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Tony and the NIH: Our newest alpaca becomes a part of history
This past April, the Sisters of Providence were blessed with a bouncing bundle of alpaca joy, Raphael Anthony (aka Tony). It couldn’t have come at a better time. At this point we were several weeks into our “shelter in place” period, so having new life come forth was just the little shot of joy we all needed. The official photograph of Providence Raphael Anthony Casey Kellum, photographer The staff at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, the ministry of the Sisters...
Winter blues? Farmer Tara recommends a little friluftsliv!
...air, the muted colors, and the landscape when covered in frost or snow creates a calm canvas that allows me to get into the right headspace to reflect on the past and get energized for the year ahead. These days, I have an added incentive to get outside. It’s my job, and it requires being outdoors. A lot. Helping care for all the living things at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) that bravely face the cold weather; The plants...
Farmers must power through whatever Mother Nature dishes out
“Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the world earth revolves — slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.” Thich Nhat Hanh December and January were relatively mild by midwest winter standards. Alas, February is refusing to conspire with the other winter months, and truly cold weather has arrived. At the White Violet Center farm it’s a good time to take on indoor projects like cleaning and building greenhouse equipment, fixing tools and...
Meet Providence Pax Terre!
A new cria (baby alpaca) was born June 6 at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice Farm at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. Providence Pax Terre, which means peace and Earth in Latin, is doing well and working to gain weight despite being born with a “lazy” tongue. Pax’s mother is Providence Ruth and his father Providence Stardust. Enjoy these photographs and welcome Providence Pax Terre! Learn more about him here....
What does winter look like on an alpaca and chicken farm?
...night or if they want to warm up during the day. They like to huddle together for extra warmth. We also give them just a little “scratch” which is a mix of seeds and grains such as corn, oats, wheat and barley. Scratch grains can encourage activity and digestion of scratch grains also produces heat. As for the White Violet Center staff, we make sure they have all they need no matter what the weather offers and we layer, layer,...
Sister Emily TeKolste featured in Global Sisters Report
“Our community’s White Violet Center for Eco-Justice hosted a “Party in the Pasture,” where sisters, staff, friends and others who shared our campus joined the chickens and alpacas for sun and moon-themed snacks, good company and the eclipse. I ended up helping sisters make their way to the pasture, finding creative ways to load both sisters and their rollators onto golf carts and helping them to make their way safely to a seat in the pasture. Sister Emily TeKolste “And...
Earth Day 2024 in Photos!
The Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, invited guests to the Woods on Saturday, April 20, 2024, for their annual Earth Day festivities. Hundreds of people came to the event, hosted by White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence. A wonderful time was had by all! Below are some photographs from the celebration!...
Dry conditions ‘no surprise’ to WVC
West Central Indiana is currently seeing “abnormally dry” weather conditions. At the time of this writing, 39 U.S. states are experiencing Moderate Drought conditions, per the National Integrated Drought Information System. While it may be inconvenient, these climate conditions come as no surprise to the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice (WVC) Team. “We’re also getting used to it,” said John-Michael Elmore, WVC Farm Manager. “We’ve had extended periods of drought for three of the past four years. It’s kind of...
2025 Earth Day Festival in photos!
On Saturday, April 26, White Violet Center for Eco-Justice, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, hosted its annual Earth Day Festival celebration! Many people visited the Woods and took part in several activities indoors and outdoors. Thank you to everyone who came to the Woods for the celebration! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!...
Project Winter High Tunnel
...of the high tunnels at White Violet Center. It’s an amazing tool that helps us have flowers in November, lettuce in December, greens in March, carrots in April, and even tomatoes in June. High tunnels help protect against excess wind, excess precipitation, erosion, cold, soil compaction, as well as pests and plant disease (to some extent). We can open the sides completely to allow beneficial insects and breezes to enter and do their good work. Due to the benefits of...
Our 2025 special Christmas Message for all of you!
...all of you this season. The Grotto, as Sister Dawn explains, was built to express gratitude for the conclusion of World War I. It also honors the healing ministry of Mary, mother of Jesus. She also invites you all to join us during 2026 to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of the canonization of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and the 30-year anniversary of White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. All are welcome! Merry Christmas to everyone from the Sisters of Providence! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EPcn3np1rzg...
Polyculture. Or How I Stopped Worrying and Now Embrace the Unpredictable
...wildlife damage (you never know what random year deer will decide they like to eat all your pepper plants), soilborne plant disease, or even staffing issues. You just hope its chard that fails, and not your best seller. Every year, I explain the above to our interns, who come to White Violet to learn about small-scale sustainable growing. I want them to know that it’s OK when not everything goes according to plan. But, I also always joke that I...