Mobilizing faith-based communities around responsible stewardship practices involve two focus areas. They are to increase energy conservation and establish community gardens across Northern Michigan.
Promoting Energy Conservation
With help from a grant from the EPA and our technical partner, Delta Green, Earthkeepers II is carrying out 40 energy audits to churches, temples and synagogues throughout the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and are offering $30,000 in mini grants for help with energy upgrades.
Establishing Community Gardens
Earthkeepers II will build on a vision to establish and maintain a network of interfaith community gardens. These gardens will be designed to preserve native plants, eliminate invasive species, provide and enhance habitat for our essential native pollinators, and provide vegetables, herbs and fruits for food pantries and the wider community. Earthkeepers II is partnering with the U.S. Forest Service, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community and local seed conservation and invasive species management groups.
Spirituality & Environment
In 2004, religious leaders representing 10 faith traditions across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula joined together in an Earthkeeping Covenant. They pledged to bring new levels of spiritual consciousness for efforts preserving natural resources, working with Native American communities, and encouraging efficient energy conservation.