The village is not built by one person alone. It grows when many people choose to show up, again and again, with intention and care. Through pods, circles, and gatherings, people return to one another over time, creating continuity where there was once disconnection.
Over time, what once felt scattered begins to come together. Relationships deepen. Life feels less like separate pieces and more like something whole.
This is the Forest, a place where connection is built through consistency, where small moments matter, and where community grows stronger together.
Seasonal Celebrations We come together to mark the rhythms of the year, celebrating the changing seasons. These celebrations honor life’s cycles, offer opportunities for reflection and joy, and remind us of our connection to each other and the natural world. For the past seven years, Amy has organized a Lantern Walk held in November and a May Day Celebration in May.
Rites of Passage Honoring From milestones in parenting to personal transformations, the Forest holds space for meaningful life transitions, guided by the wisdom and support passed down across generations. Rites of passage here are held by the community, not just one person, creating moments of acknowledgment, care, and shared celebration.
Pods might host a Birthing Way for a pregnant mother, gather to welcome a new baby by planting a tree, or hold a divorce ceremony to honor endings and the new life that follows. Friends and chosen loved ones might come together to witness a first menarche, offering support, guidance, and celebration in an intimate, trusted circle.
These ceremonies and gatherings are designed to be shared experiences, meant to be held by many, because no one can navigate these milestones alone. In this way, the Forest helps individuals feel truly seen, held, and connected—woven into a community that honors the rhythms of life in all their complexity.
Storytelling and Circles Storytelling circles pass wisdom, experience, and imagination from one generation to the next. They offer opportunities to listen, to share, and to connect across ages, building understanding, empathy, and a shared sense of belonging.
Interest Pods Pods based around shared interests, whether gardening, art, music, or hiking, creating small, intentional spaces for connection. These pods bring people together over shared curiosity and passion, forming the foundation for friendship, mentorship, and collaborative learning.
Annual Camping Trips, Berry Picking, and Canning Whether under the stars, around a campfire, or on spontaneous adventures, members of the Forest gather to explore, play, and connect. These experiences deepen relationships, inspire creativity, and create memories that anchor the community.
Volunteering and Activism The Forest encourages members to extend care beyond the immediate circle, engaging in volunteering, community action, and advocacy. By working together to support others and the city we live in, the Forest becomes a living example of mutual aid and shared responsibility.
Pulled Resources and Support The Forest offers a network of tangible support, shared resources, guidance, and practical help, so that members can rely on one another during life’s challenges. From lending a hand to sharing knowledge or tools, these acts strengthen the ecosystem of care and connection.