Get Started

The central requirement for a house of worship to designate as a “Sacred Grounds” site includes planting a native plant garden/wildlife habitat.

To maximize the benefits of the garden to support both healthy habitats and communities, we ask that houses of worship both engage their congregations and reach out beyond the congregation to the broader community. This can and should be done in whatever way best supports the vision, interests, and needs of the congregation and community. For some ideas and examples of what this can look like, take a look at our Sacred Grounds Community Engagement Ideas and Examples.

Once you have installed your native plant garden and engaged the community, you may designate as a Sacred Grounds site here. You will be asked to submit the following information through our online form to complete your Sacred Grounds designation:

• What was your inspiration in creating a native plant/wildlife habitat?
• How did you engage people and the community with this project?
• What support was most instrumental in carrying out the project?
• Please provide an estimated size of your garden in sq ft.
• List of native plant species that you planted.
• Please upload a picture of people using the garden space or installing the garden. (100MB limit)
• Please upload a second picture of people using the garden space or installing the garden. (100MB limit)
• Please download the photo release form and upload when you submit your photos.

Within two weeks following submission, you will receive a printable Sacred Grounds certificate.