Upcoming Events
Healing Walks — Every 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 4-5:30pm.
Caring for Our Own --Third Monday of every month, 4:30-5:30 PM, 1-hour curated discussion on Zoom around all things end-of-life, death care & living a fruitful life; engaging & rewarding for newcomers & regulars alike, contact us for link.
Sat. Sept. 12 2026: Come Home to Nature: A Half-Day Nature and Meditation Retreat
with Amanda Kenyon: Co-sponsored by Vermont Insight Meditation Center
Nature reminds us that we live in a perpetual state of change and impermanence. Nature also
reminds us that we belong–in every moment–that we are not small, but an important part of a
big whole. This offsite morning retreat is an experiential practice for reconnecting with nature. It
is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing”, and integrates principles
from Buddhism, wilderness guiding, experiential education, and more. The forest bathing
practice is a heart-centered approach to nature reconnection that interweaves present moment
awareness, embodiment, the senses, gratitude, and reciprocity. The retreat will be a
combination of sitting, walking, and meandering over short distances on gently rolling terrain.
Space is limited to 15 participants and preregistration is required. Directions, carpool
instructions, and weather considerations will be emailed to participants in advance. Registration
closes at noon on the Friday before the retreat.
Sun. Sept. 20, 2026: Ben Cosgrove at Manitou, then West River Cafe Standing Stone Reception
The Manitou Project is excited to be hosting a Fall Equinox concert in its Forest Theater with Ben Cosgrove, a traveling composer-performer whose music explores themes of landscape, place, and environment. Described by the Boston Globe as “a sonic plein-air painter… [using] his piano as a paintbrush,” Ben has performed in every U.S. state except for Delaware, collaborated with groups ranging from rock bands to research scientists, contributed music to several radio and film projects (including the recent Ken Burns documentary The American Buffalo), and held residencies and fellowships with institutions including NASA, Acadia National Park, White Mountain National Forest, Isle Royale National Park, Harvard University, and Middlebury College.
Ben's music has been called "beautiful and fascinating" (The Maine Edge), "deeply impressive" (Independent Clauses), and "immediately evocative and fully arresting... brimming with technical mastery and emotional capital" (Seven Days).
Sat. Sept. 26, 2026: Mushroom Walk with Justin Garner: 10 AM to 1 PM:
Explore the edible and medicinal properties of the mushrooms we come across, along with their interconnections to the tree and plant communities. Also a more reflective dimension as we learn about the hidden gifts of the mushrooms to the life of the forest, and take time to contemplate a particular mushroom that speaks to us. We will finish the day by cooking and tasting the edibles that we collect. No prior mushroom identification knowledge is required.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required: Suggested Contribution: $30. Contact Fred Taylor at [email protected] to register or for more information, including directions. In case of rain, we'll contact you about rescheduling once you register.
For descriptions of these and other recurring programs and activities see Events.
Caring for Our Own --Third Monday of every month, 4:30-5:30 PM, 1-hour curated discussion on Zoom around all things end-of-life, death care & living a fruitful life; engaging & rewarding for newcomers & regulars alike, contact us for link.
Sat. Sept. 12 2026: Come Home to Nature: A Half-Day Nature and Meditation Retreat
with Amanda Kenyon: Co-sponsored by Vermont Insight Meditation Center
Nature reminds us that we live in a perpetual state of change and impermanence. Nature also
reminds us that we belong–in every moment–that we are not small, but an important part of a
big whole. This offsite morning retreat is an experiential practice for reconnecting with nature. It
is inspired by the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, “forest bathing”, and integrates principles
from Buddhism, wilderness guiding, experiential education, and more. The forest bathing
practice is a heart-centered approach to nature reconnection that interweaves present moment
awareness, embodiment, the senses, gratitude, and reciprocity. The retreat will be a
combination of sitting, walking, and meandering over short distances on gently rolling terrain.
Space is limited to 15 participants and preregistration is required. Directions, carpool
instructions, and weather considerations will be emailed to participants in advance. Registration
closes at noon on the Friday before the retreat.
Sun. Sept. 20, 2026: Ben Cosgrove at Manitou, then West River Cafe Standing Stone Reception
The Manitou Project is excited to be hosting a Fall Equinox concert in its Forest Theater with Ben Cosgrove, a traveling composer-performer whose music explores themes of landscape, place, and environment. Described by the Boston Globe as “a sonic plein-air painter… [using] his piano as a paintbrush,” Ben has performed in every U.S. state except for Delaware, collaborated with groups ranging from rock bands to research scientists, contributed music to several radio and film projects (including the recent Ken Burns documentary The American Buffalo), and held residencies and fellowships with institutions including NASA, Acadia National Park, White Mountain National Forest, Isle Royale National Park, Harvard University, and Middlebury College.
Ben's music has been called "beautiful and fascinating" (The Maine Edge), "deeply impressive" (Independent Clauses), and "immediately evocative and fully arresting... brimming with technical mastery and emotional capital" (Seven Days).
Sat. Sept. 26, 2026: Mushroom Walk with Justin Garner: 10 AM to 1 PM:
Explore the edible and medicinal properties of the mushrooms we come across, along with their interconnections to the tree and plant communities. Also a more reflective dimension as we learn about the hidden gifts of the mushrooms to the life of the forest, and take time to contemplate a particular mushroom that speaks to us. We will finish the day by cooking and tasting the edibles that we collect. No prior mushroom identification knowledge is required.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required: Suggested Contribution: $30. Contact Fred Taylor at [email protected] to register or for more information, including directions. In case of rain, we'll contact you about rescheduling once you register.
For descriptions of these and other recurring programs and activities see Events.
Fall forest beckons