Genesis Farm was founded as an affiliate of GEA in 1980 by Miriam Therese MacGillis. It is a center for environmental and world order learning, and for workshops and seminars that explore the sacred human-earth connection.

History

Genesis Farm was founded in l980 by the Dominican Sisters of Caldwell, New Jersey. This 140 acre farm, with its rolling hills, woodlands, marshes, its houses and farm buildings, was bequested by Rupert and Mary Von Boecklin who had lived and farmed here since the l940's. Before their arrival, Genesis Farm had been in the Kerr and DePuy families. Over the years it had been used for cattle dairy and sheep farming and was known as the Red Cat Farm to the people in this area.

There had never been any association between the Von Boecklin family and the Dominican Sisters, but through some providential purpose this farm was left to the sisters who use it as a new expression of their traditional work in education.

The decade of the l970's marked a growing awareness of the urgent problems that were affecting the planet worldwide. The pollution of air, water and soils had been documented by Rachel Carson and a steady stream of other scientific and ecological writers. During the 60's and 70's the small-farm crisis had also become evident. Racism and war had torn deep rifts in the fabric of our national life, and the connections between our local and global problems had become much clearer.

This is the context in which the Dominican Sisters founded Genesis Farm. Reflecting on these major issues had prompted them to deepen their commitment to education as a way to help shape a more hopeful future.

 

Purpose

Genesis Farm attempts to address the basic issues of our time in concert with other people. It was founded to make this land and its facilities available, where all people of good will are welcome. Here they raise serious questions about these crises and evoke the rich spiritual insights that are already within the hearts of all people. Genesis Farm focuses on the connections between the health and sustainability of the Earth itself and the health of human communities as experienced in particular regions. Most importantly it supports individuals to be part of creating that health, both inwardly and outwardly.

Biologists, physicists, and other scientists continue to adjust their perceptions of Earth as a living organism in its own right. Their writings make it ever more clear that human beings much alter their most basic perceptions about themselves and the Earth, that the survival of the human species must be considered within the broader context of how nature is surviving, how the air, water and soil nutrients are faring in their ancient but newly challenged cycles and patterns.

 We realize there are no easy or quick answers. We try to learn more and experiment with changing ourselves and our own behavior. We recognize the difficulty of this and encourage ourselves to be creative and hopeful rather than discouraged or 'paralyzed' into non-action.

Genesis Farm is rooted in a belief that the universe, the Earth and all reality, are permeated by the presence and the power of that ultimate Holy Mystery that has been so deeply and richly expressed in the world's spiritual traditions. We try to ground our ecological and agricultural work in this deep belief. This Sacred Mystery, known by so many religious names, is the common thread in our efforts here.

 

Facilities

The heart of the Ecological Learning center is the farmhouse with its large teaching kitchen and surrounding out-buildings, some built before 1850. Bread and Roses, the large former residence of the Von Boecklins, has accommodations for up to ten long term guests. Five large tepees provide an excellent and unique shelter experience.

The Resource Library, with a media area and a rich collection of periodicals and books, supports our programs including those given for undergraduate and graduate credit. There is also a special collection of books, maps, and other resources which offer specific information about the natural history and culture of this particular bioregion of northwest New Jersey.

Our Book Store contains a wide selection of books, tapes and gifts for adults and children.

Would you like to join our circle of friends? Much of our work is supported by volunteer efforts and by the tax deductible contributions of our friends. If you cannot make a donation at this time, but would like to subscribe to our newsletter, please included $10 to cover its yearly cost. This is usually published two or three times a year and includes our schedule of cooking classes, weekend seminars, Earth Literacy programs, children's programs and other events.

Activities

One focus of our activities is our own relationship to this land. Since l986 Genesis Farm has been developing a community-supported biodynamic garden. Some 190 families are now shareholders in this project. Their investment provides the economic basis for the cultivation of vegetables and the establishment of an orchard. In turn, the food is grown for them in a very responsible way.

Trying to connect the people of an area with their local food supply is an important step toward bringing small farms back into the mainstream of the U.S. economy. All of our food is cultivated without the use of synthetic chemicals. Most of the labor employed is human labor and it is done with a deep spiritual commitment and love.

Another major activity at Genesis Farm is its Ecological Learning Center which offers a wide variety of programs, including a 12 week accredited graduate certificate program. These programs provide learning experiences many of which are hands-on ways for people to make practical changes that will bring them into a closer relationship with nature and into a more deeply satisfying inner fulfillment.

2000 Programs atGenesis Farm

(all 1999 seminars arefull)

 

Exploring the Sacred Universe

2000
3-Week Programs: April 15 - May 5; July 3-23
2-Week Program: August 18-31

This is an excellent emersion for those seeking deeper understanding of the Universe Story and its implications for living in harmony with nature. Balanced with input, discussion, reflection time, field trips and hands-on activities, participants will experience outdoor prayer and ritual, the arts, stargazing, stone history, gardening, an earth meditation pathway, natural foods cooking and much more. Academic credit available. Request information.

(Note: The July program has a special emphasis for educators.)

Cost: $725 (2-week program)

$970 (3-week program)

Please pay $175 with registration. Inquire about the cost of taking this program for credit.

If at all possible, it is recommended that participants remain at Genesis Farm after the two-week seminar for a third week of integration. There is an additional cost of $245.

 

2000 Extended Earth Literacy Program

Six Weeks: August 18 - September 28     
Twelve Weeks: August 18 - November 9

The Earth Literacy Program begins with the two-week intensive seminar, Exploring the Sacred Universe and continues with the modules, The Epic of Evolution (wks. 4-6) Bioregionalism: Path to Sustainability (Wks. 7-9), and Recovering the Wisdom Traditions (wks 10-12).

Cost: $2,300 (6 weeks) $4,600 (12 weeks)

During these longer term Earth Literacy programs, participants live, study, reflect and work together in a highly independent and experiential learning process. They are also encouraged to deepen their experience of the natural world and develop practical living skills for a more ecological lifestyle. The program provides time for reflection and integration.

Request a brochure with more detailed information about each module, academic credit and the costs for credit participation.

 

Living and Communicating the Universe Story

Upcoming dates tba

This is a five-day process for individuals who have a deep awareness of the Universe Story and are seeking ways to integrate it more actively into daily living. This experience is for those who embrace the new cosmology but find it difficult to express it to family, friends and professional colleagues.

Cost: $275

 

Exploring the Sacred Universe: An Invitation to Young Adults (age 18-30)

Dates: June 1-5, 2000

Genesis Farm is eager to welcome young adults who are searching for a larger context for their lives, one which enables them to carry their concerns and hopes for the Earth...and to see with new insights and direction.

 

New Cosmology Camping Retreats

5 day: June 14-18, 2000
3 day: September 15-17, 2000

Love to camp?  Would you love time in the wild to ponder insights of the story of the galaxies, stars, elements, sun, earth, moon, water, soil, air, plants, animals?  Tell stories around a campfire.  Wake to the light of a new day.  Take contemplative walks in the woods, around a lake, near wetlands.   Contact Genesis Farm for more information.

 

Directions toGenesis Farm

41A Silver Lake Road
Blairstown, NJ 07825
Ph.# - 908-362-6735
Fax - 908-362-9387

By Car: Take Route 80 to exit 12 (Blairstown-Hope). Take exit ramp north toward Blairstown (Route 521) Within a half-mile make the first right onto route 608 (Silver Lake Road). Follow this for approximately 4.5 miles. On the right there is a "Genesis Farm" sign at the end of our driveway (near mailboxes for 41A and 41B). If you reach Route 94, you have gone about 500 yards too far.