Sanctuary: A Comprehensive Plan for Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary
SANCTUARY
A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR SAGE MOUNTAIN BOTANICAL SANCTUARY
Jory Harper & John 'Fen' Johanson
The Conway School: Spring 2025
IN HONOR OF
The Abenaki, People of the Dawnland are the indigenous people who live in reciprocal relationship with this land and their sacred relatives, the four-legged, finned and winged animals, who also still call this place home. Since time immemorial they all have lived here and tended the web of life that animates the mountain and greater region beyond.
Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary is a nature education and retreat center dedicated to promoting ecological stewardship and community wellness. It is situated within 600-acres of wilderness in what is currently known as Orange, Vermont.
Founded by renowned herbalist and author Rosemary Gladstar, and currently directed by Emily Ruff, the Sanctuary blends a deep tradition of plant-based healing with a modern commitment to conservation, equity, and experiential education.
THE LAND
Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary is 600 acres within an 80,000 acre contiguous wilderness designated with highest priority by the State of Vermont. Rare natural communities, from beech forests to a white cedar calcerous fen, are home to a diverse array of wildlife and many migratory and protected species of birds. These ecosystems are also the dwelling place of diverse flora and the more than 200 medicinal plant species that make this sanctuary so unique.
SITE
In the map to the left, the 600 acres that is Sage Mountain can be observed in it's place within what is identified by the state of Vermont as a 'high priority habitat connectivity block'. This continuous forest and the habitat connectivity it provides for non-human species renders the ongoing conservation efforts of Sage Mountain vital from a regional perspective.
LEGEND
LEGACY
In 1987, Rosemary Gladstar felt called to the mountain. An internationally renowned author and herbalist, she established the site as a botanical Sanctuary introducing extensive herbal gardens and rare plantings which enabled this site to be her primary teaching center. Now a hearthstone of the herbal community, thousands of students have visited the mountain, to connect, to learn, to heal, and to grow. She still serves Sage Mountain through her presence on the board.
KEEPING THE PLANT PATH
Emily Ruff, the founder of the Florida School for Holistic Living, and an apprentice of Rosemary's, took over as steward in 2006. Sage Mountain Botanical Sanctuary was registered as a 501c3 non-profit organization at that time. It is served by a 5 member board. They employ full-time and part-time staff, one of which currently lives on site. Many community members both localand from afar, participate in sustaining and bolstering the vision of Sage Mountain as a sanctuary for plants, animals and people.
Education during Rosemary's time was centered in the botanical realm, with Advanced Herbal trainings and apprenticeships. During it's next era Sage Mountain intends to diversify and expand offerings to a wider youth base and underserved populations who have not previously had access to nature education.
ON SITE PROGRAMMING
AFTERSCHOOL IN NATURE
A state-licensed, trauma-informed afterschool program for youth in grades 3–8, offered year-round with an accompanying summer camp and high school mentorship
SUMMER CAMP IN NATURE
A seasonal extension of Afterschool in Nature, offering six weeks of day camp immersion in forest and field education
ON-SITE ADULT ECOLOGICAL EDUCATION & ENRICHMENT
• Weekend intensives, public and private retreats, and day programs focused on ecological literacy, plant medicine, and resilience
• Practical trainings in non-timber forest farming and medicinal plant conservation
• Our Outdoors, an outdoor enrichment program increasing access for wilderness connection to historically excluded communities
SITE NEW NATURE CENTER
SITE STAFF HOUSING TOTALLING FOUR SHARED & TWO PRIVATE UNITS
SITE VISITOR HOUSING TOTALLING FIVE SHARED UNITS (ONE ACCESSIBLE)
DESIGN CIRCULATION & PARKING FOR TEN+ CARS
SHARED KITCHEN & RESTROOMS FOR FORTY PERSON CAPACITY
EXISTING CONDITIONS
The main drive pulls into a maple lined alle. To the north is the site's largest open space, 'The Meadow' (photo 1) where much of the organizations youth programming occurs. To the south, a calcerous fen (photo 2) not currently traversed by visitors but in the past had boardwalk access into. The driveway bends to the south and crosses over an intermittent stream (photo 3) right before another driveway leading to housing in the northwest becomes visible. This drive runs alongside an area which was recently disturbed to place power line poles (photo 4). Parking that accommodates four cars sits northwest of the campus core (photo 5). The core consists of two small guest cabins; an auxillary building which houses the office, garage and communal kitchen and library; as well as the main house (photo 6). Rosemary's gardens are partially in this core and partially behind the main house (photo 7). Two yurts exist on site for the purposes of youth program indoor space (photo 8) and storage.
