Living the connections that shape our common home.

The Centre for Integral Ecology is an experiential learning initiative at Ignatius Jesuit Centre. Rooted in the Jesuit tradition and inspired by Laudato Si’, it brings together ecological learning, reflection, community engagement, and hands-on experience with the land.

Drawing on more than 600 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands, gardens, trails, and restoration projects, the Centre for Integral Ecology creates opportunities for people to explore the relationships between ecology, community, spirituality, and everyday life. Through workshops, public events, youth programs, field experiences, research, and dialogue, participants are invited to engage with the ecological and social challenges of our time in practical and meaningful ways.

What Is Integral Ecology?

Integral ecology is a way of understanding the world that recognizes the deep connections between people, communities, ecosystems, and the systems that shape our lives. It begins with the recognition that environmental, social, economic, cultural, and spiritual challenges are interconnected and cannot be addressed in isolation.

Inspired by Pope Francis’ vision in Laudato Si’, integral ecology invites us to move beyond seeing the natural world as a collection of resources and instead understand it as a web of relationships in which we all participate. It asks how we can live in ways that support the wellbeing of people, communities, and the wider community of life.

How We Learn

The Centre for Integral Ecology is grounded in experiential learning. We believe some of our most important learning happens not only through reading and discussion, but through direct engagement with the world around us.

A session on Laudato Si’ may be paired with time on the land. A conversation about food systems may include work in a garden and shared reflection on community and reciprocity. A discussion about biodiversity may lead to participation in habitat restoration and consideration of our responsibilities to future generations. Throughout programs, learning is grounded in direct experience, thoughtful reflection, and practical action.

Learning at the Centre takes place through:

• Workshops and educational programs
• Public talks and community conversations
• Youth and family programming
• Land-based learning experiences
• Conservation and restoration activities
• Research, writing, and publications
• Custom programs for schools, churches, organizations, and workplaces

Current Programs