Monastery of St. Gertude
Cottonwood, ID
www.stgertrudes.org

Contact:
Sr. Carol Ann Wassmuth, OSB
Monastery of St. Gertrude
465 Keuterville Rd., Cottonwood, ID 83522-5183
208.962.3224
st_gertrude_justice@hotmail.com


In 2006, a new retreat center was constructed at the monastery with ecological and human health considerations consciously observed during planning and construction. Landscaping emphasized shrubs and trees native to the area which are maintained when needed utilizing a water conserving drip irrigation system with water sourced from their private springs. Only tap water from the monastery well (a public water system) is used at the monastery and guests are encouraged to forgo bottled water.

Alternative energy sources, energy efficiency, and energy conservation are emphasized in the new center. It was constructed without an air conditioning system as it is nestled into a small rise in the land making the most of the natural insulating properties of the earth for both heating and cooling. Located on a south-facing slope, it soaks up warm sunlight during the winter months. Mesh sun-shades are used on windows receiving the most summer light which reduces much direct sunlight, but still allows day views of the landscape. Windows also have low E and low U values minimizing radiant heat flow in either direction. Most of the community’s hot water is heated by solar panels and a small amount of electricity is generated through photovoltaic panels. Electrical appliances are Energy Star products. The elevator uses a reduced horsepower motor that requires less energy than normal and generates less heat. It does not use hydraulic oil which eliminates concern about ground contamination from oil leakage.

Special attention was given to the content of material used in construction. Much of the wood was certified sustainably grown. Wood from two trees that were brought down during construction was used in the construction of the fireplace mantle. In doing so, the sisters expressed their gratitude for the beauty and shade the trees had provided.

In addition to the indoor environmental quality practices already described, materials were used through the center that are easy on the eye and the environment from which they came and the health of the occupants. Basalt stone and cork were used for some flooring and where carpet was used, low-emitting fabric was chosen to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Low VOC (volatile organic chemicals) paints were used to avoid harmful emissions and reduce contamination of landfills and groundwater. Woodwork, the natural flooring material, and the green and blue hues of paints and fabrics help bring the spirit of prairie and sky inside.

Many of the educational offerings at the year-round retreat center address caring for the earth, a focus of outreach by the sisters. Among other activities, each April the sisters sponsor Earth Week with planned educational and experiential activities on ecological themes. They have done community education on simple living and purchasing choices, reduced use of plastics, healthy foods and renewable energy.

Certified as a Stewardship Forest in Idaho, the 1000 acres of forested land is under a sustainable management plan that is designed to achieve a healthy balance of maintaining a vital forest and wildlife habitat with responsible logging to help meet the financial needs of the religious community. It was named Tree Farm of the Year in 2001. Since 1999 a major activity of the monastery has been the planting of 125,800 seedlings. The monastery includes 300 acres of cropland leased to a local farmer, one acre of organic garden and orchard, the produce of which is used at the monastery and retreat center. In May 2008 the monastery received the Kessler-Keener Outstanding Witness award for its involvement in social justice issues and care of the earth.

As a Benedictine community, their history demonstrates appreciation for natural resources and beauty of earth. The community has a Stewardship of the Land Committee that is responsible for long term planning for the land and the education of community members on ecological issues. A Philosophy of Land Use was approved in 1993 and continues to guide management decisions. The community’s Social Justice Committee helps the sisters make the connection between the operation of the monastery, sustainability, and Catholic social teaching. Care for all of Creation was the focus of the community’s Lenten discussion groups in 2009.

Outreach to help the civic community make the connection between the operation of the monastery, sustainability, and Catholic social teaching is accomplished through the community’s retreat ministry.

Waste reduction is accomplished through extensive recycling even though it means transporting recyclable materials 50 miles. Cardboard, paper, cans, magazines, glass and plastics are recycled. Old computers are taken to a center that refurbishes them for use by children. Time is intentionally devoted by the sisters to creatively discover ways materials can be reused.

The sisters raise many of their own fruits and organic vegetables for fresh consumption by the community and guests and for canning and freezing for the winter. Meat is provided by local farmers and fair trade coffee and tea are offered. Garden and orchard material are composted along with food scraps from meals. They are working on a composting method that will handle all of their organic wastes.

To reduce transportation-related emissions, the sisters consider fuel-efficiency when purchasing vehicles. Mass transit is not an option although trips to town are coordinated to minimize fuel consumption and carpooling is encouraged.