Prairiewoods’ programs and retreats focus on three topics that are central to all we do here: ecology, spirituality and holistic health. With our focus on ecology, we take seriously our role as partners with God in caring for Creation. Prairiewoods is blessed to be caretakers for an abundance of natural beauty and a variety of wildlife within our 72 acres of woodlands and prairies. We find joy in our responsibility to actively protect and restore the abundance of life found on these sacred grounds.

In addition to protecting this piece of Creation, we also seek to reduce our impact on the greater world through the use of proven ecological principles. We would be happy to help your organization learn from our experience! Prairiewoods’ staff can share ideas on adopting alternative energy resources, creating a sustainable environment and green living, as well as offering tours of Prairiewoods’ ecological features. Bring your students or organization to Prairiewoods to learn more, or invite us to come to you!

As caretakers of these 72 acres of land, Prairiewoods’ staff is committed to offering facilities that use alternative energy sources, a sustainable treatment of the land, conservation of natural resources and other earth-friendly practices. In 2019 Prairiewoods protected its woodland and prairie in perpetuity by putting it into a conservation easement with the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

The following is a list of some of the green features that demonstrate Prairiewoods’ commitment to care for creation:

 

Gardens

• The Green Prairie Garden produces more than 3,000 pounds of produce each year to be donated to area food pantries and to be used in our kitchen to feed our guests.
• The Healing Garden, Garden of Eat’n and Four Winds Food Forest are edible landscapes designed by Backyard Abundance to create sanctuaries for humans and wildlife to forage and play.
• The Green Community Garden is another way for us to share our land with our neighbors. With the help of the Linn County Master Gardeners, we host over 20 rentable garden plots.

All Buildings

• Eco-friendly architectural design melds buildings into existing landscape.
• Conservation of large trees provides shade and enhances beauty.
• Berming around structures assists with insulation and noise pollution abatement.
• Solar tubes and large windows light spaces naturally.
• Compact fluorescent lights and LED lights create efficient lighting.
• Low-flow toilets conserve water.
• Energy-efficient appliances reduce energy consumption.
• A holistic land management approach includes prairie and woodland restoration efforts.
• Retention ponds allow for responsible drainage of stormwater and provide aquatic habitat.
• Green-cleaning practices and avoidance of pesticides reduce our chemical impact on humans and the environment.
• Bioswales take runoff from the parking lots and allow it to slowly percolate into the soil, preventing erosion and purifying water in the process.

Main Center

• 196 solar modules are tied into the electrical grid and provide 100% of our electricity.
• Solar tubes in the restrooms and hallways bring natural light and reduce electricity usage.
• Earned LEED® Gold certification in 2012 by the U.S. Green Building Council.
• Low-waste kitchen uses all reusable utensils and plates and features food from our on-site gardens and local farms.

Residence & Guest House

• Trombe wall provides passive solar heating for three apartments.
• Solar hot water system provides hot water for showers, laundry and other uses.

Hermitages

• Straw-bale construction enhances insulation and models bio-friendly, recyclable housing options.
• Solar panels provide all electrical power, allowing these buildings to be independent of the electrical grid.
• Radiant floor heating provides heat for the buildings.
• Wetland septic system recycles all waste and gray water.

 

I-Renew Training Facility

• Solar panels allow the Jordan Solar Center, the training facility for I-Renew (Iowa Renewable Energy Association), to produce more energy than it consumes, exporting energy back to the grid as well as powering the building’s electrical heating system, its lights and the Green Prairie Garden.
• Classroom setting provides hands-on educational opportunities for installing solar photovoltaic panels and solar hot water systems.