Updated: Mar 13, 2021
It's been a long, challenging year. As we reflect back, we think of all the lessons we've learned. Our heart breaks with the loss of lives, the continued injustices for black, indigenous, and other people of color. We have reflected on our journey and evolved our guiding principles, which I'd like to share here. We believe we are part of a global community. We seek to celebrate the diversity of that community by actively supporting people of diverse beliefs, cultures, orientations, and lifestyles.
Territorial acknowledgement & impact of white privilege
We researched more about the location of our property and after much thought, we have posted a territorial acknowledgement on our site as well as a statement of debt to people of color. Read it here.
As an acknowledgement of these debts, Arborea Falls is committed to providing free access to our grounds and forest to BIPOC individuals for communion with nature. We also offer discounts and priority for hosting public community events that support LGPTQIA+ and BIPOC communities.
Earlier in the year, we created a members-only area of the site. This provides a platform for event organizers and community members as well as private booking options. Sign up to stay apprised of the latest news.
Work we've done this past year
Here is a look at our performance as they relate to our guiding principles:
Be good land stewards and build, foster, and nurture a nature sanctuary
Planted wildflowers, native shrubs, and locally grown bulbs
Installed bat houses
Added goldfish to the ponds as natural predators for mosquitos
Began replacing outdoor lights with wildlife-friendly, low voltage LED lights
Lighten our footprints in the world through ecologically responsible choices
Begun installing bidet toilet seats to all the indoor facilities to reduce toilet paper usage and strain on our septic system
Adding smart timers to outdoor lighting to reduce energy usage
Reduce our plastic usage, replacing with durable glass options
Installing an incinerating toilet in the Woodshed
Retrofit the hot tub to use natural salts and other less harsh chemicals
Bring beauty, joy, and fun into the world
Created a (free) sign up for community members to use the grounds during the pandemic
Hosted a socially distant 4th of July Party
Built a fun Shire map overlay and named property features and locations, signs are being finished and installed this spring
Begun to acquire and install statues and art around the grounds
Finished the underdeck roofing and installed UV heaters to make an inviting space for cigar lounges and other outdoor social gatherings
Support education and outreach in our chosen communities
Provided online classes across our communities
Facilitated online support groups
Provide a welcoming venue for LGBTQIA, people of color, neuro-diverse and other marginalized communities
Created a (free) sign up for community members to use the grounds during the pandemic
Provide a natural setting for people of all spiritualities to worship & celebrate
Identified the location for our household shrine and in the planning phases for building the mosaic base
Finished Green Dragon falls
Provide a sex-positive safe space for people to explore, connect with community, & celebrate
Finished the Woodshed including lighting, UV heating, electricity
Accessible bathroom stall with environmentally-friendly incinerating toilet and sink (we still need to build the ramp though)
Provide a haven for people in our communities
Provided short-term housing for community members in need
Upcoming property improvements
Here is the current list of works on our short list:
Continue the permit process with King County for hosting events
Ongoing accessibility and safety work
Adding electricity and lighting around party field
Fixing driveway approach to the garage and damaged concrete near the Golden Perch
Adding permanent fire pit and improvements to cigar lounge area (Golden Perch)
Begin work on the Golden Perch (top) waterfall
Clear & grade RV parking area (assuming permit approval)
Adding new grass in work areas that are now finished
May this post find you safe, healthy, and joyful.