Alpaca farm open house Sept. 30

White Violet Farm Alpacas, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, will join alpaca breeders across the United States and Canada in observance of the annual National Alpaca Farm Days 1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30.

See the Sisters of Providence alpacas up close (there are 53) and meet those who care for them.

Visit with the alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., on
1-4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 30, in celebration of National
Alpaca Farm Days.

Shop for alpaca yarn, socks and gloves, and handmade scarves and hats. (It's not too early to shop for Christmas gifts!)

Enjoy felting, spinning and weaving demonstrations by Sisters of Providence and friends.

Attend open houses at Aris Farm Alpacas, Clinton (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), Lookout Farm Alpacas, Terre Haute (10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday), and White Violet Farm Alpacas and have your name entered in a drawing for an alpaca gift basket.

WVFA's open house will take place outside between Owens Hall and the alpaca pasture/barn.

Please use this address for GPS: 3850 U.S. 150 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.  

For information about alpacas for sale, contact Tracy Wilson at 812-535-2934 or twilson@spsmw.org.  

Hope to see you on Sept. 30!

Sisters of Earth meet at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods

The Sisters of Earth Conference is currently taking place at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana where more than 100 women have gathered for “Sharing the Wisdom, Shaping the Dream: Deep Transition.”
Today’s focus is on connecting food, culture, and Earth’s survival, said Sister of Providence Mary Moloney, who is attending the conference that ends Sunday.

Friday's schedule includes prayer, song, a tour of White Violet Center and sessions with presenter Dr. Nettie Wiebe, organic farmer and agrarian feminist from the Canadian Prairie who speaks on themes of food sovereignty, ethics and ecology.

The following are some photos from today.


The morning of the Sisters of Earth Conference begins with meditation, song and introductions.

Jan Novotka sings and plays guitar as the day begins.



More than 100 women gather in Le Fer Ballroom at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana for the 2012 Sisters of Earth Conference.

The Cosmic Walk is part of the 2012 Sisters of Earth Conference at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana.

Tours of White Violet Center for Eco-Justice are offered during the 2012 Sisters of Earth Conference. This group walks through the organically grown gardens.

This group gets a closer look at the alpacas of White Violet Farm Alpacas at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods during the Sisters of Earth Conference taking place this weekend. 

Vigo County 4-H alpaca show

It’s fair week in Vigo County, Indiana and that's a big deal to hundreds of 4-H'ers who have been working hard on their projects all summer (or longer).

White Violet Farm Alpacas is proudly sponsoring the Vigo County 4-H alpaca club this year.

The alpaca show was this morning and we’re glad to report it was a big success.

Read the article that ran in the Tribune Star on Friday about the alpaca program.

Here are some photos from today.

The obstacle course is fun for the 4-H'ers and audience. It was the last portion of the Vigo County Fair alpaca show this morning.

The 4-H'ers lead White Violet Farm Alpacas through the obstacle course this morning to complete the 2012 Vigo County Fair alpaca show.

Anna and Lady Isle jump together during the Vigo County Fair 4-H alpaca show this morning in Terre Haute. White Violet Farm Alpacas is the proud club sponsor.

Harlie takes a moment to get a close look at her 4-H alpaca show ribbons right after the Vigo County 4-H alpaca show this morning.

Anna received grand champion showmanship is her age division. She is pictured with White Violet Farm Alpaca's Lady Isle. Congrats Anna!

Jia earned grand champion in showmanship for her age division. She is pictured with White Violet Farm Alpaca's Mariah. Way to go, Jia!

Mariah and Hilde visit with these youngsters at the petting zoo at the Vigo County Fairgrounds this morning after the alpaca show.

Summer day camp at White Violet Center June 25-29

It's summer day camp time and White Violet Center for Eco-Justice has one for 3rd-, 4th- and 5th-graders June 25-29 at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind. Accepted are children entering the 3rd grade in the fall up to those who have completed 5th grade and entering 6th grade this fall.

White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., is
offering Organic Garden/Alpaca Farm
Summer Day Camp to 3rd- through 5th-
graders June 25-29, 2012.