ENTRANCE
Upon turning left and entering the property, the driveway rises in front of you. The welcome sign becomes visible to the right, with the expansive meadow visible behind the sign.
Implications: The fork in the road is confusing, the signage is modest, and the somewhat underwhelming experience in general does not give a full sense of arrival.
THRESHOLDS & REVERED SPACES
THERE ARE A SERIES OF NATURAL THRESHOLDS AS VISITORS ENTER THE SITE AND AS VIEWS AND REVERED SPACES BECOME VISIBLE. THIS PROCESSION STARTS AT THE WELCOME SIGN AND ENDS AT THE LOWER GARDENS.
CREST OF DRIVEWAY
At the first crest of the driveway, the upper meadow becomes visible, with the forest beyond.
Implications: This experience of unfolding is interesting, and because there are no choices or turns to make at this point, a visitor can rest into the process of arriving.
CROSSING STREAM
After crossing the intermittent stream, the driveway rises and curves again towards the main house and gardens.
Implications: While the Forest House driveway turns to the right, it is still clear where you are supposed to proceed; however, there is no place to stop and appreciate the stream. A visitor would not know about the fen and rare plants down to the left.
FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE GARDENS & HOUSE
As the driveway makes its second crest, rising gradually to the left, the buildings become visible, as well as hints of the upper gardens.
Implications: As a visitor approaches the buildings, it becomes clear that arrival is imminent; however, the parking is masked and there is some decision fatigue knowing where to park or arrive.
OPENING OUT INTO THE LOWER GARDENS
As one walks between the two buildings, a wide view opens up of the lower gardens and forest below.
Implications: This threshold gives a sense of arrival; the expansive view with distant trees gives one a sense of both mystery and clarity.
SUITABILITY ANALYSIS
EIGHT NATURAL & HUMAN-MADE FEATURES OF THE FOCUS AREA WERE STUDIED TO ARRIVE AT THE MOST SUITABLE AREAS FOR DEVELOPMENT. THESE AREAS ARE STUDIED IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES.
DRAINAGE
GIS analysis shows micro hydrological channels and junctions (represented by the dark lines), and the darker heat map shades of junctions are correlated to wet spots on site. The siting of the main programmatic elements, such as housing, the Nature Center, and parking, should avoid areas where water is channelizing to avoid moisture issues.
SLOPE PERCENTAGE
Steep slopes predominate the site, and even relatively flat areas are limited to a few areas around the Main House, meadow, and Forest House. Careful design will be needed to provide accessibility for wheelchairs, and to site buildings such that construction costs are limited. The existing driveway to the Main House approaches 15% in areas, and the driveway to Forest House approaches 20% in areas. Dark-tone represents >15% slope, mid-tone represents 8.3-15% slopes, and light-tone represents <8.3%.
BIOFINDER PRIORITY ECOSYSTEMS
The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources has identified priority ecosystems for protection from development. Development or disturbance should avoid these areas. Dark-tone represents Highest Priority ecosystems, mid-tone represents Priority ecosystems. These priority ecosystems are concentrated around the hydrological features of the site, such as the fen and the intermittent stream which bisects the core human use of the site.
STREAMS, WETLANDS & BUFFERS
Water accumulates in wetlands just downhill from most programmatic elements to the southeast of the main driveway. Some elements, such as the main driveway, Forest House driveway, and the grading below the office, are within the wetlands and stream buffers. According to the Vermont DEC and Agency of Natural Resources, wetlands buffers of 50' are applicable. Stream buffers are at least 50'; however, 100' may be applicable and should be confirmed with state agencies prior to construction. Dark-tone represents the actual hydrological feature, and mid-tones represent 50-foot buffer, as well as possible 100-foot buffers for the stream.
