IHM EarthCare Advent Update

When we say “Thank you” we really are saying “We belong together.”

-Earth Prayers

During the Advent season, as we prepare our hearts for the incomparable gift of the Word made flesh, we may also be exchanging gifts and acknowledging that thoughtfulness by writing “Thank you” notes. This month, our EarthCARE committee is delighted to share notes of appreciation for the gift of our land at the IHM Center.

Sara Melick, friend and member of our EarthCARE committee and Marywood University professor and instructor in environmental science, asked her students in two courses—Ecology, and Water the Essential Ingredient—to reflect on time they spent at the IHM Center, volunteering or attending class at the land restoration. Their notes are so many that we’ll have to devote another EarthCARE update to more of their insights and expressions of gratitude. For now, here is a sampling of some of these lovely “Thank you” notes from students in Water the Essential Ingredient, a course for science and non-science majors:

I am very glad to hear that there is still hope for people with bright & radiant souls that will make a difference in gardening, with different plants and flowers & vegetation. It does not take a genius to make a difference in our green world, it just takes a little effort and patience. Thank you for all the work you do in order to keep the green world in better shape.

Not only was it interesting to see how the topics we are discussing in class are being implemented into places near campus but it was also intriguing to see just how much of a difference things like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and planting native species can affect visitors’ emotions…The IHM center acted as a space of peace and reflection for all its visitors… The center showed a passion for conservation and regulation of native land and species, enforcing the importance of working alongside nature instead of against it.

Walking through this space was very peaceful as well as educational! Thank you for letting us be there! It is amazing to be able to look at an example of a space that utilizes many of the sustainable practices I have been learning about for the past three years. This space is also very relaxing for me. Being able to listen to the quiet hum of nature with very little interruptions is always a welcome feeling.

It is a beautiful space that emphasizes the idea of nature and us coexisting and creating harmony. The day we spent there in class absolutely changed how I see environmental spaces and has given me the urge to make change in my local community.

It was refreshing to see a space that is fully focused on respecting and restoring the environment so close to my home. I had never been to the IHM center before our class, and it was honestly surprising to see such a nice space hidden within Marywood. We talk a lot in class about the ideal ways to take care of our environment, and seeing those ways be actually put into practice like permeable pavement, rain barrels, and a wide range of plants is really cool.

It was fun to go outside for class and to explore all the different plants and to see restoration in nature done specifically at our school and what ways we can help to keep this process going.

I enjoyed how peaceful and quiet the space was. It was very relaxing and is one of my favorite places to visit during this semester. The space was well-kept and clean which is how we want our earth to be. The space gives an environment for animals to live and prosper. I enjoyed this space and what it is doing for our environment.

I hadn’t been to the land restoration since two years ago when I was a freshman. At that time, it was still being worked on but I could tell it was going to be a really important and beautiful project. Now, two years later, being able to see how much it’s developed and learning about all of the environmental projects that go into maintaining it, I can confidently say I appreciate it way more. It’s such a serene place and being able to see plants and animals thrive in their natural habitat gives me hope for the area. It definitely shows that even small spaces can have a big impact.

Thank you to IHM for allowing us to experience this.