Activities for the Organic Garden/Alpaca Farm Summer Day Camp include:
• Planting a garden;
• Visiting the alpacas;
• Creating a worm farm (see photo);
• Exploring the world of bees;
• Exploring the trails; and
• Games galore.

Times are 8 a.m. to noon. (Drop-off between 7:45-7:55 a.m. and pickup by 12:15 p.m.)

Drinks and snacks will be provided. However, lunch will not be provided. There is a maximum of 20 children for this camp.

The cost is $85 ($75 for White Violet Center CSA shareholders and Sisters of Providence and Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College staff.)

The registration deadline is June 20, but don't wait until the last minute to reserve your space!

Make checks payable to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. Mail parent's name, child's name, grade, address, and emergency contact number with payment to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice c/o Robyn Morton, l Sisters of Providence, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.

See a few photos from 2011 camp week one here.

See a few photos from 2011 camp week two here.

Happy World Environment Day

June 5 is World Environment Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972.

The theme this year is Green Economy: Does it include YOU?


World Environment Day is June 5.
It was established by the United
Nations General Assembly in 1972.

What is a green economy? links to a web page that helps spell it out in layman’s terms. It explains that the financial crises that began in 2007 has taught us that it’s not business as usual. Truly, we need a more sustainable system.

Also, for more about World Environment Day, check out the Vatican website.

Comment below if you participated in a World Environment Day activity. What was the event or activity?

Garden intern's last day



Gideon Dollarhide, White Violet Center intern,
plants peas in the garden earlier this spring.

Today, we say "see you later" to a spring intern, Gideon Dollarhide, of Strasburg, Ill.

Gideon has spent more than a month working and learning in the organically grown gardens at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

"I love harvesting the vegetables," he said. "That feeds something deep."

During a going away lunch this week with the staff and volunteers of White Violet Center, Gideon shared a few favorite experiences during his short time at the farm.

"I learned how to work with a team and adjust to a different experience. I got to work in a greenhouse and high tunnel."

Now he's off to graduate from Lake Land College at Mattoon, Ill., with a horticulture and landscape production degree.

He's looking forward to an educational experience at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis this summer.

He plans to attend Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale to study plant and soil sciences.

Thank you, Gideon, for all your hard work! Best wishes for a sustainable future!


For information about being a White Violet Center for Eco-Justice intern, see the organic gardening and alpaca internships web page, check out our online application, or contact Robyn Morton at 812-535-2932 or rmorton@spsmw.org.

Beginning each day with a seed of hope

By Candace Minster, garden manager/fiber projects coordinator

Candace Minster, standing at left, gives a greenhouse reflection
during the dedication of White Violet Center's new greenhouse.

I've always loved greenhouses, especially in late winter.  As morning’s light begins a little earlier, we have to layer a little bit less, and the occasional warm, sunny day hints at spring soon to come. 

These longer days mark the beginning of the garden season. 

We get out the garden maps and choose what goes where and how much to plant.  Then we begin the process of fumbling with tiny seeds and plug trays, and watering religiously to coax the little plants into existence. 

One of my favorite garden chores is watering in the greenhouse.  Waving the wand over the flats, I like to search the soil for the first seeds to break through the surface. 

Even David and Gideon got in on the game with me, as we all try to be the first to spot the newest sprout.  Searching the seedlings for the one that is just...NOW breaking through fills me with wonder, excitement, and hope. 

At this point in the season, all we have are plans and hopes for the garden that is to come.  We look at the plots of cover crop and see only possibility.  We haven't yet struggled with the weather, pests, weeds, and diseases that try our patience in the hottest days.  We begin each day with a little seed of hope.

Young plants inside the greenhouse this morning.

In this way, the greenhouse becomes a house of hope.  It feels good to walk in from the cold and be greeted by hundreds of eager green leaves reaching upwards.  To be surrounded by such life when there's little growing outdoors is rejuvenating.  Besides, whether they be two-legged, four-legged, or rooted — it’s pretty hard to resist babies.
 
White Violet Center is dedicated to hope and healing for Earth and I see the greenhouse as the heart of our mission. It's only fitting that our greenhouse be a functional, vibrant place, inviting visitors to come in and take a peek. 

