Greetings from Shadowcliff. In part 1, I shared recent news and events involving Shadowcliff. Here are some of the things coming up:

Relationship Building. Members of the Shadowcliff Board have given themselves a homework assignment. They want to know more about you. Specifically, what makes Shadowcliff special for you? Are there things about Shadowcliff that you would change or not change? Do you have a story or stories about Shadowcliff that you would like to share? What types of programs or activities should Shadowcliff produce? Don’t be surprised when you are contacted by a Shadowcliff Board member. We really want to know more about you, and how we can improve your Shadowcliff experience.

Interpretive Trail. Several years ago, the Shadowcliff Board determined to create an interpretive trail focusing on the laws of nature to honor former co-directors Bob Mann and Judith Christy. Current and former Shadowcliff staff will also be contributing to this project. The trail will be located entirely on Shadowcliff property, and will provide an educational experience for Shadowcliff guests and others as well as places for quiet reflection and meditation.

The planning continues. It is hoped that design work will begin later this Spring and that some part of the work will be done by volunteers and staff during the season. It is hoped that the trail is in place by the start of the 2013 Shadowcliff season. Some of you have already contributed monies for this project, and a separate fundraising drive will likely be conducted for this project later this year.

Friends of Shadowcliff.  Are you a Friends of Shadowcliff member? You should be. What is Friends of Shadowcliff? For more information, click the link, “Join Us” for a better description and a full list of the benefits offered. Among the benefits provided: first opportunity for cabin and lodge space reservations and an invitation to a weekend of volunteer service each Memorial Day. For those of you who are already a member, thank you for your continuing support.

We will be emailing Friends of Shadowcliff renewal information sometime in March. Do we have your current email address?

Lodge Room and Cabin Rentals. Are you planning on visiting Shadowcliff this season? I expect 2012 to be very busy at Shadowcliff, and I encourage you to make your reservations soon. We want to see you here in 2012. When you call (970-627-9220), you’ll get me (or my voice mail). I look forward to helping you.

May Volunteers. We are making our list of May projects for 2012, and volunteers are already signing up to join in and help out. If you have been a part of our volunteer weekend in the past and would like to participate this year, please let me know as soon as possible. As much as we would like, we can’t take everyone, and there is always much to be done to prepare to open. We should have a fairly specific list of work to be done by the end of February, and we will then start finalizing our May volunteers.

Shadowcliff Wish List. Do you know that Shadowcliff has a wish list? Some of the items never change, but others do. Where do you find the wish list? It’s on the website. On the website, click the “Join Us” link, and from there, click the “Donate” link. Some of the wish list items are:

• Black and white office copier/printer
•  Pillows  and 4 x 6 area rugs for Lodge rooms
• Composite decking with recycled content for exterior decks and stairs
• New  double mattresses (we replace a few each year)
• Volunteers for May 2012
• Hammocks for cabins/ Cliffside (we have a metal stand with no hammock)
• Carbon offsets
• Native plants/shrubs for the Welcome Garden
• Dual-flush toilets
• LED projector or large monitor screen
• Digital photo frame

Sustainability Workshop Series. As noted earlier, Bob Mann continues to build programs for the Shadowcliff Sustainability Workshop Series. Shadowcliff has been conducting these workshops for more than 10 years, long before many ever heard the word “sustainability.” It is a significant part of Shadowcliff’s mission.

A Sustainability Worskhop for the Whole Family?  For 2012, we will experiment with a new model: an interactive family workshop to help introduce sustainability principles and the laws of nature. Geared for children over the age of 7 and their parents, the workshop will provide information, fun activities and outings and lots of time for quality family time. More information on this program will be forthcoming as it is just being developed. Tentative dates for the workshop are: June 23 to 29. Contact me for additional details.

Share your Shadowcliff Stories. Do you have a question? Do you have a Shadowcliff story that you would like to share? Can we help you in any way?  Feel free to contact me at any time. You can reach me at 970-627-9220 or carl@shadowcliff.org.

Thank you. See you at Shadowcliff.

Carl

carl@shadowcliff.org