Our community has partner with other organizations among Clean. Ocean Action and Re-youth to organize beach clean ups in Monmouth County N.J.

The Star Nation's Forest Restoration Initiative represents a unique integration of healing work and environmental stewardship. Participants engage in meaningful conservation activities that benefit both their recovery and the natural world:

Invasive Species Removal

  • Identification and removal of non-native plant and tree species

  • Hands-on education about ecosystem balance and biodiversity threats

  • Physical activity that supports mental health and recovery goals

Native Species Restoration

  • Strategic planting of indigenous trees, shrubs, and wildflowers

  • Creation of habitat corridors for local wildlife

  • Pollinator garden development to support bee, butterfly, and insect populations

Ecosystem Benefits

  • Restored forest health and biodiversity

  • Enhanced wildlife habitat and migration corridors

  • Improved water quality and soil conservation

  • Carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation

Therapeutic Integration

  • Connection to ancestral land management practices

  • Tangible evidence of positive impact and contribution

  • Seasonal rhythm work that supports mental health

  • Skill development in conservation and environmental management

This program creates a powerful synergy where personal healing and environmental healing occur simultaneously, reflecting traditional indigenous understanding of the interconnection between human and ecological wellness.

Christian Avery is a New Jersey Board of Tree Experts Licensed Tree Care Operator.

Past Projects:

Land Acquisition Project

Current Impact and Need

Our current location has allowed us to serve individuals seeking healing and begin important forest restoration work, but demand far exceeds our capacity. Many potential participants cannot access our services due to space limitations during sweat lodge ceremonies and other sacred gatherings. Additionally, our environmental restoration potential is severely limited by the small acreage currently available to us.

Funding Request: Land Acquisition Project

Goal: Acquire 23 acres of wooded land to expand our healing programs

Project Budget: $200,000

How the Land Will Be Used

The expanded acreage will enable The Star Nation to:

  • Increase Sweat Lodge Capacity: Serve more individuals simultaneously while maintaining the intimate, sacred nature of ceremonies

  • Host Teepee Prayers: Offer additional forms of traditional ceremony and overnight healing experiences

  • Conduct Vision Quests: Provide extended wilderness-based spiritual journeys for deeper healing

  • Expand Forest Restoration: Implement large-scale invasive species removal and native plantings across 23 acres

  • Create Wildlife Corridors: Establish protected habitat zones for local animals and migratory species

  • Develop Sustainable Infrastructure: Build gardens, natural structures, and renewable energy systems as part of the healing curriculum

  • Establish Research Partnerships: Collaborate with environmental organizations to document ecosystem restoration progress

  • Offer Seasonal Programs: Host multi-day retreats and intensive healing programs throughout the year

Expected Outcomes

With expanded land, The Star Nation will be able to:

  • Double our current capacity for weekly programming

  • Serve an estimated 1,500-2,000 additional individuals annually

  • Restore 23 acres of forest ecosystem over 3-5 years

  • Remove invasive species and establish native plant communities

  • Create habitat for wildlife species

  • Provide overnight and extended programs not currently possible

  • Create a sustainable model that generates operational income through ethical retreat offerings

  • Establish The Star Nation as a regional hub for indigenous-based healing and conservation practices

  • Sequester carbon and contribute to climate change mitigation efforts

Organizational Readiness

The Star Nation has demonstrated our commitment to both healing work and environmental stewardship through:

  • Established weekly programming with measurable participant outcomes

  • Trained facilitators with deep knowledge of traditional practices and ecological restoration

  • Strong community partnerships and referral networks with both health and environmental organizations

  • 501(c)(3) registered non-profit status (Formerly known as Beauty Walker)

Financial Sustainability

The land acquisition represents a one-time capital investment that will:

  • Eliminate current location

  • Allow for expanded programming and increased donations

  • Enable fee-for-service retreat offerings to supplement grant funding

  • Create long-term asset value for the organization

  • Generate potential carbon credit revenue from reforestation efforts

  • Attract environmental grants and conservation funding opportunities

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