Blog

A few of us just came back from the first Environmental and Energy Leadership Symposium at the Coralville Marriott on Friday, April 16. The symposium featured speakers, panel discussion and presentations of awards  all designed to give business and community leaders more information about ways to incorporate green, energy efficient practices.

The exciting part of the event was that Prairiewoods received an award in the Alternative Energy Use category.We were nominated by board member Katie Giorgio for our use of solar energy.  Other winners included Trees Forever and the Indian Creek Nature Center for its green marketing campaign to promote rain barrells.

It was also interesting to learn about the emerging trends in alternative energy and that cities, such as Grand Rapids, MI (named America’s Greenest City in 2008), struggles with such mundane worries as filling its potholes.  Thank you to the Corridor Business Journal for sponsoring this event and offering an opportunity to talk about an important topic.

Prairiewoods is seeking a full-time director to provide overall leadership, administration, planning and promotion. Current director, Helen Elsbernd FSPA, is retiring.

Successful candidates will have: a minimum of three years experience in supervisory operations; demonstrated leadership abilities in managing, planning, administration and community relations; demonstrated communication and collaboration skills.

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. A full benefits package is available. Please forward resumes to Deb Scoville, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, 701 Franciscan Way, LaCrosse, WI 54601-8808; phone: 608-791-5261; e-mail: dscoville@fspa.org. Prairiewoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

This is a shout-out for the good work being done by the Indian Creek Nature Center in Cedar Rapids. They are promoting the use of rain barrels with their challenge Every Gallon Counts. The center initiated this effort as an Earth Day Project. With 1,000 rain barrels in place, it’s estimated we can keep 65,000 gallons of rainwater out of waterways during a rainstorm.

Indian Creek’s goal is to have 1,000 rain barrels in place by April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Persons may purchase a 65-gallon rain barrel (named Moby) through the nature center for $100. The barrels are made from recycled plastic and are made by Rain Water Solutions. To order a rain barrel go to the nature center’s website: www.indiancreeknaturecenter.org and click on “Rain Barrel Project.” You may purchase the barrels with a credit card or check. When the center receives 300 orders the barrels will be shipped.

Many people tell us as they turn onto Prairiewoods Lane they feel as if they’ve left the world behind. Recently Elaine Burk sent us a note relating her thoughts after a recent visit to Prairiewoods. “The moment I drove into your parking lot, I felt a sense of peace and love for God’s beautiful earth.”  Thank you for your kind words.

Sometimes Prairiewoods’ visitors don’t get out to see us when the snow flies, which is too bad. With a coating of white, it’s a stark beauty. The deer are daily visitors and there are three yearlings who are quite brave in their foraging for food. They are feeding just outside one of our doors, nibbling on corn while a few very plump squirrels run among them. Our trails are still open to those who enjoy a winter walk and feel free to stop in for a warm up.

Prairiewoods receives state grant

Prairiewoods received word in late 2009 that we have been awarded a $65,450 grant from the Iowa Office of Energy Independence to install solar panels. These panels will generate 8,750 killowats of electricity to Prairiewoods’ main center and will complete the second phase of a project started in the summer of 2009. In July 2009, (see picture) Prairiewoods installed a bank of 40 solar modules capable of generating 7,000 killowats of electricity to our center building. The State Energy Program monies will be used to install 50 more solar modules ! When completed (sometime in 2010) our 90 solar modules will have an energy capacity of 15,750 watts.