wfn.org | Outdoor sanctuary emphasizes stewardship of creation

[ENS.parti@ecunet.org (ENS)]

     (ENS) A
December 4, 1997
Episcopal News Service
Jim Solheim, Director
212-922-5385
ens@ecunet.org

97-2042
Outdoor sanctuary emphasizes stewardship of creation

     (ENS) All are welcome at St. Matthew's Episcopal Church in
Sterling, Va. even
goats.
     A wooded area of St. Matthew's property is being developed as a
"Sanctuary in
the Woods," and as part of the process of clearing the spot of poison ivy
taking care to use environmentally sound practices the Loudoun County
4-H Goat club let their animals have at it. (Remember the words to that
famous ditty: "Mares eat oats and does eat oats and little lambs eat...")  
     This outdoor sanctuary, meant to be a haven both for wildlife and
people, is
being developed as part of an overall plan that includes developing
shelter and food sources in the woods as well as throughout the church's
landscaping. The property has been cleared of vines and debris, and
invasive, non-native plant species were removed and native Virginia
species of wildflowers, shrubs and trees encouraged. A butterfly garden
and wildflower meadow have been planted, and Sunday school students
planted trees on Earth Day and built bluebird boxes for the yard.    
     "Eastern Loudoun County is quickly losing its connection with the
land," explains St. Matthew's vicar, the Rev. Stuart Swann. "When the
land is lost, history is lost, as well as the environment disrupted." By
developing the Outdoor Sanctuary, says Swann, the congregation hopes
to "make a connection between the church's mission in a rapid growth
area with a debt we owe to God for the gracious gifts of nature.  
     "The Outdoor Sanctuary is a way to remind our people and the
community that Christ-centered worship and action aren't contained in
cute church buildings, but in all places and spaces about us." 
     The "Sanctuary in the Woods" will be a quiet area with benches
for outdoor classes, worship and relaxation.  A trail is being cleared
through the woods for leisurely walks and prayerful meditation, and to
encourage visitors to learn more about wildlife habitats. The local
community also will be invited to enjoy the trail when it is completed. 
     Environmentally sound techniques are being used throughout the
project. Using the goats allowed an area to be cleared without employing
chemicals that would endanger the wildlife and wetlands.  This area, as
well as those where honeysuckle and poison ivy vines were removed by
hand, were then covered with flattened appliance cartons donated by a
local appliance store. Wood mulch donated by a tree chipping company
was then placed on top of the cardboard.  This stopped the spread and
damage done by the vines and provides a pleasant transition from the
landscaped areas to the natural area of the property. Old fence posts,
headed for the landfill, were recycled and used to build a butterfly lodge.
Alternating layers of logs provided spaces for butterflies to roost. Nectar
flowers and host plants will be  planted near the lodge. 
     Many enthusiastic members of St. Matthew's have worked on the
project, as have  Boy Scout Troop 968, sponsored by St. Matthew's, and
the Loudoun County 4-H Goat Club. The project even has an ecumenical
angle, says Swann: it's given St. Matthew's a practical way to draw upon
the expertise and resources of the local Evangelical Lutheran Church and
that congregation's Earthkeeping Ministry. "Of course, the goats were a
big hit with everyone," says Swann. "Like all our guests, we hope they
will come again." 

--Sara Bartenstein is executive for communication in the Diocese of
Virginia.