The Ribbon is Cut!
Over 25 years ago, the vision of the Felician Sisters became a reality. It started with a plan for a healing garden and healing chapel as part of their cancer center expansion to serve and support the sick.
Thank you to everyone for your donations, support and steadfast patience. This Ribbon Cutting meant as much to us as it does to you and the community we serve.
On-going support needed
We are privately funded by individual donations. Future improvements and program support is needed.
A $50 donation will help one person attend a program who otherwise couldn't afford it. Please consider supporting.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
Welcome to the Conservancy
Located in Franklin, WI, the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in Franklin, Wisconsin features a rare combination of ecosystems. Founded by the vision of the Felician Sisters and carried forward by the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, this sacred land, with a 70 year history to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, is open to the public.
Mission
We are dedicated to being responsible stewards of the environment by conserving an exceptional 36-acre parcel of forestland and a glacial lake. We offer the Reiman Healing Chapel, We Energies Foundation Healing Garden and Lake & Nature Trails for all who seek nature to improve their well-being. We are especially passionate about supporting and comforting those experiencing physical or emotional distress or disease. The Conservancy promotes respect and appreciation for the natural world through emphasis on the care of creation for all ages.
Purpose
The Conservancy's mission is expressed through our Three Pillars of Service
- Health and Healing
- Spiritual Enrichment and Education
- Care Creation and Conservation
History
The Felician Sisters along with the Wheaton Franciscan Sisters founded and funded the Conservancy as a commitment to their healthcare ministries. The Cancer Center and a healing garden was the goal.
Care Creation and Care of the Sick and community brought the Conservancy to fruition on land that was born of the Ice Age. Carved by glaciers that created a steep gravel ridge which retreated, leaving behind an enormous block of ice buried in the outwash. That mammoth cube melted to become a 70 ft deep spring fed lake.
Today, the Conservancy continues the Sisters founding principles to serve those in need.
1889 - Kopmeier Family purchases the land
1955 - Kopmeier Family donate to Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Archdiocese utilizes land and lake for retreats, rest and rejuvenation. We continue that tradition today.
2003 - Founded by the Felician Sisters and Wheaton Franciscan Sisters, the Conservancy is established as a 501(c)3
2005 - Conservancy purchases 36 acres including Kopmeier Lake (also known as Priests Lake) for the future healing garden and healing chapel
2016 - Reiman Healing Chapel in the Woods is open to the public
2020 - Healing Garden construction. The two observation decks and stairs are completed on the Healing Trails
2021 - completion of the Healing Garden and Lake & Nature Trails
2022 - Olive & Eunice Toussaint Foundation Educational Pier/Observation Deck is finished
September 2022 - Ribbon Cutting
We serve our community in spiritual health and well-being and education.
St. Alphonsus Parish - Greendale
St. Francis Hospital
Franklin High School
Archdiocese of Milwaukee
Ascension Wisconsin
Reiman Cancer Center
St. Gregory the Great Parish - Milwaukee
St. Mary's Parish - Hales Corners
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton - New Berlin
Wheaton Franciscan Sisters
Faith Community Church
Badgerland Birding
Franklin Business Park Consortium
Holy Family Parish
Everyday Wellness
.....and more
Sponsor the Conservancy or the Lake & Nature Trails.
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Funds raised is $5.4 million with $120,000 needed to reach goal.
A memorial or honorarium is a way to recognize a family member or friend.
No gift is too small. To find out ways you can help click the button below.