St. Catharine Farm - St. Catharine, Kentucky

Contact
Danny Ray Spalding, Manager, 2645 Bardstown Rd., St. Catharine, KY 40061; 859-336-0444; st.catharinefarm@att.net

The Dominican Community at St. Catharine, KY, is located on 640 acres including the Motherhouse, some congregational offices, college, 150 acres of woodland about one-half of which is managed sustainably; 94 acres corn; 140 acres hay and pasture; 25 acres in Conservation Reserve Program; 15 acres buildings, feedlot, and two ponds. Jonquil Ridge, a recycling center, beehives, and two earth retreat cabins. The community itself administers and monitors environmental, human health, stewardship and related issues affecting the community and affected by the community and is guided by a 2009 Chapter Commitment to “Study, contemplate, and preach God’s revelation discovered in the unfolding mystery of creation and in Sacred Scripture.”

St. Catharine Farm is a site for experiential learning for the community of religious sisters as well as the surrounding community and the state of Kentucky. More than 170 acres of the farm has been used to demonstrate managed intensive grazing to local farmers with the assistance of the University of Kentucky. The cattle raised in this environmentally sound manner are a source of ASH-free beef for the Motherhouse, Sansbury Care Center, and St. Catharine College. Several wildlife habitat projects are underway including the restoration of a wetland. The gardens also provide vegetables and fruits for the motherhouse table. Most of St. Catharine Farm has been officially designated a Kentucky Agriculture District in an effort by the community to help minimize the conversion of valuable agricultural land to nonfarm use.

During a recent renovation of the community’s Motherhouse, enhanced water use efficiency was a goal as power-flush toilets and water-saving showerheads were installed throughout. Drip irrigation is used in gardens where possible. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system in the Motherhouse is a geothermal system. Energy Star rated appliances are sought as appliances are to be replaced. Compact fluorescent bulbs are used throughout the Motherhouse. The content of the material used during renovation was considered as many interior doors were reused as possible and new ones were created to match. HVAC filters are replaced on a regular schedule which enhances ventilation and indoor environmental quality. Thermal comfort is improved as each room has its own thermostat.

The community has reduced waste by replacing almost all use of disposable plates, napkins, cups, and plasticware with “real,” reusable dishes, glasses and cups, metal flatware and cloth napkins. The Motherhouse kitchen has minimized the use of packaged foods.

The community uses its land to grow its own food, including fruits, vegetables, honey, and beef.