MATURE FOREST
Mature forest adjoins areas to the east and north of the core. Development will ideally avoid these areas or find younger pockets amidst the older trees to clear, in order to protect older forests and the ecosystems they support. Dark-tone represents trees higher than 60 feet, mid-tone represents 40 to 60 foot trees.
ELECTRICITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Power-lines stretch from US-302 into the focus area. Development requiring electricity should be avoided more than 250 feet from this core to avoid further disturbance and clearing for electricity infrastructure. Dark-tone represents the power lines, mid-tone represents 15' around power line and > 250 feet.
SPACES TO PROTECT
There are a number of existing gardens and structures that cannot be easily moved and are considered special to the Client. The gardens include Rosemary's formal medicinal and ornamental gardens, as well as forest gardens, where rare medicinals were planted beneath existing forest canopy. Dark-tone represents these special areas.
DISTURBANCE
The three areas of most raw disturbance are the recent clearing for the power line, the fill areas downhill from the existing office, and the grading near the wetlands (white areas). Areas outside development are relatively undisturbed except for trails and historic timber operations. Darktone represents no major disturbance, mid-tone represents some human disturbance. Ideally development should be focused on areas of existing disturbance.
FOREST GARDEN
SUITABILITY ANALYSIS SUMMARY
EIGHT LAYERS OF SITE INFORMATION WERE OVERLAID IN A PROCESS WHICH HELPS IDENTIFY THE MOST SUITABLE LOCATIONS TO BUILD THE NATURE CENTER.
The images to the left illustrate the layering of various site constraints to assess for the most suitable areas in which to build. This technique was developed by Ian McHarg out of the University of Pennsylvania.
The following layers were overlaid:
• Wetlands & Streams
• Drainage
• Mature Forest
• Slope
• Priority Ecosystems
• Electricity Infrastructure
• Disturbance
• Spaces to protect
The areas that are the darkest have the most constraints, and the areas that are light are the most suitable for development based on these parameters. The initial design criteria provided by the Client for the Nature Center was a 4,000 square foot building area. To illustrate this, a 4,000 square foot circle placed on the lightest areas. These areas were then further reduced to four of the best spots based on discussion with the Client and additional factors, such as ease of access, location relative to neighbors, and distance from the core.
MAIN HOUSE
MEADOW
FOREST HOUSE
CONCEPT DESIGN: CONNECTED
THE NATURE CENTER IS CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING MAIN HOUSE AND SURROUNDING GARDENS.
Approaching the Nature Center's main entrance, the grade slopes down into a small grove of maples overlooking the fen and cedar forest below.
A small outdoor teaching amphitheater is located directly outside this entrance, and a gathering area is located on the green roof above the Nature Center. A shared kitchen, for outdoor events, opens out into this space. Key features include:
• Nature Center sunken on former office/kitchen site, looking out on the fen, with green roof atop
• Museum & Office located in former Main House
• Equipment storage located up secondary driveway
• Parking located in disturbance area with oneway loop (or two-way with removal of existing driveway)
• All person’s trail double loop connects programmatic areas.
• Staff housing accommodating one household located centrally, with additional staff housing located remotely up Forest House drive
• Visitor housing arranged around gardens, using shared facilities
CONCEPT DESIGN: CENTERED
THE NATURE CENTER IS PERCHED IN A CENTRAL LOCATION AMONGST THE VARIOUS INFRASTRUCTURAL & ECOSYSTEM ELEMENTS.
The approach to the Nature Center is the most direct of the designs, reaching the main entrance through a small courtyard off of the vehicular turn around.
A small outdoor teaching amphitheater is located just above Rosemary’s upper garden, and with the removal of the former office, has views down into the fen and cedar forest. Key features include:
• Nature Center (NC) centrally located on former parking area
• Museum & Office located in former Main House
• Equipment storage located up secondary driveway
• Parking located centrally, tucked under the NC deck overhang
• All person’s trail single loop connected programmatic elements
• Staff housing accommodating one household located centrally, with additional staff housing located in a cluster behind NC
• Visitor housing arranged around gardens, using shared facilities, with one accessible unit located in NC
CONCEPT DESIGN: HELD
THE NATURE CENTER IS HELD BY THE FOREST, NESTLED UP IN A WOODED LOCATION ABOVE THE MAIN INFRASTRUCTURAL ELEMENTS.
