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Open in new tab Making ‘sense’ of nature—News Article
Sister Shirley Shafranek, of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, demonstrates sound makers such as a set of colorful plumbing pipes on the wall that sound different tones as well as a cowbell, a wash board, gourds and a tin can that make noise in the “hear” section of the new Sensory Garden. A colorful sign proclaims the garden has been established in 2020. A pond is included in the garden, and one corner (below??????) features butterfly and succulent flower beds.
Seeds of Hope—News Article
Seeds of Hope Farm Market is back in business this year with the help of workers from Seneca County Opportunity Center.
Sister Shirley Shafranek of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center, which operates the market, said the center received a grant from the Betty Jane Foundation this year to provide jobs for disabled people. The new employees are assisting with the market by picking vegetables and stocking the tables, and also cleaning, weeding, watering and doing other tasks.
Sensory Garden Survey
Click HERE to take the Sensory Garden Survey
The new Sensory Garden at FELC is almost finished! Filled with beautiful live plants and other features, this unique, inviting space encourages visitors of all ages to explore the garden using every sense–touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing, with colorful signs to educate and guide the way. Children will especially enjoy interacting with multiple fairy gardens and visiting with the rabbits, chickens, a duck and even a small fish pond. The area also includes a new picnic area complete with new plastic lumber picnic tables, benches and sun sails. The Sensory Garden is made possible through generous grant funding by the Meshech Frost Foundation and the Foundation for Sustainability and Innovation. All are welcome!
FELC’s Camp in a Box to provide nature-related activities for kids
Franciscan Earth Literacy Center is creating a new way to keep kids engaged with nature-related activities this summer. Because FELC’s usual lineup of day camps is questionable this year, the staff is putting together a Camp in a Box program.
The boxes are the brainchild of Environmental Educator Samantha Busack.
“It came about when the state first starting shutting everything down,” she said.
Staff members were faced with the idea of not being able to offer camps at all.
Johnston finds her role ‘endlessly interesting’
In its 25th year of operating, the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center has a new director. Mimi Lange Johnston started her new role in early June. “The time has really gone quickly,” she said. “There’s so much to do. There’s so many different aspects to the job, but most of it is fun.” A Tiffin native, Johnston graduated from Calvert High School in 1981, and then studied music at Ashland College.
FELC celebrating 25th anniversary
The Franciscan Earth Literacy Center on the campus of the Sisters of St. Francis is celebrating its 25th anniversary. In 1994, the center opened in one office with the goal of teaching people to have healthy relationships with nature and educating people about environmental sustainability.
