They planted marigolds around the vegetable garden in hopes of distracting hungry rabbits from eating the crops. They loaded wheelbarrows with firewood and moved the wood to a more usable location on the farm. And they helped feed the alpacas, domesticated South American animals whose wool can be woven into garments, cloth and other fabric creations.

Along the way, the children from Holy Communion Lutheran Church who were visiting the Racine Dominican Eco Justice Center - along with their accompanying adults - learned about simple, sustainable, living and how to care for the land we live on. Their visit to the center at 7133 Michna Road was one of many such visits by people who come not only to learn, but to volunteer their time and energy helping with projects there.

Located on 15 acres of farmland in northeastern Caledonia, the Eco Justice Center was opened in 2004 by a group of Racine Dominicans whose goal was to live in a way that cares for the Earth and to create a place that would allow them to show others how to do so. Today, that place includes a house, a barn, a granary and an education center, all of which have either been refurbished or built with recycled or earthy-friendly construction materials and are fitted with energy-saving utilities and fixtures.

The center's permanent residents include six Racine Dominicans, three alpacas, several pigmy goats, cats, rabbits and a variety of fowl, including ducks, geese and free-range chickens - all of whom live the EJC's sustainable lifestyle. From organic gardening to geothermal heating and cooling, visitors to the center can find a wide range of ecologically sound practices on the grounds. So far, an average of 4,000 people (who have logged close to 4,000 hours of volunteer time) have come each year to check it out, according to Sister Janet Weyker, one of the EJC founders.

Stewards of the Earth

The young families group from Holy Communion Church that visited the Eco Justice Center recently consisted of four children, ages 2 through 5; two moms; the Rev. Kathy Brown; and Andrea Godson, director of Youth and Family Ministries with the church. They came to the center because they wanted to find out more about ways to reduce waste and re-use natural resources, such as composting and rain barrels, Godson said.

"It is important for kids to learn what we can do to care for the environment," she said. "We owe our wellbeing to natural resources, such as rich soil and clean water and air. Part of our spiritual life involves being good stewards of the environment and treating these resources responsibly. The natural world is a playground for kids, with so much to learn and enjoy."

Liz Christensen, who took her daughter Rachel on the outing, said they both learned a lot from their hands-on experiences at the center. Being able to actually see hens laying eggs, and going into the pen to feed the goats and alpacas were things her daughter really enjoyed, while she was interested in the center's organic gardening practices.

"The whole experience is so educational," Christensen said. "You really get down to the grass roots of farming."

Digging in

Much of that education comes from Weyker, who leads the center's volunteer program. Visitors to the Eco Justice Center are treated to an introduction and orientation by Weyker, who is very knowledgeable about the ecological practices used at the center, as well as its history.

Once visitors are familiar with their surroundings, they can be put to work as part of their learning process, doing everything from yard work and cleaning to carpentry and minor repairs (depending on their areas of expertise and interest).

"The whole 15 acres is our classroom," Weyker said.

Most of the jobs at the center are done by volunteers, Weyker told a group of young women from Milwaukee's Divine Savior Holy Angels High School who came to the center last Saturday to help and learn. From interested individuals to Scout, church, school and corporate groups, volunteers play an important role at the center - whether they come only once, or on a regular basis, Weyker said. "The time they spend really adds up, and it is a huge help."

The group from Divine Savior, who are members of the school's Go Green Club, mulched a rain garden and helped move compost across the grounds.

Their time at the center was part of an overall effort by the club to raise awareness of ecological justice among students and faculty at their school.

"Part of our Catholic social teaching says to protect the Earth and take care of it," said Kaitlin Wayson, a senior at Divine Savior who founded the Go Green Club along with classmate Carrie Viego.

She and the rest of the group, who were accompanied by their teacher, Lisa Metz, planned to share the knowledge they gained at the center with others at their school.

Opportunities for volunteerism at the center are virtually endless, said Weyker, and can be adapted to each group or individual interested in learning more about sustainable living.

One particular job that she would like to see filled as soon as possible is the maintenance of the EJC's labyrinth. Made out of grass, the labyrinth needs to be trimmed about once every two weeks, weather depending, she said.

"It isn't a difficult job, and it has a somewhat flexible schedule, but it needs to be done."

The Dominicans would also appreciate having someone do the "weed whacking" around the orchard trees and the Eco Justice Center sign and someone to tend the compost bins twice a week.

"If we could have someone come and do that on a regular basis, it would be a big help," she said.

If you are interested, contact Weyker at (262) 681-8527.

How to help

The Eco Justice Center offers a variety of opportunities for those who want to help support the center's mission. In addition to its on-site volunteer opportunities, the center welcomes donations in several forms. One is its Adopt a Farm Animal program, through which the public can donate money to feed and care for a specific farm animal for a year. Cost ranges from $12 to $200, depending on the animal. A list of adoptable animals is available on the Racine Dominicans Web site at http://www.racinedominicans.org/pages/how.cfm

Other options include making a memorial donation toward the creation of certain gardens at the center in honor of a loved one; and donating specific items needed by the center. The current Wish List for the Eco Justice Center includes the following:

* Tomato cages

* Bales of straw or hay

* Gardening forks or spades (used or new)

* Wild bird feed (especially black sunflower seeds)

* A small drop-leaf table or dresser (used or new)

* Old flagstone for pathways

For more information, or to make arrangements to volunteer at the Center, contact Sister Janet Weyker at (262) 681-8527 or jaweyk@miliserv.net

General information about the Eco Justice Center is available on the Web at

http://www.racinedominicans.org/pages/abo.cfm