Candace Minster, environmental education/volunteer coordinator

Candace Minster

Education has been the focus at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, since it opened in 1995.

Children get their hands dirty in the organic and biodynamic gardens and greenhouse, see alpacas up close, walk the nature trail and connect with their environment in ways that are sometimes unique to each child.

Candace Minster passes on her excitement of nature to others as the environmental education/volunteer coordinator at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.

This Rochester, Indiana, native and Indiana University graduate with degrees in ecology and religion and English has a dedication to eco-justice that comes through in the way she lives and teaches.

"This place is a wonderful educational resource and it’s beautiful," she said. "I hope visitors are impressed with the staff here and see how dedicated we are. I want people who visit us to get hooked on sustainability and walk away with a feeling of ‘wow!’"

Unique learning opportunities

A working organic farm with alpacas makes a great outdoor classroom. Environmental education programs are offered for children ages 6 and up. Girl Scouts can earn environmental badges. Day camps are popular in the summer. Adults find value in our tours and monthly workshops.

Keep it simple

It’s easy to think eco-justice is an all or nothing idea. Candace doesn’t want people to feel overwhelmed with all that can be done and do nothing.

"I hope participants in our programs and those who tour the property become more aware of their own surroundings and learn simple ways of improving those surroundings," she said. "Hopefully people walk away with ideas of how to live more simply," she said — even if it’s turning off the faucet to conserve water while brushing your teeth.

Candace can be reached by e-mail at cminster@spsmw.org or by phone at 812-535-2935.