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FeedAbout that barn in Blacklick
If it weren’t for a roadside barn on North Waggoner Road, you might drive by Shepherd’s Corner, a 160-acre farm and ecology center run by the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Blacklick.
The farm, which is open to the public, has been in operation since 1992, when several Dominican sisters were asked to live on the property and examine how the Catholic Church could educate the public about caring for the land. “In the past 20 years, it’s just grown and evolved with a lot of wonderful commitment from sisters, volunteers, neighbors . . . people who believe in caring for land, life and spirit,” says sister Rose Ann Van Buren. As the director, she keeps activities running smoothly, secures funding and educates others about the farm.
But to understand its mission, you have to understand the Sisters.
“We take three vows: poverty, chastity and obedience,” explains Van Buren, adding that the sisters believe their first calling is to preach God’s word, a discipline that is always evolving. “We try to be peace and then bring peace to the world. How can we live nonviolently in a world consumed by violence?”
To that end, the farm has a no-slaughter policy, so the sheep, chickens, llamas and turkeys that live on the land are not killed for food. Sheep provide wool and manure, llamas protect sheep from potential predators, chickens and turkeys provide eggs while helping to control the insects and the animals also are an integral part of the education programs for both children and adults.
Programs at Shepherd’s Corner include nature and labyrinth walks, art classes and gardening workshops. There also is a meditation trail, which was funded by the Capitol Square Rotary and created by students from Upper Arlington High School. The center, at 987 N. Waggoner Rd.,
is open to the public Fridays from 11 am to
6 pm through Nov. 18, when it closes for winter. (It usually reopens in mid to late March.)
Van Buren says the center is passionate about creating community within the space, which is why she loves to see involvement from volunteers and school groups. There’s even an occasional connection to businesses and other nonprofits, too. For example, vegetables grown in the on-site garden—which is chemical-free—are sold to the Pearl Alley Farmers’ Market, the Bexley Natural Market, the Greener Grocer (which supports the educational nonprofit Local Matters) and several restaurants as well. You also can buy fresh produce at the center’s barn every Tuesday until late November from 3 to 7 pm.
Shepherd’s Corner is meant to be a respite for city dwellers. “All are welcome here. I find the land very healing, and I know that’s true for the people who come here,” says Van Buren. “It’s amazing. Waggoner Road is very busy, but once you get into the meadows, somehow you lose the noise.”
Taylor Swope
