Sacred Heart Monastery
Richardton, North Dakota
http://www.sacredheartmonastery.com/

Contact:
Sister Ruth Fox, OSB
Sacred Heart Monastery
P O Box 364, Richardton, ND 58652-0364
ruthfox36@sacredheartmonastery.com
(701) 974-2121

Water quality and supply are both concerns for the monastery. The quality of drinking water from the monastery’s original well does not meet state health department standards. Therefore, it purchases water from the local municipality, the source of which is the Missouri River. This treated water is judiciously used for human consumption. Purchased untreated water is used to irrigate the monastery garden and a small lawn area. Intentionally, there is no bottled water used at the monastery.

Conscientious energy use has been a hallmark of the monastery since it was built in 1967. Oil was the initial energy source which was replaced in 1985 by coal from local North Dakota mines. The sisters are now investigating the prospects of a geothermal heating and cooling system. The monastery was built with windows and skylights placed to optimize natural lighting and to allow viewing of the rural countryside "up to 30 miles distant." In 1997, after 15 years of research and consideration and much advice against it, two commercial-sized 62.5 kwh wind turbines, the first in North Dakota, were installed at the monastery and now provide about 50% of its electricity. For a 10 year report of their environmental impact, visit http://www.sacredheartmonastery.com/documents/Ten-Year-Environment-Impact.pdf The mere presence and operation of these turbines helped influence the burgeoning popularity of wind energy in North Dakota. Situated 25 miles from the nearest town, there is no mass transit available, so to conserve fuel use they combine trips and carpool as much as possible.

The sisters make wise use of their 50 acres of prairie, woodland, and pasture. Deer, wild turkeys, and "some night time creatures" are regularly part of the landscape. Fifteen years ago two llamas were acquired, the beginning of a small herd (9 in 2009) that are bred and raised for wool, sheep guards, pets, and their manure as a soil enhancer. Their wool provides abundant assortment of fiber for spinners and spun yarn for knitting.

Some of the food for the monastery is grown in their own vegetable garden enhanced by llama manure and compost from garden waste. Enough potatoes are grown to cover the annual needs of the community and guests.

The sisters recycle their waste in a limited way. Situated in a rural county, there is no recycling collection center except for newspapers.

The sisters weave experiential learning opportunities for the wider community with all their innovations. They offer workshops to teach the art of spinning often in conjunction with contemplation. They share the results of their experiences with wind turbines with anyone who is interested including students, environmental groups, churches, schools, and businesses. Half of the monastery building is devoted to retreats and a conference center all of which take advantage of the land and innovations.