Country Woman

APRIL I MAY 2015 COUNTRY WOMAN 554Ecology Campat the FarmAt the Eco-Justice Center’s popularsummer camps, kids learn aboutanimal care, gardening, compostingand renewable energy. They explorenatural trails, build birdhouses,churn butter and make ice creamand bread.Tailored for children 6 to 10 and11 to 14, the weeklong day campsare guided by the Eco-Justice staff,naturalists and volunteers. Olderkids sleep over in tents one night,with a bonfire and outdoor cooking.For details, visit racinedominicans.org/eco-jkidscamp.cfm.hives. She pulls out frames to lookfor brood (the beeswax structurein which the queen lays eggs),indicating a healthy hive. Somehives look good, but for othersshe plans to phone the local beeinspector for advice.At the Hermitage, a one-roomcabin where I spent the night, I helpclean and change sheets.“It was built ‘green’ in 2010with reclaimed materials and hasinsulation made from recycledblue jeans,” Janet says, pointingout a small window in the wall thatexposes the material.Set in the woods, the Hermitageis a peaceful retreat for visitorsto rest, reflect, pray or work on aproject. It has a screened porch,a kitchenette and an electricfireplace. Beautiful black walnutflooring came from a tree on thefarm that was struck by lightning.``````Education center hubAttractive flower beds and displaysof agricultural antiques around theproperty testify to Janet’s artisticbent. We plant petunias in an oldfeed mixer near the barn and ina bucket to hang on the old handpump. Then we put in a full flat infront of the education center.Although new, the center’s styleand red paint make it fit right inwith the vintage buildings. Classeson fiber arts, organic gardening,``````livestock care, beekeeping andenvironmental topics are offeredin a large main-floor classroom.There’s a small kitchen, library andgift shop, with more room upstairsfor small-group learning.Whew! This workday’s beennonstop—Sister Janet’s normalspeed. I’ve enjoyed getting to knowher and learning about the latestchapter in her life of commitment.“As a young farm girl,” she says, “Inever imagined that I’d becomepart of a rural ministry that wouldbring me full circle!” Q``````For more details, including events, volunteeropportunities and Hermitage reservations,go to racinedominicans.org/eco-j.cfm.