Practice at Pepperwood Preserve
Pepperwood has invited us to bring our practice to the sacred land of the preserve. We are honored to be able to enter and align our bodies and breath with the vast quiet and wild nature of the preserve and the Mayacamas Mountains.
Dharma Heart Zen is planning future all day sittings and sesshins for 2027, which will be posted as registration is available.
Slideshow of Pepperwood Preserve Sesshin and Jukai Ceremony
September 4-6, 2026
Pepperwood Preserve Photos
MAY 2026 DAY LONG RETREAT
MAY 2026 BECHTEL HOUSE RETREAT
BECHTEL HOUSE RETREAT SPACE
BECHTEL HOUSE RETREAT SPACE
ROAD BELOW BECHTEL HOUSE
VIEW TO THE WEST
PRESERVE ROAD AND OAK TREES
TURTLE POND - RARE NATURAL FRESHWATER POND
PACIFIC POND TURTLE - SPECIAL CONCERN SPECIES IN CALIFORNIA
VIEW TO THE EAST OF KANAMOTA (WAPPO), MT. ST. HELENA
SCHOLAR CENTER
SCHOLAR CENTER
BIRDS EYE GILIA
CHECKERBLOOM
ABOUT PEPPERWOOD PRESERVE
Located in northeastern Santa Rosa in the Mayacama Mountains, Pepperwood Preserve functions as a sentinel site research station, dedicated to the collection of long-term ecological data, hosting researchers from around the world. Activities also include art exhibitions, educational programming for all ages, regenerative agriculture practices that utilize cattle, and land stewardship informed by both Western science and Indigenous ecological knowledge.
"Pepperwood's reserve lies within the traditional homeland of the Wappo people. We respect and honor past, present, and future generations of Wappo and their continued connection to this land. We are grateful for the opportunity to gather in this beautiful place and we give our respect to its first inhabitants."
Authored by Clint McKay (Pomo, Wappo, Wintun)
DIRECTIONS
Pepperwood Preserve is located at 2130 Pepperwood Preserve Road in Santa Rosa, CA
Driving Directions from Highway 101:
Take the River Road/Guerneville exit.
Turn east onto Mark West Springs Road and head towards Calistoga.
Turn left onto Porter Creek Road at the Mark West Lodge.
Continue for 1.6 miles to the Franz Valley Road turnoff.
Turn onto Franz Valley Road, just past Safari West.
Proceed approximately one mile up Franz Valley Road.
Look for the Pepperwood sign and the turnoff for Pepperwood Preserve Road on your left, just before the final crest of the hill.
Follow signs to the Dwight Center
Park at the Dwight Center, more parking available beyond first lot