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Ecological Restoration River Raisin Monitoring River Raisin Restoration Initiative Oak Savannah Management |
| Sustainable Living Development Natural Building Project: Kensington Children's Cottage Sustainable Development in Haiti: University of Fondwa & Peasant Association of Fondwa Urban Agroforestry: Gesu School and ALCC |
| Sustainability Awareness Motherhouse Tours Earth Day Bioneers Conference Green Building Conference |
| The Institute Our Mission Contact Us Press Releases Calendar |
| Of Further Interest Great Lakes Green Initiative Health Matters |
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An Unique Garden Project |
 Started in 2005-2006 at Gesu School in Detroit, this project combines food crops with trees and prairie plants native to Michigan in a unique agroforestry model that promotes sustainable land use and productivity. The project was expanded in 2007 to include a garden for the Monroe Kid's Club at the Arthur Lesow Community Center. Gesu GardenThe 2007 growing season has begun! This year's curriculum includes learning about water. Great Lakes Green Initiative assisted in the construction of a rain barrel and students will haul buckets of collected rainwater for irrigation. Through this experience, they become connected to children in poorer countries where clean water is scarce and meals aren't just a trip to a fast food restaurant. In Spring 2006, students planted Native American and heirloom seeds to promote biological and genetic diversity. They also planted native Michigan prairie plants to encourage and provide habitat for diverse insect and bird communities. Throughout the summer months, the Garden Club students committed to one day each week for maintaining, weeding and caring for the garden.
Read more: Gesu Garden teaches kids about life The Michigan Catholic June 2, 2006
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In addition to learning about plants and nature, they learned about healthy eating habits and nutrition. The harvested vegetables were used to make salsa for a school fiesta party. Students also assisted in preparing the garden for winter. They planted a cover crop of winter rye and hairy vetch and applied compost to the area. 
An organic garden was planted on Monroe's east side in collaboration with the