For Peace Hill, stewardship involves a reverence for and care of the land, which in turn nurtures and sustains its inhabitants. As a steward of the Avila Center, we help care for the grounds and buildings in ways that facilitate connection and cultivate a little more peace within and among each of us.
Toward this end, Peace Hill is leading the renewal of the Peace Garden at the Avila Center. Located near the campus entrance and just outside of the meditation room, the garden provides a quiet place for pause or conversation. In partnership with Self-Help, we are working to transform the garden into a welcoming and accessible outdoor space, a protected area for plants and pollinators, an educational opportunity for guests at the center to learn about the history of the land and the life it supports, and a peaceful place for all to rest and be. The renewed garden will feature native plants that provide seasonal colors and year-round interest, a new arbor, new walkways, and a central area for gathering.
The Peace Garden Renewal project is unfolding alongside multiple property improvement efforts at Avila, including renovation of the gazebos surrounding the campus and the recent installation of a 50kW solar system that will produce about 50 percent of Avila’s energy usage, supporting Self-Help’s goal of becoming energy neutral.
If you’re interested in volunteering or supporting the garden project with a financial contribution, please contact us at [email protected].