Thanks to the generosity of Dhamma Kuñja’s meditators, on February 16, 2024 Nature’s Grove acquired a property nicknamed “Gilbert Grove.” This property’s location close to Dhamma Kuñja’s meditation hall makes it vital to Nature Grove’s mission to protect Dhamma Kuñja’s meditative environment.

The satellite image shows Dhamma Kuñja and the adjacent properties:

Nature’s Grove Preserve’s first project was taking ownership of the “40 Acres.”

“Sequoia Corner” and “Blue Spruce” are held by a separate LLC and are slated to be donated to Nature’s Grove Preserve in the future.

“Gilbert Grove” is a five-acre rectangle on Gilbert Road just west of “Sequoia Corner.”

Gore Rd., where Dhamma Kuñja’s entry driveway is, runs along the bottom of the map.

Gilbert Grove is a key element of the buffer zone Nature’s Grove is creating. Preserving it prevents it from being used for activities that could seriously disrupt Dhamma Kuñja, such as a motocross track or shooting range.

Finances

To make the purchase possible, Nature’s Grove took a personal bridge loan of $89,000. This loan comes due in July 2024. It’s still possible to support the Gilbert Grove purchase.

Monthly pledges are very helpful, as they provide a reliable revenue stream. In addition to cash donations, Nature’s Grove’s Directors have committed $355/month towards this purchase.

Both dwellings at Gilbert Grove can be rented, which can at least cover taxes and maintenance. The smaller of the two dwellings is being rented by a dedicated long-term Vipassana student who would like to continue living there. In the future, this property may be used to serve Dhamma Kuñja and the surrounding community in more creative ways.

Support the Gilbert Grove Purchase via PayPal:

PayPal charges 1.99% + $0.49 per transaction. You can help by adding this fee to your donation.

Contact us for other options like sending us a check.

In supporting Nature’s Grove in this effort, you are first and foremost helping to protect the meditation environment of Dhamma Kuñja. You are also supporting future possibilities for community to rise up around the center, from staff housing and other services, such as laundry, to old students establishing residency for various lengths of time.

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