The River Raisin Institute was founded in October 2003 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM). The institute grew out of the sisters’ commitment to sustainability.

The River Raisin Institute sponsors educational works with the goal to respect, nurture, and promote the well-being of all creation. The institute collaborates with others to promote transformational learning and sustainable community for the 21st century and beyond.

The River Raisin Institute works in partnership with communities who seek to develop, revitalize or preserve sustainable systems of living in order to improve the health of their community. This work flows from a deep belief in the sacredness and interdependence of all creation.

Working side-by-side partner communities, the Institute offers holistic approaches to lessen or eliminate systemic challenges to sustainable living that are confronting their desire to live in a more balanced way.

It is hoped that the mutual exchange of knowledge, values and technologies that result from this common purpose and work will transform and empower all involved as well as inspire others to move toward a more life-affirming culture and practice of sustainable living.

For those of us who are enthusiastic about organic gardening or folks who just prefer to go organic we have good news! The River Raisin Institute will be selling organic seedlings this spring. We will have numerous options for tomatoes and peppers and at least one for egg plants. One interesting seedling is the Early Detroit tomato. Early Detroit was released by D.M. Ferry Seed Company of Detroit in 1909 and is a medium sized, round, pink slicing tomato with excellent flavor.

All the seeds will be USDA organic. Many are old, favorite heirloom varieties.

All the seeds will be started in soil blocks using Dairy Doo’s 101 Seed Starter, (USDA organic certified) and up potted using 301 Veggie Doo (also USDA certified organic). Dairy Doo is a great company located in Sears, Michigan. Many, but not all, of the seeds will be purchased from Michigan suppliers as well.

The sale will be Saturday, May 4 th from 10 am – 3 pm at the garden gazebo on the IHM Campus.

Seedlings can be preordered with the link below or by calling Marion Martyres at 734-240-9754. Preordered seedlings will be available for pick up Friday May 3rd from 5 pm to 8 pm at the garden gazebo on the IHM Campus.

Purchase at pickup, cash or credit cards are acceptable. The price is $5.50 / seedling. The seedling catalog is available from the RRI office.

Link to Google Sheet with more info! (Separate tabs for catalog and ordering)

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April 2024