How It Began
Sacred Ground International, a charitable 501 (c) 3 Foundation, was born out of a desire to restore my childhood home, give back and find what I felt was missing in my life.
In the 25 years following my stepfathers’ death, the ranch had cycled through leasing, options to buy, sever overgrazing, drought, gross trespass and neglect. When faced with yet another sale option my mother Helen, simply could not let go.
Honoring my heritage, I had returned home to Vision Quest on the Mountain, to renew my Spirit after years of commercial ventures, world travel and a recent loss. I was stunned by my mothers’ choice.
As if all time and events had led to that moment, we took a deep breath, joined hands and hearts and set out to restore, renew and reinvent The Happy Heart Ranch. We chose to create a role model of sustainable living and share it with our community and the world.
Today, the ranch is held by Helen, managed by Tana Blackmore and our foreman Joe Larson. We are supported by our sustainable activities, funding through Sacred Ground International, volunteers, bartering and the love and devotion of the many from all over the world who have come, spent time, left their indelible mark and went on to tell our story and live what they learned and experienced here.
