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Contact
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Contact Information
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State
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Description
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| Sr. Rita Wienken, OSF (Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Charity) |
Franciscan Earth Literacy Center;
194 St. Francis Ave.,
Tiffin, OH 44883;
Earth Literacy Center
419-448-7485/
419-447-1612
rwienken@tiffinohio.com
earthliteracy@tiffinohio.com
www.earthliteracy.org
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OH
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* The center, initiated in 1994 and separately incorporated in 1997, utilizes the various natural ecosystems on the 500-acre property to provide quality hands-on experiences for those who come to learn to live lightly on the earth. It includes wetlands, wooded areas, large flower and herb gardens, vineyard, fence rows and over 280 acres of cash-rented cropland. Most of the food raised in the two-acre organic, raised-bed garden is consumed at the Motherhouse. More than 3500 people annually participate in a variety of educational, hands-on experiences at the center. Land use plans include moving toward more sustainable agricultural practices and the placement of some cropland into a land trust. Part of a dairy barn was remodeled to house the center and its activities. The facility and land reflects the Sisters’ conscious effort to be in harmony with the natural world, to reflect our oneness with all creation, all to achieve sustainable living. [2003] |
| Sr. M. Jeremias Stinson, OSF (Sisters of St. Francis) |
6832 Convent Blvd.,
Sylvania, OH 43560;
419-882-2016, ext. 641;
419-885-8643
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OH
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* This 125 acres on the Motherhouse campus includes vegetable, flower and herb gardens; woodland; wetland; greenhouses; tree nursery used for reforestation; and a retreat and nature center. All logging is selective cutting, milling is done on site, and wood waste is recycled on site. [1996] |
| Sr. Mariellen Phelps, OP (Sisters of St. Dominic of Akron) |
Crown Point Ecology Center,
P.O. Box 484,
3220 IRA Road,
Bath, OH 44210-0484;
330-668-8992
(FAX) 330-668-9176
mopph@crownpt.org
www.crownpt.org
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OH
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Crown Point Ecology Center became a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Dominic (Akron, OH) in 1989 following a one-year study and activity program. Crown Point is a 130-acre historical farm above the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The staff, volunteers and participants in the programs help us live the principles of sustainability, spirituality, justice and community. In the practice of sustainability, Crown Point models how to live lightly on Earth, neither depleting its resources, nor causing environmental impacts that imperil future generations. Although the spirituality of Crown Point is grounded in the Catholic Dominican Tradition with its dedication to truth, it is open to all who share the commitment of restoring and preserving our planet. Crown Point supports justice for the human-Earth community by reaching out to the poor and voiceless and advocating for environmental restoration. Through education, preservation and research the Dominican tradition of preaching the just Word is fostered and the common good of our brothers and sisters and all natural systems is served. Mutually enhancing relationships foster dignity and responsible action on behalf of all life. On 10 acres, the farmers grow certified organic vegetables which are divided equally between donations to the Akron-Canton Foodbank and distribution to the 65 member Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Educational programs include farm-based environmental education, Earth camps, home school programs, youth service learning through work in the gardens and greenhouse, labyrinth groups, monthly book study, dances of Universal Peace, and seasonal solstice and equinox activities. (2005) |
| Sr. Jane Belanger, OP (Dominican Sisters) |
Dominican Sisters, St. Mary
of the Springs "Shepherd’s Corner,"
877 N. Waggoner Rd.,
Blacklick, OH 43004;
614-866-4302
614-866-4331
shepcorner@columbusmail.com
www.shepherdscorner.org
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OH
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This 160 acres includes woodland, pasture, a pond with riparian borders, the Motherhouse, and the Shepherd’s Corner ministry that includes a residence and temporary office building. The site provides hiking trails, a labyrinth walk, raised-bed organic gardens, greenhouse, a small flock of sheep and a llama, and 60 acres of cropland in hay. Also located on the site is retreat/recreation space for the community members. A natural resources audit was conducted in 1993, a more detailed ecological "Ask the Land" survey completed in 1998, and now a ten-year plan developed in April 2000 awaits chapter approval in April 2002. In response to surrounding suburban development pressures, the plan includes wildlife habitat development and enhancement, possible community supported agriculture or garden projects, and the construction of a multi-purpose building. They have just begun to add water features throughout the center, regardless the size of the plot. [2003] |
| Sr. Paula Gonzalez, SC, (Sisters of Charity) |
EarthConnection,
370 Neeb Road,
Cincinnati, OH 45233;
paulagonz@juno.com
www.earthconnection.org
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OH
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EarthConnection (EC), a center for learning and reflection about living lightly on Earth, is no longer in operation as of July 1, 2001. The Sisters of Charity could no longer provide significant financial support for EC given their responsibilities for numerous other ministries and EC was not in a position to continue without that support. The solar-heated and energy efficient center had implemented a permaculture demonstration project and 16 raised garden beds that, with the help of volunteers, provided fresh, organic vegetables for low-income residents in the area. Educational programs were conducted by the center year round. In 1981 the Sisters of Charity endorsed "healing our global home" as a priority and approved the renovation of a chicken coop and another house which gave rise to the world renown center. [2001] |
| Mary Lu Lageman |
Grailville,
932 O'Bannonville Road,
Loveland, Ohio 45140-9705;
513.683.2340;
web.grailville@fuse.net;
www.grailville.org
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OH
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This 300-acre farm and environmental education and retreat center, includes organic gardens that support a community supported agriculture program, the community’s food service, and a farm stand. Additional cropland is leased to organic farmers and pasture to a farmer that raises grass-fed beef in a rotationally-grazed system that is sold direct to consumers. A constructed wetland handles treatment of wastewater from four buildings. Nature trails are maintained in a 100-acre woodland and Cretan and Chartres labyrinths offer special reflection opportunities. Establishment of an ecovillage on the land is being considered. The community is facing the development pressure of urban sprawl and difficulty financially maintaining vegetable production. [2004]
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| Br. Nick Renner, CPPS (Society of the Precious Blood) |
Missionaries of the Precious Blood,
St. Charles Farms,
Carthagena, OH 45822;
419-925-4516, ext. 142
bbarga@bright.net
ma.noacsc.org/stcharl/
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OH
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* This 120-head dairy operation of 1400 acres includes 1100 acres of no-tilled cropland including alfalfa hay rotations and 196 acres of woodland reserved for environmental purposes and designated a Ohio Tree Forest. The farm received the Outstanding Farm award from the Mercer County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1999. The Brothers are considering land development/sale options. [2000] |
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