2011 Fall Festival
Thank you to all the musicians and volunteers who made our Fall Festival such a success. Click here to view images from the festival.
Thank you Marcellus 7th and 8th graders!
click for pictures
On Tuesday, April 12th and Thursday, April 14th, groups of 7th and 8th graders from Marcellus came to Amberations to work on a service learning project. We are ecstatic at what they accomplished and thrilled at the enthusiasm and creativity they displayed. All the volunteers from Amberations that worked with these groups had only positive things to say about the kids. We hope you take some time to come and see their hard work for yourselves.
Adjacent to our barn is a chain link fence that some worked on camouflaging with branches, vines and limbs. What transpired is amazing...rubber duckies in a nest, a donkey, sun patterns, braidings and even a fish dangling from a pole over the stream. The biggest (and only) complaint we've heard was that there was not more time to work.
On Tuesday the 7th graders built an amazingly sturdy framework in the upper field from black locust cut on our land. We have trained vines to grow over them this summer. Underneath is a nice shady place to rest.
If you choose to walk our trails they are nicely raked, again thanks to these great kids. There is a rather steep trail from the barn to the upper fields and another along the gorge at the far side of the upper fields. You can download a brochure which includes a map.
Amberations started a little over 5 years ago. Our goal was to share this beautiful little piece of land and provide opportunities for people of all abilities to participate and determine how our site would evolve. The dream has always been for our guests to feel ownership. We have had many visits from a variety of groups. Until this group came those visits were just that, visits. This was the first time an outside group has come in, taken some control and participated in shaping our evolution. We believe it was an extremely positive experience for all involved and that has been our goal. That is why our mission statement says...supporting mental health by providing opportunities for people of all abilities to impact and interact with the natural environment.
Thank you MCS 7th and 8th graders for helping us realize our dream! Please come back.
Welcome to Amberations
Amberations is a 501(c-3) not-for-profit organization in Marietta, New York.
Our primary focus is to develop our 50 acre site as a natural oasis for people of all abilities to enjoy. We have two streams, beautiful woods, fields, abundant wildlife, a barn with a donkey, sheep, cats, ducks and chickens, an outhouse, and plans for trails and gardens.
All of this is the work of volunteers. We always need help and invite you to join us. Our grounds are always open however we suggest you call before your first visit to arrange for a guided tour. Our goal is to support mental health by offering opportunities and encouragement to interact with our natural environment.
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to provide opportunities for the mentally and physically challenged to impact and interact with the natural environment. When we wrote that we gave lots of thought to the "mentally and physically challenged" part. While some of us are really hoping to attract individuals from group homes and others are thinking of children with disabilities; it was always agreed upon that we are all mentally or physically challenged (if someone knows anyone that's not, we'd love to meet that person).
Amberations exists for anyone. As we evolve we are finding that individuals and groups are benefiting from our site that we had never considered. That is what we intended...for Amberations to be a work in progress and for it to evolve as the needs of our community determine. So often even the founding members are rushing, rushing, rushing and barely have time to stop and enjoy what we have built. When we do finally steal an hour or two to pull weeds, rake, or clear brush the sense of joy, peace and contentment is overwhelming. That's what we are about...supporting mental health through interaction with the natural environment...for everyone. Please join us.
