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Earthkeepers, Gainesville UU Ministry for Earth, is the outgrowth of the Green Sanctuary program we started several years ago, and works for all things environmentally sound. Current projects include a large garden at UUFG in which food is grown and given to the needy.
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Earthkeepers Annual Report 2009-2010 |
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EarthKeepers’ focus continues to be the growing and distribution of food. The first plantings in our raised beds were a great success, and I took the produce to Bread of the Mighty Food Bank and the St. Francis kitchen. The produce was much appreciated.
Last fall’s vegetable starts were completely eaten (except for the arugula) by insects and various 4-legged critters, which led to our building chicken-wire coverings for the beds. This task was both time-consuming and expensive. However, the chicken wire coverings are very effective in protecting the plants.
I work with community groups whose goals are to greatly increase the production of healthy, organic food in our county and to develop food distributions systems which are just and equitable. I work with: the Edible Landscape Project, the Blueberry Farm, Florida Organic Growers’ Gift Garden Program, IFAS, the Citizen’s Food Co-op, the food group for Sustainable Alachua County and Univ. of Florida’s Office of Sustainability. I am connected to the people who have created gardens at Highland Presbyterian Church, Parkview Baptist, and University Lutheran, all of which are churches that now have gardens. I have been asked to help the Westminster Presbyterian Church plan garden beds.
Because of my work in the city, I have been asked to be a member of a new “Community Food Projects Advisory Council” that will advise on current and future food systems projects in Alachua County. I am very pleased about that.
Dorothy Burnham, Chair |
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Our Goals: - To build awareness of societal environmental issues among UU’s
- To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes
- To motivate UU’s to community action on environmental issues
- To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness
- To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices.
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What Birds Have You Seen at UUFG? |
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Dear Friends and Members,
I was coming to the Fellowship this morning and saw two Cedar Waxwings fly across the road - how wonderful to welcome winter with the sightings of such beautiful birds! Many wondrous birds visit our grounds here at UUFG. Perhaps you have seen some? If so, I was wondering if you would be willing to send to me what species of birds you have seen here? Or to keep a look out and go for walks on the property and see what species are here now, or will come in the future. Along with the Earth Keepers, we are compiling a list of birds for the development of our grounds as a place to recognize that it is a sanctuary for all species. We are also keeping track of our birds so that we can successfully submit an application to become a site for the Great Florida Birding Trail. I'd also be interested in hearing from you the names of any other kinds of wildlife here - trees, insects, mammals, reptiles, etc. Just let me know what you saw and what month (or season).
If you have an interest in knowing more about these projects, or becoming a part of it, let me or the Earth Keepers know. We will also have a service on January 4th highlighting birds (our annual Bird service) and on January 10 we'll have a bird extravaganza to be followed by a luncheon potluck where we bring our minds and hearts together to creatively envision our grounds as a continued place of beauty, reflection, and learning.
In grateful fellowship,
LoraKim |
EarthKeepers, UUFG's Ministry for the Earth, is co-sponsoring Energy Auditor Training.
The Community Weatherization Coalition is looking for energetic and dedicated volunteers who are willing to be trained to perform comprehensive energy audits for homeowners in need. Auditors will learn how to inspect a home, teach energy saving techniques to homeowners, and perform some energy modifications to lower utility usage.
Auditors must be willing to commit to performing at least 10 energy audits a year (2-4 hours per audit) and are required to attend all three training dates. The training dates are: Oct. 11 (8am-12pm), Oct. 18 (8am-12pm) and Nov. 1 (8am-12pm)
The advertising for this training is limited to our fellowship. If you are interested in participating in this training, please contact me, Dottie Burnham, either by e-mail or phone: (352)372-3523. We in the Fellowship can perform energy audits for each other and also work within the community. |
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