In Fall 2024, St. Francis is launching our Prairie Project. Working with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and Quail Forever, we will reclaim ¼ acre of land surrounding the Memorial Garden for prairie use. As a Christian Community rooted in a particular place, we believe that our campus should reflect our understanding of God, our neighbors and our work in the world. The Prairie Project brings this belief to life as it allows us to:
- Emulate St. Francis, the patron saint of creation, by returning a portion of our land to its natural state
- Offer unique learning opportunities to our local schools, library and childcare centers
- Provide a reflective place, immersed in nature, for those visiting the Memorial Garden
- Wisely apply our financial resources:
- Total project cost is $2,400, half of which will be paid thru a MDC grant
- Labor to implement prairie will be donated thru Quail Forever
- Once established, maintenance costs are minimal and less than lawn maintenance
You Can Participate By:
- Join prairie-related programing in the coming year: Forum in Winter 2025, Prairie Walk in
- Summer 2025, Creation Care liturgy series in Fall 2025 & Planting Day in Winter 2026
- Donate to our prairie fund: Drop cash or check in the offering plate marked “prairie fund” or donate online
- Read the book Lawns into Meadows: Growing a Regenerative Landscape by Owen Wormser
- Invite neighbors, friends or other organizations to be part of this work!
- Share feedback on our campus site plan in the Community Room!