Villa Maria Farm
| Abstract | Villa Maria Farm is part of the Villa Maria Community Center, the Motherhouse complex of the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, located on 728 acres of land in Western Pennsylvania. The Villa Maria campus includes 280 acres of farmland, 400 acres of forestland, a 95 acre Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, wetlands, hiking trails, organic gardens, and pasture for sheep and cattle. Earth Spirituality, environmental education and ecological stewardship are among the many ministries of the HM Sisters. Taking an integrative and ecological approach to spirituality, agriculture, land management, and education, the Sisters created EverGreen as an environmental ministry that would complement the Land Management ministry. Motivated by the Story of the Universe, EverGreen seeks to promote sustainability through experiential and educational programs on earth spirituality, ecology, healing, and the creative arts. EverGreen holds book and discussion groups geared towards rethinking human-earth relations and provides a place for gathering to appreciate, learn, and experience the sacred mysteries of the universe. Villa Land Management is responsible for hands-on stewardship projects on the Villa Maria campus, including the farm, tree nursery, wetlands, bird sanctuary and walking trails. This ministry seeks to create a land management system based on spirituality, sustainability, simplicity and the preservation of local life systems. In addition to supplying fresh vegetables and flowers to the Villa Maria community, the organic gardens help to feed people who are poor and hungry: over 70% of the produce is donated to outreach programs serving areas in Western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. The Farm is home to 15 brood cows, 13 ewes, and maintained bee hives. Land Management also sponsors educational programs about topics related to ecological land management, wildlife, and sustainable agriculture. In addition to children and youth programs, student internships are also available. |
| Religion | Christianity (Roman Catholic) |
| Geographic Location | United States of America (Western Pennsylvania) |
| Duration of Project | 1864–Present |
| History | Although the Sisters of the Humility of Mary have practiced conservation and organic gardening on their land since 1864, when the congregation established their motherhouse on 240 acres of farmland in western Pennsylvania, they have made explicit commitments to do so over the past few decades. In 1968, the congregation adopted a comprehensive conservation plan that included provisions to protect wetlands. A forestry stewardship plan was adopted in 1977. In 1983, an outreach program was initiated to provide local food centers with fresh, organic produce. In 1989, an environmental Reflection/Action Group was established by the HM Congregation under the Direction, “Care and Protection of the Environment of our Planet”. Between 1991 and 1993, consultants were hired to perform an environmental audit and resource assessment and to advise the congregation about earth healing measures. EverGreen was officially established in 1995 with the dual-intention of fostering greater awareness of the connections between spirituality and the environment and promoting new conceptions of human-earth relations through education, celebration, and advocacy. Since 1995, Villa Maria has been in the process of becoming an entirely organic farm. In 1997, the congregation adopted the following Direction Statement: “We will claim / the depth and significance / of our charism of humility / which connects us / with the whole earth community / and unites us / in our ministries / on behalf of the poor.” In 1999 Villa Maria received the Lawrence County Conservation Farm of the Year Award from the Lawrence County Conservation District. The following year, the farm received the Area One Tree Farmer of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Tree Farm System of the Bureau of Forestry. |
| Mission Statement |
Land Management EverGreen Partner Organizations |
| Partner Organizations | None Listed |
| Long-Term Goals | None Listed |
| Bibliography | None Listed |
| Additional Research Resources | None Listed |
| Contact Information |
Villa Maria Farm EverGreen Land Management |