Sacred Ground
Encouraging spiritual reflection and faithful action for the earth in those places where nature lovers feel closest to God.
Check out photos from the recent visit of Mike and Jane DuBose of United Methodist Communications, who came in April 2026 to produce a story about this project.
AVAILABLE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE! A free audio “tour” of over a hundred scenic vistas, parks and trails (about a quarter of them in Sonoma County, and others in the North Bay, East Bay, and as far south as Tulare County and as far north as the Oregon border, with more to come!), which connects visitors with knowledge about natural history, ecology, indigenous stewardship and environmental challenges/climate justice issues along with guidance in a mindful spiritual practice and a call to action.
To access Sacred Ground, search for and download OTOCAST from the App Store or Google Play — or use the links below. If you live in Sonoma County, Sacred Ground will be the first “guide” to appear on the list; otherwise, type “Sacred Ground” in the “search” box. Then click on Sacred Ground and explore!
Get the free Otocast app at:
2. or Google Play
Click here to watch a video describing the concept for this project in more detail and here for a tutorial on using Otocast.
For an alphabetical list of all the current locations, click here. For a list of the locations by region, click here. We are developing other lists to help you plan visits to these places based on types of natural features, the kinds of stories which are shared, and accessibility/seasonal factors to be considered, such as:
Focus on Racism and Resilience
Considerations Regarding Access – Check Before You Go!
For those without a smartphone, visit https://app.otocast.com/preload/Sonoma_SacredGround. This is a version of the guide that works in a web browser.
If you have used the app, we’d love to hear what you think of it! Sacred Ground Feedback Form
https://www.change.org/Flat-Rock-Bita-Kom-tara
Please sign the above linked online petition to get the name of Santa Rosa’s Flat Rock Park changed to Bita-Kom-Tara, to honor the Southern Pomo people who maintained a village at the confluence of Santa Rosa Creek and Brush Creek. This lovely park is a location on the Sacred Ground tour.
Author/speaker/activist Brian McLaren has given this glowing endorsement to the Sacred Ground project: Human beings have been relentlessly turning the Earth’s God-given beauty into filth, Pope Francis said in Laudato Si in 2015. I am so grateful for creative projects like Sacred Ground that are working to turn people’s hearts toward loving and honoring creation, not exploiting it. Sacred Ground connects those who love the outdoors with the Creator — and with the calling to care for that creation. It provides a meaningful centering moment which can deepen the experience of renewal most of us feel when in the presence of nature’s beauty. But Sacred Ground doesn’t stop there. It inspires visitors to return to human civilization to engage in concrete acts of care, compassion and solidarity — for our imperiled planet, and for those most impacted by the harms wrought by resource extraction and climate change. Keep up the good work, Sacred Ground!
We are especially grateful for these community partners!
CA Indian Museum and Cultural Center has provided valuable educational resources for a number of locations, and the Museum now has a destination of its own on the Sacred Ground tour.
Redbud Resource Group is doing amazing work building bridges between Native and non-Native communities in Sonoma County and across the state, and their work is highlighted as part of the Spring Lake location on the Sacred Ground tour.
SACRED GROUND FIELD TRIPS! About once a month we organize a gathering at one of the outdoor sites featured on the Sacred Ground tour. We often read and reflect on a scripture passage, take a short walk, and converse over a sack lunch. Most of these outings are scheduled on a Wednesday or Thursday around noon, weather permitting. If you aren’t already on the Sacred Ground field trip email list and you’d like to join us, please contact Pastor Laurie.
FOLLOW SACRED GROUND ON INSTAGRAM for daily inspiration: scenic photos and video, creation care tips, quotations from thinkers at the forefront of climate justice work, prayers and meditational prompts.
HOW CAN YOU HELP EXPAND THIS PROJECT? If you love nature and spending time outdoors, you can help expand the reach of this app in a number of ways:
- Contribute photos and brief descriptions of your favorite places
- Research local environmental challenges and suggest simple action items
- Make connections with potential partners (indigenous groups, environmental-oriented organizations, parks, etc.)
- Arrange for a presentation at your house of worship or community group
- Tell your nature-loving friends and family about the app!
- Visit our Facebook page and YouTube channel regularly for further updates, along with “backstories” about the creation of Sacred Ground.
FOR MORE INFO CONTACT:
Rev. Laurie Bayen, Windsor Community United Methodist Church