Prairie Oaks Institute at Robert Creek

The mission of Prairie Oaks Institute at Robert Creek is to cultivate ways of living and leading that affirm the interdependence of all living things and connect self, spirit, community and earth for a resilient, renewed future.

We put our mission in action by sponsoring educational and leadership programs, offering our farm campus for retreat and renewal and connecting with communities to promote sustainability.

Our site includes 20 acres of land and two houses donated by the Devine family to secure and preserve the family's Century Farm in Belle Plaine for future generations. The land is adjacent to 180 acres still owned by the Devine family where organic wheat, alfalfa and soybeans are grown. On its way to the Minnesota River, Robert Creek meanders through uniquely pristine landscapes that transition from oak savannah to sand-hill prairie.

Prairie Oaks is truly sacred space where people come to reflect and learn and to leave with a renewed sense of purpose. A donated granary on the Devine property has been converted to a recreational site and sits in a pasture overlooking the Robert Creek ravine. Through an agreement with the Devine family, it also serves as a place for fellowship and reflection for those at Prairie Oaks.

Harvest House has been readied as an accessible guest house for those seeking a place for rest and renewal for a day or overnight. The original Farmhouse is available for day use and is currently undergoing renovation and repair.

We hold community potlucks every other month, bringing together people for food and free-flowing conversation. Our Living and Learning from the Land series brings thought leaders to Prairie Oaks to stimulate discussion and educate participants.

We were excited to offer our first "Courage and Renewal Retreat" in early October. Based on the work of Parker Palmer, "Seeds, Seasons and the Undivided Life" was targeted to young adults seeking to explore the purpose and meaning of their life and work.

Bringing together people and organizations with like goals is also part of our mission. Our on-going collaboration with Open Arms of Minnesota has led to the development of Open Farms - a 2-acre organic vegetable garden which produced 20,000 pounds of organic produce this past season for the food program which provides meals to individuals with chronic illnesses and their families.