Ferncliff is full of nature. That is one of the things that makes Ferncliff special. 1,200 acres full of trees, meadows, stream, birds, deer, interesting plants and sounds of nature.

One of the first things adults mention on their first visit to Ferncliff is how beautiful it is here and how clean and crisp the air smells. That is true. With technology our lives move faster but we do not seem to have enough time to slow down and enjoy nature for all its beauty. You can do that here at Ferncliff.

Many on staff here at Ferncliff have a ‘sit spot’. A sit spot is a place in nature where a person can go, sit, listen and learn from the experience of being in nature. Those that practice sitting start with a small amount of time and increase that time as they grow comfortable in the space. As Dorothy Thomas, Lead Teacher at the Nature Preschool, describes it “Nature will teach many things by just being in it.” She continues, “Over time my sit spot feels like a home and I feel comfort and joy there.”

While we do not think Mary Oliver visited Ferncliff, her poem, When I Am Among the Trees speaks to what it’s like here.

When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”

Mary Oliver, Published by Beacon Press in Thirst

Typically, it is suggested your sit spot is just a few minutes from your front door. Those of us who work at Ferncliff are extremely fortunate to have secret spots here to sit and reflect. You can find a sit spot here at Ferncliff too, if only for a short time. You are invited to visit Ferncliff for a brief day trip or an extend stay and when you are here, we hope you will take advantage of the beautiful nature to sit and stay awhile. As Mary Oliver says, it’s simple.

We have a special open house scheduled in April. All you have to do is sign up to schedule your free personal tour of Ferncliff. While you are here, you can enjoy a beverage and dessert and a shuttle ride learning about our programs and ministries.

 

What is Ferncliff? Ferncliff helps people connect to nature and live a fulfilling life. We do this through our Nature School, Disaster Assistance Center, youth mission projects, summer camps, as well as community outreach programs, conferences and retreats. We have been doing this since 1937 and have grown from a small Presbyterian camp to a multi-faceted organization located on 1200 acres in central Arkansas. To learn more please visit our website www.ferncliff.org or call us at 501-821-3063 to schedule a visit.