In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, we felt an increasing urge to reconnect with nature and retreat from the bustle of city life. This longing led us to a serene six -acre parcel of land in the village of Nesave, just 11 kilometers from Kamshet, nestled beside the Huda River. Surrounded by hills on all sides, the land lies in a tranquil valley with a pleasant climate throughout the year—its natural charm and proximity to both Mumbai and Pune made it the perfect choice for us. When we acquired the land, it was nearly barren, with only five trees dotting the rocky terrain. The shallow soil—just 2 feet deep in most places—posed a challenge for planting trees. Our land is located on the downstream side of Shirota Dam and has an impact on the water availability, flooding and watershed ecology. We also realised that there are environmental issues: loss of biodiversity, shrinking water catchments, and the fragile balance of ecosystems, in the surrounding areas. The northern western Ghats of Maharashtra holds deep ecological and cultural significance, where traditional Devrais or sacred groves play a vital role in preserving native flora and fauna. These groves not only shelter biodiversity but also support birds and other species critical to maintaining the natural balance. With that inspiration, we set out to create our own Devrai—a biodiverse, sacred grove rooted in traditional wisdom and ecological responsibility. Our 6 acre Grove can demonstrate what a 21st century Devrai looks like - not by trying to recreate an untouched forest, but by showing how humans and nature can coexist. We protect and regenerate the living systems because we are part of it. We want the sacred grove to become a living laboratory where people learn how to create new Devrais- not just admire the old ones.