St. FrancisA great wolf terrorized the town of Gubbio, killing livestock and people alike. In distress, the townspeople sought the help of Francis of Assisi, who was said to be able to talk with animals. Filled with compassion for both the townspeople and the animal, Francis agreed to try to resolve the conflict. He went out into the woods, and when the wolf approached him, its teeth bared, Francis calmly addressed him as “Brother Wolf.” Immediately, the wolf became docile. Francis asked the wolf why it was terrorizing Gubbio. Francis came to understand that the wolf ’s actions were the result of both its great hunger and the hostility it had suffered at the hands of the people who had sought to destroy it. Francis promised the wolf that the people of Gubbio would care for it and feed it daily, but he insisted that the wolf, in turn, cease its attacks on the people and their livestock. The wolf placed its paw in St. Francis’ outstretched hand, signaling its consent. According to legend, the townspeople and the wolf lived in peace thereafter, and two years later, when the wolf died of old age, they mourned its passing.

Help me to follow the example of St. Francis, and treat every living being with respect and compassion. Grant me the wisdom born of love and humility, and let me see the face of the divine in all of creation,human and nonhuman alike.

Bison In the past several centuries, human activities have greatly accelerated the rate of extinction. Many animals have become increasingly rare or have disappeared altogether. One of those animals is the eastern wood bison, depicted here by local stonemason, Jack Watts.Native to the woodlands of the eastern United States, eastern wood bison were plentiful when Europeans began to settle in North America in the early 1600s. Unfortunately, they were easily killed in large numbers when they congregated at salt licks, and over-hunting—particularly to procure hides for sale—caused their numbers to dwindle rapidly. By 1800, wood bison were rarely seen, and they are believed to have gone extinct by about 1840. How does one measure worth? Which has the greater value—the dying bison or the crushed grass on which it falls?Creator of life, open our hearts and minds to the beauty and intrinsic value of all living things. May we come to understand that the spark of life flows, in equal measure, through all plants, animals, and microbes.

Green Man and Seasons WomanFound throughout much of human history and in many cultures around the world, the Green Man symbolizes renewal and rebirth. He sprouts from the earth each spring, only to return to it each fall. Like the Green Man, Seasons Woman is associated with the earth and its life-giving and life-sustaining qualities.Remember me, try to remember.I am that laughing man with eyes like leaves.When you think that winter will never end, I will come. You will feel my breath, a vine caressing your foot.I am the blue eye of a crocus, opening in the snow, a trickle of water, a calling bird,a shaft of light among the trees. You will hear me singingamong the green groves of memory, the shining leaves of tomorrow.I’ll come with daisies in my hands–We’ll dance among the sycamores once more. The Green Man (author Lauren Raine)

Portrait TreeThe Portrait Tree is at the heart, literally and figuratively, of the Sanctuary. Estimated at 150+ years old, it stands watch on the hill above the Memorial Garden. As its name suggests, the Portrait Tree is a favorite site for family and group photos. Teach me to stand tall and straight,to embrace the sunshine,to drink in the waters that give me life,to grow and rest in equal measure,and to bend without breaking before the storm.

Every journey begins with a single step...

Turtle and Prayer CircleThe turtle plays a central role in the creation myths of many Native American tribes. Legend has it that water once stretched unbroken across the world. Many animals tried unsuccessfully to find land. Grandmother Turtle volunteered to help, but the others spurned her offer. Undeterred, she disappeared beneath the water’s surface, diving deeper and deeper in search of land. She was gone a very long time, but eventually she resurfaced, carrying with her mud that she’d brought from the depths. The Creator used the mud to form the earth, which now rests upon Turtle’s back.To the Creator that gives us life, mold us in the tradition of Turtle:help us persevere through difficulty,give us strength to serve and protect,and grant us good health and a long life.

BuddhaLiving some 2,500 years ago, Gautama Buddha, known as Siddhartha Gautama, or simply the Buddha, was a wise man whose teachings formed the basis for Buddhism. Buddha—which means “awakened one” or “enlightened one”—taught a “Middle Way” between indulgence and extreme austerity.

Help me to be mindful of my thoughts and actions,to see the world as it truly is, to abandon my expectations, and toaccept change and impermanence as central to the human condition.Help me to let go of the anxiety that causes pain and suffering; awaken my heart to the beauty of the earth,and to the peace that is found in simplicity.

Memorial GardenSerenity reigns in the Memorial Garden, where Buddhist, Christian, and

earth-based influences blend seamlessly. Grant us the wisdom to live openly, mindfully. Help us to see the good that surrounds us,

and to learn from the examples you set before us. From St. Jude, patron of hopeless causes: Grant that we learn fortitude and perseverance in

the face of hardship—and gratitude in spite of it; From the watchful angel: Grant that we learn to be truly present and attentive to those

around us; From the Laughing Buddha: Grant that we learn to live simply, to be content with what we

have, and to give to others freely and with joy;And from the flowers, rocks, stones, and trees: Grant us the insight to recognize and delight in

the beauty that surrounds us.

Delta Point

Vernal PoolsRestored Barn

Dotted trail indicates change in incline

Pine Grove Goldenrod Field

InscriptionRock

Sentinel

Overlook

InformationKiosk

Trees

Visits to Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary are by appointment only. For more information, please contact us at kaufmadg@miamioh.edu

Our thanks to Dr. Jean Lutz and her Professional Writing capstone students Paul Carey, Emily DeLong, Andrew Grant, Molly Halligan, Alyssa Jones, Corey Lack, Christina Lundin, Allison McGillivray, Ann Miracle, Catherine Monceaux, Jennifer Shteiwi, Carolyn Snively, Scott Sprague, and Abigail Walters. They created five unique designs and text for this brochure. Alyssa Jones moved the project forward, distilling elements of these designs into a cohesive whole while adding her own special touch. Our greatest thanks to Brianna Doxsey and Debbie Mason, who finalized the design and refined the map. Without the talents, expertise and professionalism of these two women, the brochure might never have come to fruition.

In 1983, Don and Pat Kaufman purchased an old hill farm in southeastern Indiana, but they weren’t interested in growing corn. Instead, the Kaufmans wanted to grow a healthy landscape. They let nature take its course in the fields and woods that blanketed the property, repaired the original 1870s farmhouse, and restored the oak-framed barn. With the help of Jack Watts, a local stonemason, and his wife, Marge, they added a system of trails, contemplation sites, and a memorial garden.

More than 30 years later, that old farm is now the Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary. It is the cornerstone of The Oxford Society, a non-profit conservation organization founded by Don and Pat in 2003. They invite you to visit Salt Creek –to relax, reflect, and reconnect.