The approach to the Nature Center happens from the parking lot below, up into the woods. An outdoor court is located directly outside the main entrance, and two small round outdoor gathering spaces are located in the meadow to the east and the forest to the southwest. Key features include:
• Nature Center (NC) nestled into forest further up hill
• Museum & Office located in former Main House
• Equipment storage attached to NC
• Staff housing accommodating one household located centrally, with additional staff housing attached to NC
• Visitor housing between gardens and NC
• Parking located in disturbance area with two way entrance, utility access to NC by way of existing drive
• All person’s trail double loop connects major programmatic elements
CONCEPT DESIGN: OPENED
THE NATURE CENTER IS LOCATED ON THE WEST EDGE OF THE OPEN MEADOW, WITH THE MOST OPEN SETTING OF THE DESIGNS.
The approach to the Nature Center meanders up the slope of the meadow from the parking area. A small courtyard gathering space is located directly outside the main entrance. Two small round outdoor gathering spaces are located in the meadow to the east and above Rosemary’s upper garden to the southwest. A forest garden added to the east end of the meadow creates a natural screen for the neighbor while providing programmatic opportunities. Key features include:
• Nature Center (NC) on west edge of meadow
• Museum located in former Main House
• Office located in existing location
• Equipment storage located up Forest House driveway
• Parking located in low (wet) area of meadow behind entrance, with measures to redirect/retain water
• All person’s trail single loop connects gardens, NC, and medicinal forest
• Staff housing distributed throughout existing infrastructure and up near Forest House
• Visitor housing arranged around gardens and far into forest
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
THE DESIGN LOCATES THE NATURE CENTER CENTRALLY ON THE SITE, WITH A VIEW OF ALL MAJOR PROGRAMMATIC ELEMENTS & REVERED SPACES. NESTLED IN A GROVE OF SUGAR MAPLES, THE NATURE CENTER WELCOMES GUESTS ARRIVING FROM THE PARKING AREA AND DROP OFF. THE NATURE CENTER'S INDOOR SPACE SPILLS OUT INTO A SERIES OF OUTDOOR EDUCATION SPACES.
ENTRY & PARKING
Vehicular entry proceeds along existing drive until it crosses the intermittent stream, at which point it turns right uphill to a turnaround and drop-off near the Nature Center, and long-term parking further up the hill. The former driveway to the Forest House is decommissioned, decompacted, and seeded to create a more robust stream buffer. Access to the Forest House is routed through the new parking area, stacking functions, and using the disturbance created by the power line clearing to further protect the stream.
NATURE CENTER
The new Nature Center is sited in a central location, where entry from both parking and drop-off lead guests into a welcome area on the north side of the Nature Center. Nature Center contains a large indoor gathering space which opens out to an equivalently sized outdoor gathering space. This is adjoined by a new shared kitchen and dining space.
OUTDOOR FLEX SPACE
The new Nature Center is connected spatially and visually to a network of flexible outdoor learning spaces in different microclimates around the site. While heavy rain or extreme cold may necessitate using the indoor space, most learning will also happen in areas throughout the site.
EQUIPMENT/WORKSHOP
Equipment storage and workshop space are moved to a location adjacent to the new parking lot and former Forest House driveway. This creates some buffer (sound, equipment, smells, etc.) from the core compound and wetlands, and locates this use close to staff housing.
PROGRAM SPACES
The museum, apothecary, herbarium, and library are located in the ground floor of the former main house, with the renovated garage as the main entrance.
OFFICES
Office locations can be flexible based on need, however this design assumes that (a) one to two office desks are located at the entrance of the Nature Center in order to welcome visitors, (b) other offices are located in the former office space, and (c) further offices are located in the second floor of the former main house if that additional space is required.
TRAILS
In order to provide access to the gardens for those with mobility challenges, all persons trails loop throughout the core complex with views of both the upper and lower gardens. Further trails loop through the more difficult to access ecosystems surrounding the core complex, including a trail with boardwalk through the fen, and a trail through the forest herb garden.
STAFF HOUSING
One to two four-season staff housing units are located in the second floor of the former main house, with further staff housing recommended out of the complex near the Forest House.