For years, we struggled with a beautiful, historic structure that was falling apart.  Each garden season began with a ramshackle attempt to make mini greenhouses within the greenhouse, stretch heating cables, plug in space heaters, and layer numerous layers of plastic.  Even though it was integral to the garden, it was time to let that that aged building go. 

Now, through many generous donations and with the able work of David and Dick’s hands along with other volunteers, we have this little house of hope.

To me, this building not only ensures that we'll have the best start for our garden plants, it also represents the hope that we have for White Violet Center's future — continuing to plant seeds of hope and healing for Earth for many years to come.

14th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., April 21

The 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration
at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., will
be fun and educational for the entire
family. Times are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. (EDT)

Need a remedy for spring fever? Well, White Violet Center for Eco-Justice staff members have an awesome event planned and it will be here before we know it.

The 14th Annual Earth Day Celebration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind., is 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 21.

The 2011 celebration was cold and wet, so we're expecting good weather this year. Well, that's our prayer anyway.

Under those expected blue skies will be live celtic music by the Women of Erin; live animal conservation education with Silly Safaris; magnificent raptors — hawks, owls, falcons — up close in the Take Flight! Wildlife Education program with Mark Booth; a butterfly program by Dobbs Park Nature Center Naturalist Carissa Lovett; and alpaca shearing demonstrations.


See alpaca shearing demonstrations
at the 14th Annual Earth Day Cele-
bration at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods,
Ind., on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

Enjoy food from local restaurants and other groups; educational and informational booths; children's activities; spinning and weaving demonstrations; and shopping for handmade and eco-friendly wares made by local artists and other small businesses owners.

The theme this year will follow the United Nation's Declaration of 2012 as "The Year of Renewable Energy for All." Gain knowledge about the most cost effective solutions to energy needs from One Planet Solar and Wind, of Terre Haute.

Kids will enjoy fun and educational
activities at the 14th Annual Earth
Day Celebration at Saint Mary-of-the-
Woods, Ind., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
on Saturday, April 21, 2012.

See the Earth Day celebration schedule. Other details will be added to our website as they are finalized.

Admission is free. There will be free-will offering opportunities at the gates to help with the cost of the event.

Use this address for GPS: 3850 U.S. 150, Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, IN 47876.

If you've been to any of our past Earth Day celebrations please leave a comment below and let us know what you enjoy most about this springtime gathering. Hope to see you on April 21!

Caring for Earth: Climate Change as Moral Choice

Our actions reflect our values. Climate change is a complex issue that can be used to explore our values about the environment.

White Violet Center for Eco-Justice will offer Caring for Earth: Climate Change as Moral Choice from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Ind.

The book, "Moral Ground,"
will be used as framework
to examine varied moral
stances in Caring for Earth:
Climate Change as Moral
Choice on March 24.

After introducing climate change as an issue, the framework of the recent book, "Moral Ground," will be used to examine the varied moral stances that underlie and support choices we make about our planetary home.

Presenter Sister Mary Lou Dolan is a member of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet. She is the director of the Master's in Earth Literacy at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She has taught biology at the College of Saint Rose, in Albany, N.Y. and has been a staff member at Spiritearth, an ecological spirituality center.

The cost is $35, which includes lunch. The book "Moral Ground" will be available for purchase. (Moral Ground, ed. KD Moore and MP Nelson. San Antonio: Trinity University Press, 2010 is available in hard, paper and Kindle editions and is recommended.)

The registration deadline is March 20. For more information or to register, contact Robyn Morton at rmorton@spsmw.org or 812-535-2932.
 
Click here to see other eco-spirituality offerings at White Violet Center.

What do I do with all this alpaca fiber?

We had a wonderful group attend the "Alpaca 102: What Do I Do With All This Fiber?" workshop on Feb. 18. We spent the day sharing the ins and outs of alpaca fiber for the alpaca owner.

The first three photos below show Sister Maureen Freeman, CSJ, director of White Violet Center, instructing the group on sorting fiber. (This happens to be Rosie's blanket of fleece.)

The next photos show Candace Minster, White Violet Center fiber projects coordinator, demonstrating how to wash and dry the alpaca fleece.