Yaupon Place

“A park of Union Presbyterian Seminary in Richmond’s Northside where community, ecology, and spirituality meet.”

Named after the native yaupon plant, Yaupon Place envisions a community space that thrives locally and accessibly, restores our mind-body-spirit health, is ecologically hospitable and resilient, and centers the lives of those who have been mistreated, marginalized, and misunderstood. Our eco-park and programming explore intentional ways for all of us to create a yaupon-inspired community together.

We draw upon Jesus of Nazareth’s parable of the mustard plant (Matthew 13:31-32), which he used to illustrate how faith can transform the world around us.

If the mustard seed parable was shared in Virginia, Jesus might have referred to the yaupon holly. It’s the only native North American caffeinated plant; it starts small, and it’s pretty common. It spreads quickly, it is hard to destroy, and it is ecologically resilient, surviving droughts, fires, salt, and pruning. All while providing shelter for birds and wildlife. A new story was born then, and a new story is growing now.

A vibrant garden filled with a variety of plants, including rows of seedlings and blooming flowers, surrounded by a wooden fence and trees in the background.

Our History

Our Mission

Our Values

Based on the Yaupon Plant

Local & Accessible

Yaupon Place’s land and programming connect community members across entrenched divides of race, age, gender, ability, education, socioeconomic status, religion, ideologies and all other cultural barriers through storysharing and place-making practices. We prioritize partnerships with Union Presbyterian Seminary, Shalom Farms, and other local organizations dedicated to these shared values so that Yaupon Place can be a place for collaboration and resource-sharing among non-profits for the community.

Partnered with Creation

We envision human flourishing through the restoration of all Creation. Beyond creating a better eco-system at the park, we also practice ecological story-sharing and explore eco-spirituality so that we deepen our relationship with the Earth, our host.

Restoring Mind-Body-Spirit Health

This park has long been loved as a place for both recreation and meditation. We continue to facilitate spaces for personal healing, community resiliency, and habitat restoration that affirm holistic health and embodied spirituality.

Reconciling Past & Present Injustices

We commit to reconciling the ecological and Indigenous history of this land, now owned by Union Presbyterian Seminary. We partner with Shalom Farms & other ecological non-profits to combat environmental racism and support justice for all of Richmond.

Find Us

1313 Westwood Avenue, Richmond, VA 23227

The park is located at the corner of Westwood and Loxley Avenues. It has existed as a beloved park in the community for decades, and many have enjoyed the walking trail, labyrinth and green space over the years. Parking is available along Westwood and Loxley Avenues.

Park Map

The image depicts a detailed botanical illustration of a plant with green leaves and red berries, set against a light-colored background.

For the Community

Yaupon Place Provides:

community gathering spaces with picnic tables and benches
a half-mile walking path and exercise equipment under a canopy of trees
a labyrinth for meditation at the center of the park
a little free library
a traditional playground

What We're Building Toward

Building Tree Canopies

The canopy of trees creates shaded gathering space at the park. A new generation of trees was planted in the late fall of 2023 to preserve this well-loved feature for future generations.

Building and Beautifying our Labyrinth

Our goal is to build a herb and sensory garden around the labyrinth. Progress to complete this garden began in 2022, thanks to the generosity of the Keep Virginia Beautiful’s Green Grant, but more funding is needed to complete the project, as the soil was once used as a dumping ground for hazardous debris and has been packed down.

Eco-Restoration Efforts

Landscaping will be added to address the marshy areas and rain runoff, the park’s need for pollinators, and to increase the native biodiversity of the park.

Have Any Suggestions?

Yaupon Place exists thanks to the support of your donations, ideas, presence, and time. You’re invited to make a donation to keep this ministry thriving for our communities for years to come. We’d love to hear ideas you have for the space —let us know what you imagine and how you’d like to be involved via the button below!

Share your ideas

Help Us Grow

Any and all donations, small and large, contribute to staff and consultant support, natural and built landscaping of Yaupon Place park community gatherings, story-sharing gatherings and projects, wellness programs, and educational experiences. We are fully funded through individual donations and grants. Thank you for partnering with us in dedicating this land to our community's well-being.

Give online by clicking the button below and designating “Yaupon Place”

Support us through an online gift

If you choose to donate through a check, please include YAUPON PLACE in the MEMO line and mail all checks to:

Union Presbyterian Seminary

Advancement Office

3401 Brook Rd.

Richmond, VA 23227

any text here

Upcoming Events

Yaupon Place is a space for community — some of the events on our calendar are planned and hosted by community members like you or the UPSem community.

Interested in hosting a small or large group for a gathering, a guided walk of the labyrinth, party, or other use? Gatherings require approval from UPSem, and a donation is suggested. Please reach out to Katie Heishman using the button below.

Submit an Inquiry