To our veterans, supporters, volunteers, caregivers, and community partners,
We want to share an important update regarding the future of Raven Wood Gardens.
Over the past several months, significant personal and family circumstances involving our founding team have made it necessary for us to transition away from the property that previously served as the home of Raven Wood Gardens. While this change marks the end of one chapter, it also represents the beginning of an exciting new one.
Raven Wood Gardens remains fully committed to our mission of providing therapeutic gardening opportunities, social connection, and community support for veterans, first responders, and their families. Our organization is not closing—we are evolving.
As part of this transition, Raven Wood Gardens is now operating as a mobile nonprofit organization, allowing us to bring our programs and services directly into the communities we serve. This new model provides greater flexibility and creates opportunities for partnerships throughout the region.
We are proud to announce that our veteran “Honor Beds” are now located at the Escanaba Community Gardens. These raised garden beds continue to provide veterans with a place to grow fresh produce, connect with fellow veterans, experience the therapeutic benefits of gardening, and contribute to a thriving community space.
We are incredibly grateful to the Escanaba Community Gardens, our volunteers, donors, and supporters who have stood beside us throughout this transition. Your encouragement and generosity have ensured that our mission continues to grow, even as our organization changes.
As we look ahead, we are excited to expand our outreach, develop new partnerships, and continue creating meaningful opportunities for healing, connection, and service.
Thank you for believing in the mission of Raven Wood Gardens. We look forward to growing together in this new chapter.
With gratitude,
The Raven Wood Gardens Team
Here is an 18 minute montage of Raven Wood Gardens Story.

Raven Wood Gardens INC is a purposeful and sustainable gardening experience using organic gardening techniques. Raven Wood Gardens INC became a 501c3 Non Profit Organization on February 3, 2023.
We always have health and wellness in mind. We use certified non-GMO seeds, natural composting, companion planting, soil probiotics, and beneficial insects, such as soil enriching red worms in our therapeutic gardens.
All weeds are hand picked. No commercial pesticides are ever used. We also have happy chickens!

Lou Anne Bates founded Raven Wood Gardens in 2012 with the support of her husband, Craig. She is a positive, caring individual with a passion for people & projects involving plants, including therapy gardening.
Lou Anne’s husband, Craig Bates, is the owner and founder of Smart Choice Lawn Care in Menominee, Michigan. Craig is an Army Veteran. He is in charge of maintaining the grounds, and finds gardening therapeutic.
Do you have a need to get outside and be in the fresh air? Do you want to dig your fingers in the dirt and have some garden therapy time? Occasionally we have need for a volunteer or two in our gardens.
At Raven Wood Gardens, we are dedicated to improving the lives of veterans, caregivers, and emergency response individuals through various programs and services. Our website is designed to be a hub of information about our organization, our mission, and how you can get involved. We invite you to explore and learn more about the work we do, and how you can help us make a difference. We provide free garden therapy, caregiver retreats, tours, projects, and events. All designed to evoke a sense of comradery and community.
All services provided are by appointment only and free to veterans.
Non - veterans: Event prices are listed. Please make a donation of $15.00 to participate in Raven Wood tours.
Raven Wood Gardens' mission is to prepare, partner, preserve and plant opportunities for support of mental health for veterans, caregivers, and emergency response workers. Preparing to provide a private by appointment only space to support those who can benefit from Garden Therapy through their own healing from PTSD, Anxiety, and depression. Partnering with the Community to educate people with supportive counseling, promoting, and events to further wellness opportunities for veterans, caregivers, and emergency response workers. Preserving a space to leave as a legacy that creates longevity for mental health wellness awareness. And planting gardens that will educate people to sow seeds, grow, maintain, produce, seed saving in the cycle of the sustainable production of vegetables, grains, herbs and flowers.
Could YOU help out with THIS? SUPPORT Needed ... If you KNOW someone in these categories that can help make a difference by participating at Raven Wood Gardens with any of the items below. We welcome YOUR HELP.
Thank YOU!
We are looking for volunteers to be Gate Keepers/Directing Parking, Gift shop Attendant, WorkShop Presenters -
Caregivers Retreat we are looking for Musicians/ Entertainment -
Caregiver Retreat & Safe Haven at the Raven. Ask if there is a fee, pro bono or if would be willing to donate or paid by tips?
Vendors - ALL EVENTS Raffle Prizes Donations - ALL EVENTS Caregivers Retreat, Safe Haven at the Raven Low Impact Fireworks, , Almost Electric Solar Forest Event, Christmas in the Greenhouse. Call: Lou Anne at (906) 221-1705
United States Emergency: 911
Veterans Crisis Line: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for Veterans Press 1
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
Crisis Text Line: Text "DESERVE" TO 741-741
Lifeline Crisis Chat (Online live messaging):
Self-Harm Hotline: 1-800-DONT CUT (1-800-366-8288)
Essential local and community services: 211,
Planned Parenthood Hotline: 1-800-230-PLAN (7526)
American Association of Poison Control Centers:
1-800-222-1222
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependency Hope Line:
1-800-622-2255
National Crisis Line - Anorexia and Bulimia:
1-800-233-4357
LGBT Hotline: 1-888-843-4564
TREVOR Crisis Hotline: 1-866-488-7386
AIDS Crisis Line: 1-800-221-7044
Trans Lifeline: https://www.translifeline.org - 877-565-8860
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