MISSION

Groundswell is a retreat center designed to hold space for transformation, connection, and restoration. Nestled in nature and rooted in principles of sustainability, accessibility, and sacred hospitality, Groundswell offers a welcoming, well-resourced environment for facilitators, leaders, and communities to do their most meaningful work.

Our purpose is to support those creating intentional experiences - whether for healing, growth, creativity, or collective visioning - by providing a beautiful, grounding container where groups can flourish.

Groundswell serves groups seeking a retreat space that reflects our shared values and amplifies their impact.

CORE VALUES

MISSION

Groundswell’s core values are integrity, inclusion, care, and reverence for land and community. We believe that by holding space for those who hold space for others, we contribute to a more connected, conscious, and compassionate world.

Our long-term goal is to be a trusted home for retreat leaders and change-makers - where ideas and visions can take root, communities can gather, and this meaningful work can ripple outward.

Stewardship of the Land

At Groundswell, we believe in the sacredness of land and the deep responsibility we hold as stewards. As three queer women, we have come together to create a space that is not only a refuge for our communities but also a place where respect for the Earth, its people, and its future is woven into everything we do.

Our commitment to stewardship is rooted in our understanding of the profound interconnectedness between land, culture, and people. We acknowledge that this land has been cared for by the Pomo peoples long before us, and we approach this work with gratitude, reverence, and humility. We honor these ancestral relationships and strive to learn from and honor the deep wisdom embedded in the land.

Land as Healer

Nature has always been a source of solace, connection, and healing. Whether it’s the rush of a river, the quiet of the forest, or the beauty of the stars above, we recognize the land as a powerful healer — one that we must protect and nurture. Through our work here at Groundswell, we are dedicated to maintaining the land’s vitality, ensuring that it remains a place of peace, growth, and renewal for generations to come.

Building Inclusive Spaces

Our vision of stewardship extends beyond the land itself. We believe the land’s healing power should be accessible to all people, with particular care for those who have historically been excluded from nature-based spaces.

We are intentionally cultivating an environment that is welcoming, affirming, and safe for everyone, and we explicitly name Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), queer, trans, and gender-nonconforming people as communities we are committed to protecting, honoring, and supporting. Safety, dignity, and belonging are not optional here. They are foundational.

It is essential to us that all who visit Groundswell feel seen, respected, and empowered. Through community gatherings, outdoor programming, and intentional practices, we work to uplift diverse voices and lived experiences, recognizing that collective care strengthens both people and place.

Our stewardship is about tending the land, and it is also about nurturing the relationships between people, creating space for rest, healing, learning, and growth in community.

Sustainable Practices, Thoughtful Future

At the heart of our stewardship is sustainability. We are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting practices that regenerate and preserve the land. From water conservation to waste reduction, from using eco-friendly materials to incorporating permaculture principles, we make decisions with the future in mind.

We also believe in creating a space that encourages deeper connections with nature. We aim to work alongside environmental experts and community members to incorporate the best sustainable practices and leave the land better than we found it. This is a long-term commitment, and we recognize it as an ongoing journey — one that requires mindfulness, care, and adaptability.

Respect for All Who Come

We welcome you to Groundswell with open hearts. Whether you come to hike, relax, or simply find peace in the quiet of the woods, we ask that you approach this space with the same respect we hold for it. This is a place to honor the land, its history, and all those who walk upon it. Our community is grounded in mutual respect and care for one another, and we encourage all visitors to embody these values during their stay.

We invite you to join us in this journey of stewardship — to help us protect, nurture, and celebrate this land. Together, we can create a future where our communities thrive, and the Earth is respected as the life-giving source it has always been.