Nature Connections
Connecting Church UPC Discovery through Nature
Nurturing stronger connections between members of UPC congregation, UPC Discovery families, and our UPC children and youth with God’s natural world is important work. We believe it helps us live healthier, happier and more spiritual lives.
Through the work of the Nature Connections Team, we are creating a community where people can connect to learn about and enjoy nature together and to better utilize the all natural areas of our campus and especially the Nature Explore Classroom. Here are a few of the ways you can connect:
Feather Friends meets every other week on Zoom from January through March to keep us connected through the cold winter months and to deepen our understanding of birds at our home feeders.
Spring and Fall Work Days help us maintain the natural beauty of our campus
Creating and maintaining hands on experiences for both our UPC Discovery and our congregation’s kids, including our LIttle Nature Library, our campus gardens, and our playground.
God’s Natural World Photo Contest
Christmas Tree for the Birds projects in the winter with ornament kits for the preschoolers to assemble
Rev. Dr. Randall Saxon, co-founder and pastor emeritus of United Presbyterian Church, was a beloved pastor. His love and commitment to helping others connect to God’s natural world can be seen throughout our campus. When purchased, the this site consisted of a school building, parking lot and woods. Rev. Saxon, who was also a certified Master Gardener, created the site plan for what is now the UPC campus to encourage the congregation and the community to have a place to be with nature.
In 2019, shortly before his death, the Nature Connections Committee walked the campus with Randy and, with the help of Richard Brandolino, recorded the experience so that others could enjoy his legacy. That video can be viewed here.
All are welcome to visit our campus, enjoy a nature walk, or sit peacefully at one of our many resting spots. Download a copy of the Walk with Randy brochure to find out more and to view a map of the property.