Caring for Nature
MA Center Chicago is home to organic herb and vegetable gardens, fruit orchards, waterways and native prairie. The diversity of habitats surrounding the center supports a wide variety of plant and animal species. Committed to putting Amma's teachings on caring for nature into practice, the center strives to be a model of environmental sustainability — with a comprehensive recycling program, composting, and environmental projects throughout the year.
Orchard & Permaculture Seva
Volunteers gather regularly to tend the orchards and gardens — planting and pruning fruit trees, mulching, weeding and harvesting. The center has hosted permaculture theory practicums with teachers such as Darren Doherty, exploring keyline design, soil regeneration and working with the land's natural contours. Each season the harvest becomes teas, herbs and natural dyes — including an annual madder-root harvest used for natural dyeing.
Restoring Harmony in Nature
Guided by Amma's wish that we care for the earth as our own mother, the community runs source-reduction and cleanup efforts, installs bluebird nest boxes with AYUDH and the youth, and joins the wider Geneva community each year for World Cleanup Day around Amma's birthday. To join the seva, email macc.seva@macenters.org.
