Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to meet our goals and improve conditions. Your generous donation will fund our mission.
The Ribbon is Cut!
17 years in the making and all the dreams are a reality.
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.
We're planning continued improvements and expansions. But for now, we honor the completion.
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.
ABOUT THE CONSERVANCY
A healing chapel in the woods, a healing garden, nature trails, and a glacier lake.
Welcome to the Conservancy
Located in Franklin, WI, the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in southeastern Wisconsin features a rare combination of ecosystems. This unique piece of land is Milwaukee County’s only kettle and glacier lake. This sacred land, with a history to the Archdiocese of Milwaukee, for the first time will be open to the public.
Mission
We are dedicated to conserving an exceptional 36-acre parcel of forestland and a glacial lake by offering the Reiman Healing Chapel, We Energies Foundation Healing Garden and Lake & Nature Trails for all who seek nature's tranquility and improved well-being. We are especially passionate about supporting and comforting those experiencing physical, emotional or mental distress or disease. The Conservancy promotes respect and appreciation for the natural world through educational opportunities for all ages.
Purpose
The Conservancy's mission is expressed through our Three Pillars of Service
- Health and Healing
- Environmental Education
- Conservancy and Nature
We provide a conduit to the healing power of nature, outstanding environmental education opportunities, unique community enrichment experiences focused on health, wellness, nature and personal development and a commitment to conserving this beautiful land and its rich resources for future generations.
Ice-Age History
The land was born of the Ice Age. Carved by glaciers that created a steep gravel ridge which then retreated, leaving behind an enormous block of ice buried in the outwash. That mammoth cube melted to become a 35 ft deep spring fed lake.
1889 - Kopmeier Family purchases the land
1955 - They donate land to Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Archdiocese utilizes land and lake for retreats, rest and rejuvenation. We continue that tradition today and forever.
2003 - Conservancy becomes an independent 501(c)3
2005 - Conservancy purchases 36 acres including Kopmeier Lake and the surrounding woodland and wetland
2016 - Reiman Healing Chapel in the Woods is open to the public
2017 - Initial clearing of the Healing Garden and upper Trail
2018 - Phase II initial work on the Healing Garden and Healing Chapel upgrades begins
2020 - majority of the We Energies Foundation Healing Garden is completed. The two observation decks and stairs are completed on the Healing Trails
2021 - completion of the We Energies Foundation Healing Garden and Lake & Nature Trails
2022 - Olive & Eunice Toussaint Foundation Educational Pier/Observation Deck is finished
September 2022 - Ribbon Cutting and officially completed
The lake and the land around it is protected from future development forever.
Be a Partner! Be a Sponsor!
Partnerships mean the Conservancy is serving our community in spiritual, health and well being and education. (Imagine all that will be happening when it's complete!)
Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network
Franklin High School
The Nature Conservancy
Archdiocese of Milwaukee - Office of Worship
Ascension Healthcare
Reiman Cancer Center
St. Alphonsus Parish - Greendale
St. Mary's Parish - Hales Corners
Aurora Women's Pavilion
Faith Community Church
Milwaukee County Parks
Badgerland Birding
Franklin Business Park Consortium
Everyday Wellness
WI Department of Natural Resources
Shinrin Yoku Madison
.....and more
Sponsor the Conservancy or the Lake & Nature Trails.
BE A HERO! .
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.