Manitou Arbor Ecovillage -- Nazareth, Michigan
www.manitouarbor.org

Contact
Sr. Virginia Jones, PO Box 113, Nazareth, MI 49074-0113; 1-800-354-0382;
mail@manitouarbor.org

The development of Manitou Arbor Ecovillage was initiated by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Nazareth, Michigan, on more than 270 acres of mixed mature forest, reforested land, and cropland formerly known as Nazareth Farms. The project has been turned over to a local group of concerned individuals who have formed an LLC to carry on the project with the Congregation of St. Joseph serving as a " midwife" to the project.

One of the primary missions of Manitou Arbor is to demonstrate that it is possible for humans to live in harmony with the Earth, its inhabitants, and each other; so education of the surrounding community and community members will be emphasized drawing connections among what the community refers to as its " three-pillared foundation of spirituality, sustainability, and community. People who will live in community at Manitou Arbor will enter into a covenant with other residents that reflects this connection. Drawing upon the tradition of Nazareth Farms, experiential learning will be most prominent utilizing a land preserve of more than 80 acres of forest and natural areas and additional agricultural land for organic food production; as well as the overall design and construction of the village and its buildings.

The community is currently planning the construction of a community center and apartments. They will be built ready to receive renewable energy systems as finances permit and will be extremely energy efficient based on the Passive House Standard (see http://www.passivehouse.us/passiveHouse/PassiveHouseInfo.html ) using only about a tenth of the energy of a conventional house. LEED (Leadership in
Environmental and Efficiency Design) guidelines will influence construction. Appliances will be Energy Star rated.

Water quality will be enhanced and stormwater runoff minimized as all paved areas in order to drain stormwater into rain gardens and ultimately to two retention ponds. Greywater will be treated in onsite drain fields. Composting toilets will minimize demand on the greywater system. A rainwater catchment system will help meet minimized landscaping irrigation needs.

Indoor environmental quality particularly air quality, is an advantage of Passive Houses in that indoor air is not recirculated, instead fresh outdoor air is drawn into living and working areas as indoor air is withdrawn from rooms with normally poorer quality air such as kitchens and bathrooms. Additionally, interior construction materials and cleaning supplies will be low VOC (volatile organic compounds) emitting. Radon protection is also planned.

Special intention will be given to reduce waste using recycled products, recycling materials that can be recycled, and by minimizing consumption through the communal sharing of tools, implement, appliances, etc.

The village intends to grow a considerable amount of its own food and to purchase other food from local organic farms as needed. Composting will be essential for its agricultural system. As production warrants, a Community Supported Agriculture program may be initiated to share abundance with neighbors.

The village will reduce transportation-related emissions by purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles for common use among residents and organizing carpooling.