GUEST HOUSING
The existing guest housing will remain, with the addition of further 'housing expansion areas', shown in the plan as small dotted circles. This plan is further outlined in the phasing plan.
CIRCULATION
The main driveway accommodates two-way traffic leading past the meadow and fen to a one-way loop just southwest of the intermittent stream. The one-way loop is designed to simplify passage and navigation for various users and residents. Youth arriving by bus and other visitors requiring drop-off travel all the way around the loop to a designated drop-off in front of the Nature Center. Visitors arriving by car follow the main drive seamlessly up to the parking area where all parking spots abut an accessible pathway connected to the All-persons loop. This loop is consistently +4' wide and made of TRG gravel, providing access to people of all abilities to experience Sage Mountain. The loop runs from The Nature Center, into the inner core, through Rosemary's lower and upper gardens, past lodging and shared facilities back to the Nature Center. Vehicular access is limited to the northern part of the focus area and the inner core is transformed into a pedestrian space. Emergency vehicle access is planned for in the materiality and dimensions of the main path leading to the inner core. The original driveway leading to the Forest House has been decommissioned to allow for a larger stream buffer zone. Residents of the Forest House or organization vehicles traveling to the workshop in the parking lot, use the same driveway as all visitors but follow the road up past the workshop to meet the remaining existing driveway.
MEADOW
EXPERIENTIAL TYPOLOGIES
Three typologies were identified during the design process to help orient the form and function of new spaces towards increased programmatic capacity on site. Thresholds are invitations, visual and energetic queues that one is entering a new space and can help visitors navigate their experience more fluidly. Gathering spaces support connection of larger groups whether for learning, dining or making together, engendering a sense of community. A haven is a place for refuge, intimate inter- or intra personal connections, where visitors and staff can take a moment to sit, be still and immerse in place.
threshold
DESIGN DETAIL: NATURE CENTER
DRIVEWAY LOOP & DROP OFF
On approaching the Nature Center, vehicles enter a one way drive which gives them the option to either turn right to the long term parking area, or left to loop around to a drop-off spot adjacent to the main entrance.
WELCOME & OFFICE
Whether from the parking lot or drop off, all foot access to the site is channeled through the welcome center at the northern end of the Nature Center. Here there is a station for serving tea, and comfortable indoor and outdoor seating for people to land and connect.
EDUCATION SPACE
The main indoor education space is located at the southern end of the building, facing toward the main house and garden. It can be accessed through the welcome center or by way of a path meandering through a grove of preserved sugar maples. Directly outside the education space is an equivalently sized outdoor space, so that activities can fluidly pour to an outdoor shaded area.
RESTROOMS & SHOWERS
Shared restrooms and bathing facilities are located in the Nature Center, and readily available for all.
SHARED KITCHEN & DINING
The shared kitchen is located with one side adjoining the education space for education activities, and the other side adjoining a smaller dining area for use by staff and guests. An outdoor dining area is located just outside the indoor dining for three season shaded outdoor dining. For large events, the education space could be converted to dining space.
STORAGE
Plentiful storage space is included adjacent to the education space.
DESIGN DETAIL: WORKSHOP & PARKING
NEW DRIVEWAY TO FOREST HOUSE
The new loop driveway leading from the Nature Center (NC) which leads into the driveway and connects to the existing driveway to the Forest House. This creates redundancy, allowing for the removal of the lower half of the existing driveway.
STREAM BUFFER ZONE
With the removal of the lower portion of the existing driveway, this area can be reseeded and undergo succession. The result of which is a more robust stream buffer zone.
PARKING AREA
With enough space for 10 cars and an overflow zone to accommodate 2-3 additional cars, this parking area meets current needs while allowing for adaptation in the future. All spots allow access to a path which is part of the larger all persons loop that leads to the NC, inner core, and gardens.
WORKSHOP AND GARAGE
A 20x30 square foot workshop and garage has been sited within the parking area for proximity to the forest house, upslope location from the rest of programmed site, and to move it from its existing location in the inner core. Overflow parking is located next to this building to the east.
DEMONSTRATION PLANTINGS
As this area was recently disturbed, an opportunity to demonstrate how humans can work in a healing capacity with the land presents itself. Through seeding ground-cover and engaging in a succession process, these areas can act as demonstration gardens as well as restoration efforts.
