"Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share"
Permaculture is an ethical design system for human habitations and land use that emphasizes sustainability, integration, and cooperation with – as opposed to domination of – natural systems. Further, permaculture systems strive to minimize reliance on fossil fuels, which cause climate change and are finite resources which will likely not be affordably produced for long.
Our Permaculture Gardens are an evolving demonstration. The seven-acre site was formerly mowed turf grass and impermeable surfaces. The turf has been allowed to return to a meadow and the asphalt was reused for paths. Our goal is to return to an abundant, diverse, and healthy ecological system guided by the permaculture ethics of Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. Learn more about our commitments.
We strive to:
Looking to the future:
-
We hope to expand our food production with the aim of providing 5% to 10% of the Sister’s calories on site.
-
We are exploring and implementing methods to extend the growing season and investigating climate-resilient crops.
-
We will begin prairie restoration and reforestation efforts across the Motherhouse campus.