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Center for Earth Spirituality
and Rural Ministry (CESRM) cont.
School Sisters
of Notre Dame
Mankato, MN
A second area ripe for transformation was the
land around the convent itself. Erosion of the
land posed the most serious problem, contributing
to significant native habitat decline. Four major
ravine sites with deep gullies have been filled
in and fitted with improved techniques for water
control and holding ponds. The expertise and help
of engineers and local land use authorities assisted
in the renovation and continue to help monitor
it. All the agricultural land has been converted
into native prairie lands as well. Now, wild turkey,
pheasant, hawks and deer make their home on the
grounds.
To further serve the needs of the community,
several acres of land have been devoted to gardens
for people in Mankato who do not have access to
gardening space. Approximately 65 plots in their
garden have been made available, most of which
are used by newly arrived immigrants from Japan,
Vietnam, Ukraine, China and Sudan. They are assisted
by local Master Gardeners who volunteer to give
gardeners helpful hints. The prairies, gardens
and pastures provide an opportunity for hands-on
ecological and environmental study for the Mankato
area Catholic schools, as well as opportunity
for rest and reflection for the broader Mankato
community.
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The Center desires not only to serve the rural
people of southern Minnesota and strive to practice
good stewardship of creation, but also continues
to be an active advocate for rural people and
the issues that affect them. Priorities include:
respect for land use and water, agriculture that
is more sustainable and economically viable, and
support for the people who work to protect the
land and water are priorities. The directors of
the Center have served on national and state policy
committees; they alert farmers and others about
legislation, join them at legislative hearings,
assist with public policy phone-a-thons, and work
in other ways to keep people informed and involved.
Contact:
Sister Mary Tacheny
200 Nolden Lane
Jordan, MN 55352
952-492-5964
marytacheny@usfamily.net |