Late autumn 2021, we purchased unrestricted territory, isolated in the backwoods of Virginia, located off the beaten path along the Blue Ridge Mountains. We waited for winter to pass then started clean up spring of 2022; removing fallen debris, dried broken branches, and standing dead trees to clear out space, making room for sunlight and pathways. Using corrective landscaping, we were able to even out the terrain, filling in barren locations simultaneously placing grass, mulch and new plants to support the undergrowth of the ecosystem. Two years later, after the reforestation project, we incorporated in early 2023 to give rights and legal protection to the land and its inhabitants.
Starting in 2024 throughout 2025, we continued our annual projects shaping the terrain, designating acres of open fields to grow wildflowers. These fields are designed to attract pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to support clean air and stabilized soils, aiding in healthy plant production. In addition to promoting wildflowers, we positioned fruit trees and shrubs throughout the woodlands to assist local bird populations to help fertilize the lands and naturally disperse seeds to encourage new life. Bird boxes were set up 8 feet high around the forest to encourage nesting. Along with flowers and trees, clovers and alfalfa were placed to incentivize small animals to come and stay, providing them a local food source to thrive and aid in the native ecosystem.
Beginning of 2026, we started an online gift shop with natured themed products that support local small businesses, such as crafters and artisans. Together, we are raising money to support our mission: to provide all life a chance at having Nine Lives.
Today, the preserve consist of over 1,000 species of animals, plants, fungi and other thriving organisms that create its magical vast ecosystem. Currently, there are over 20 types of mammals that live and pass through the preserve. Some of our small furry friends consist of opossums, skunks, squirrels and rabbits; furthermore, black bears, bobcats, and deer have been seen here too. Outside of mammals, there are over 150 species of birds that reside and migrate throughout the grove. A few feathered residents are bluejays, cardinals, and carolina chickadees. Meanwhile, hummingbirds, red-tailed hawks, warblers and many more are seasonal travelers that love to come visit us. Besides mammals and birds, there are 55 known spiders species that lurk the lands; including the infamous black widow and brown recluse. In addition to spiders, the grove also is residence to other arachnids such as harvestman, mites, scorpions, and ticks. Lastly, there is an unknown array of insects and invertebrates that are here, essential to the environment. Butterflies, bees, praying mantises, beetles and ants are all insects that play an important part of a healthy ecosystem. This also includes invertebrates like earthworms, centipedes, snails and slugs which contribute to nature’s food chain.
In addition to animals, the preserve has over 800 species of vascular plants; less than 10% of which are trees or shrubs, while the other 90% consists of countless wild herbs, ferns and flowers that blanket the grounds. These species of plants use photosynthesis and tube-like tissues to transport and absorb nutrients. Some of these residents include dogwoods, oak trees, and Virginia pines. Unlike vascular plants, nonvascular rely solely on photosynthesis and osmosis for processing their food. Examples of these types of plants include: moss, liverwort and algae. Apart from plants, another organism that thrives on the preserve is fungi. Fungi does not require photosynthesis to process food, alternatively, they in turn feed on other organic matter, particularly dead woods and leaves. Here, at Nine Life Grove, we have over 300 known species of fungi as residents. Some commonly seen are false parasols, morels, and turkey tails.