalks and patio extension
- Propose, acquire, install the Celebration Garden bench
- Propose, acquire, install the Garden of Hope bench
- Propose, acquire and install the paths
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Phase 2
- Design and create any of several native ecological communities
- Active Sand fields (CV milkvetch, …)
- Stabilized Sand Fields (creosote, desert iguanas, annual native wildflowers, PS round tailed ground squirrel)
- Sandy wash (Smoke tree, Palo Verde, Desert Willow, desert lavender, chuparosa, dyebush, bladderpod, …, verdin, Flat tailed lizards?
- Rocky slopes habitat (Chuckwalla, Encelia, Creosote)
- Palm oasis with palm skirts for yellow bats
- Design a native butterfly garden
- Design the Peace Garden, combining native plants with paths and seating
- Design floral gardens with year round blooms
- Design the Patio water feature and seating
- Design and create any of several native ecological communities
Your new suggestions are welcome as well!
Support Sacred Grounds by Making a Donation
Make a donation by check directly to the UUCOD. Make out your check to:
Treasurer, UUCOD, PO Box 2853 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270
Memo: SACRED GROUNDS