more photos below |
First AcreMaker Recognition Breakfast
Benedictine Women of Madison and Benedictine Life Foundation held a breakfast on July 25th to recognize people who have made a minimum contribution or pledge of $5,000 or more to the Environmental Endowment to become members of the AcreMaker Club.
Neal Smith, executive director of Benedictine Life Foundation, announced that a section of the prairie has been dedicated to the members of the AcreMaker Club by Benedictine Women of Madison. A bronze plaque has been placed on the prairie located near the monastery. He said that thanks to the AcreMakers, the Environmental Endowment is halfway to its one million dollar goal! |
Lynne Smith, OSB and a member of Benedictine Women of Madison was the keynote speaker. Sister Lynne spoke of Benedictine Women of Madison’s motivations for care of the earth that comes in large part from the spirituality that is lived following The Rule of Benedict, written in the sixth century, as a guide for living.
The AcreMakers were thanked by Sister Lynne “for their support of the land restoration work done on the 130 acres known as Holy Wisdom Monastery. The prairie restoration and the dredging of Lost Lake contribute to the health of the lake by filtering the runoff from the farmland, the golf course and surrounding development before it drains into Lake Mendota. The prairie captures the rain water allowing it to infiltrate the earth and replenish the aquifer. The way the land is taken care of here contributes to the common good of the community around us.”
She went on to say “As AcreMakers you are helping to ensure that people for generations to come will have access to experiencing the beauty of nature and opportunity to encounter the holy through their involvement with the land here.”
Greg Armstrong was thanked for his leadership as chair of the AcreMaker Team, along with team members Sue Jones, Stuart Brooks, Drew Howick, Neal Smith, Merry Jorgensen and Susan Shands.
If you would like information about becoming an AcreMaker, contact Betsy Liotus at bliotus@benedictinewomen.org or call (608)836-1631, ext. 120.