DESIGN DETAIL: CAMPUS CORE
ACCESSIBLE PATHS
A gravel pedestrian path, wide enough to double as emergency vehicle access, leads into the core. This surface is specified for all persons access and utilized in a loop leading visitors of all abilities through the series of Rosemary's gardens, the Nature Center, and Parking area.
APOTHECARY
What was the office has been re-imagined as an expanded and more visible working apothecary. This area has both indoor and outdoor teaching, making, and gathering flex space.
OPEN AREA
A new form emerges in the space left by the demolition and removal of the garage and kitchen. Now open, this area connects the core to the fen below to the east and bolsters outdoor programmatic capacity in this area.
MUSEUM + HERBARIUM
The first floor of 'The Lodge', and garage has been transformed into a library, gift shop, herbarium and museum honoring the legacy of Rosemary Gladstar and Sage Mountain s history of botanical conservation, nature education, and healing.
STAFF HOUSING
The second and top floor of the lodge houses 1-4 individuals with the option of one wing being an office space. With two separate wings, a central kitchen and dining space and two bathrooms, this four season option has the potential to adapt to various housing configurations and needs. Placing staff in the same building as the museum and herbarium is also a security layer.
PHASING PLAN
THREE INDEPENDENT PHASING TRACKS:
OVERVIEW
As a non-profit organization, the Client may not be able to implement the comprehensive plan in one go. With that in mind, a phasing plan suggests ways that the Client could flesh out and expand their programming with minimal expenses, in a way that builds towards the end goal.
The following sections outline three phasing tracks that are independent of one another. Each track can be proceeded along independently, in a way that is responsive to the time and resources available to the organization and staff.
1 2 3
STAFF HOUSING TO FOREST HOUSE
Existing Condition: Currently the main house is occupied with staff housing & the apothecary.
1. Staff housing will move up to Forest House.
2. Renovate main house, where the upper floor becomes either:
• Two four-season staff housing units with shared kitchen, or
• One staff housing unit with office. Kitchen and dining space could remain communal to staff or both staff & guests.
The lower floor becomes the museum, library, herbarium and apothecary; and the garage is converted into interior space.
WORKSHOP & STORAGE UP HILL
Existing Condition: Currently office, equipment storage, workshop, kitchen, library, and classroom space occupy the structure next to the main house.
1. Build a new simple structure adjoining the existing Forest House driveway to house equipment storage and workshop. Power will be drawn from power lines, and concrete floor will be heated. Locate such that it integrates into future parking lot.
2. Clear/remodel the interior of former equipment storage and workshop space to create space for interim Nature Center.
There are two options:
• Walls can be retained to expand seasonality, with windows added to open views to fen, or
• Walls can be opened up to create three season only open-air space.
3. Build new Nature Center:
There are two options for this phase:
• Build Nature Center and shared kitchen/ baths on new site. Former workshop, kitchen, and education space near main house are demolished, maintaining only current office space and bathrooms
• New Nature Center is built without shared kitchen space. Former workshop/storage is demolished, leaving existing office and bathroom, former kitchen, and classroom.
4. Build new kitchen addition to Nature Center
If option 2 is chosen above, in the future, kitchen addition can be installed on new Nature Center, and former kitchen and classroom can be demolished.
EXPAND STAFF & GUEST HOUSING
Throughout the site, there are 'housing expansion area' (HEAs) which can serve as evolutionary and adaptive housing. Such sites could remain camp sites for guests, be expanded to include a tent platform, or could be built into three- or fourseason tiny homes. These potential new sites, as well as existing tiny homes, would primarily use the diverse shared kitchen and bathroom infrastructure, but could also be outfitted with compost toilets within or just outside the housing, for more convenience
STAFF HOUSING:
In addition to the staff housing is relocated to the Forest House in track 1, three-season staff housing could be added to the HEAs, or expanded nearby the Forest House outside of the focus site.
GUEST HOUSING:
Guest housing can be grown organically into the defined HEAs, and it is recommended that some HEAs be located in more secluded locations, well outside of the focus area, for guests that seek a more remote experience intimate with the land.
