The Land

Roots to Sky Sanctuary spans 125 pristine acres of agricultural fields, mature forests, and flowing springs, located in the secluded Backbone Mountain Range at the southern tip of Western Maryland. The land is a stone’s throw from the headwaters of the north branch of the Potomac River and is situated 3 hours from Washington DC, near the Eastern Continental Divide in the heart of the Allegheny Mountains. Before European settlers, these mountains were migratory routes for the Cherokee, Iroquois, Delaware, as well as dwelling places for villages of Massawomeck and other Monongahela Culture indigenous groups.

The property is just north of two of the largest and most remote wilderness areas in the Mid Atlantic — the Monongahela National Forest and George Washington National Forest.

Roots to Sky Sanctuary is housed in Oakland, Maryland, which is on the sacred, ancestral territory of the Shawandassee Tula and Massawomeck peoples. Shawandassee Tula land was stewarded by the Youghiogheny of the Shawnee tribe, while Massawomeck land was stewarded by members of the Massawomeck tribe, part of the Iroquois Nation. We recognize the elders of the past, present, and emerging and reflect on the longstanding history and legacies of violence, displacement, migration, and settlement that allow Roots to Sky Sanctuary to be present on the land. We acknowledge that colonialism is a current, ongoing process, and we are mindful of our participation. Roots to Sky Sanctuary is committed to continual reflection and action to hold ourselves accountable to and be in alignment with Indigenous peoples struggle. We commit ourselves to listen to, promote and serve their voices.

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The Sanctuary acreage was originally settled in the 1840s by German settlers. Since then, it has been used for farming, orchards, a Horticulturist’s growing operation for hosta plants, a Christmas tree farm, a hunter’s retreat, and a family home for foster children.

Mineral springs have provided pristine water to the property for decades, with multiple old functional spring houses still standing around the property. The springs provide pure delicious cleansing well water to all the residents of the land.

The surrounding area, like much of Western Maryland and West Virginia, was extracted for its coal and lumber for decades. Most of the coal mining activity has ceased in the area, however the timber companies are still quite active.