Ranch Volunteers Needed

Exciting things are happening at Forbes Ranch, which is St. Martin’s “second home” in Esparto. You are invited to come to the almond farm and have a unique opportunity to build an open arbor around a gathering circle. It is intended for Native dances, church services, wedding ceremonies, meditation, and other opportunities for restoration and renewal as guests look out to the beautiful coastal hills to the west. It will have both a sacred and historic significance. 

Our open arbor plan originates from the one designed and built by the Sogorea Te Land Trust in the San Francisco Bay Area. The Care for God’s Creation committee has been working closely with Diana Almendariz, Patwin Wintun Culture Bearer and Elder, in the last two years through the Seeds of Justice ECS grant program. Diana has given us specifications for creating a dance circle—the kind where Native people traditionally have gathered to celebrate their unity and connection to the universe.

St. Martin’s is supporting the creation of this Gathering Circle as part of our efforts toward racial reconciliation and respect for their original stewardship of this land. This work is sometimes called “going beyond land acknowledgments.”

In addition to Diana, we are working closely with Mark Brothers, a valued parishioner and volunteer general contractor who will train the volunteers and direct the completion of this project. It will be extremely interesting to follow the thinking of traditional Native ways in building such a structure. The 40 12-foot long cedar tree poles that will form the main frame were brought to us from Humboldt County. There were multiple acts of reciprocity among Diana, Mark, and Bo Kallish-Hill, who harvested the trees in sacred solidarity with the earth that produced them. 

The almond trees are blossoming. Please come help! Encourage others to join. Form car pools. Let the office know if you can give or need a ride: 530-756-0444 or info@churchofstmartin.org

Ann Liu, Care for God’s Creation, Co-chair

Schedule:

(Need 12 or more volunteers on March 18 and 25)

Tuesday, March 14  1:00-4:00  Measure and mark placement of holes for tree poles in inner/outer circles

Saturday, March 18 9:00-4:00  Constructing the arbor, with Diana Almendariz

Saturday, March 25  9:00-12:00 Peeling of tree bark.  Bring a lunch & stay for Taizé service and SiNG event at 1:00pm

Need gloves, shovels, 12’ ladders, hammers, hard rakes, and power tools for screwing.

Ranch address: 

19100 County Road 86A in Esparto 95627

Look for the tall white water tower at the entry and the U.S. flag on the white mailbox. (Short driveway close to the Winters Canal)