The Pollinator Sanctuary

A self-sufficient garden in the Willamette Valley.

Situated on a half acre of Kalapuya land in the Willamette Valley, the Pollinator Sanctuary is home to insects of all kinds, as well as cats, many species of wild animals, and over three hundred species of plants. It’s a place where one can forage for wild medicine and materials for making cordage. Come find a salad growing between rocks and roses. Cut down some bamboo to make a tipi. Hide in a bamboo circle and watch the animals. You might join us on the day we take inventory of the species in the sanctuary. Or sit down in the shade of a Japanese maple or behind a flowering hedge while you read a book or drink house made tea.

Our mission is to provide sanctuary and nourishment to as many wild creatures as possible, especially to pollinators, with a focus on creating beauty everywhere.

Mason bee houses hang on the walls of the house, swallow houses provide their residents a view of fig trees, mulberries, and the neighboring farm; a handmade bat house perches up high by the roof. We don’t keep a spotless tidy lawn, because bumble bees nest in spots where leaves pile up on the grass. Unfortunately, we can’t keep honey bee hives because one family member is allergic to bees, but we do provide plenty of food for them. 

In addition to providing sanctuary for all sorts of creatures, we want to teach others to do the same. Our way of building cities and towns has left little room for wild animals, and we want to help people learn how to create their own sanctuaries for wildlife, all while providing some good food for themselves. One can do these things while creating gardens that both smell and look beautiful. Our gardens should be a feast for the eyes.

We offer workshops and classes on site! See our offerings here.