Conservancy for Healing and Heritage
Conservancy for Healing and Heritage
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  • Programs and Events
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LAKE AND NATURE TRAILS

Woodland Trails

 Naming Sponsorship available - contact Susan @ 414.510.4771 or susan@theconservancy.org  


Nature lovers will enjoy the beauty of the woodlands and wetlands as they walk through the Conservancy on just under one mile of woodland and wetland trail.    


Along the lake trails, there are two observation decks with spectacular views of Kopmeier Lake and the surrounding forest.  A staircase safely takes the visitor down the kettle from the upper Trail to the lower Trail. Twelve rustic resting benches have been strategically placed along the walkway.  When you reach the lake, a covered deck and pier provide pristine views of Kopmeier Lake.  As you wind your way through the wetland and woodland trail, inspirational shrines dot the path. 


Dogs are welcome! Please keep them leashed, and clean up after them. Waste bags are provided at the trail head. 

Kopmeier Lake

About 15 acres in size, Kopmeier Lake is on of the only glacier lakes in Milwaukee County. Created by the Ice Age over 10,000 years ago, it is spring fed and a jewel of nature attracting wildlife of all kinds.


The nature trails and Kopmeier Lake provide an educational and unique experience on historic conservancy land.

The Nature Trails and Kopmeier Lake serve as an "environmental learning lab."

Islands of Brilliance Visit

We welcomed Islands of Brilliance to the Conservancy.  They develop learning experiences for children and young adults on the autism spectrum. 


Another example of how we serve the community - ALL the community - and improve our well-being through a profound connection with nature.


Check out their visit in this video.

Exploring and Learning

There is something for everyone at the Conservancy

There is nothing quite like it anywhere else.  A sparkling, spring-fed body of water that plunges 75ft at its deepest. On the high ground above this glacial lake is a forest of high-quality hardwoods with a forest floor alive with flowers and mushrooms. This idyllic retreat is a little jewel that has been hiding in plain sight for well over a century.  


And it's on its way to being one of the most attractive and innovative nature preserves in the state.  


The Lake and Nature Trails are accessible to everyone and serve as an "environmental learning lab" for all ages.  What can you learn at the Conservancy?


  • You can learn about the forest habitat including various plant and wildlife species.  Bird migration in the Spring along with resident birds who call the Conservancy home.  


  • We serve as a study lab for students. They learn and work on the Conservancy, helping us manage the land while studying a vast array of conservation, environmental and health topics. There is no destination that offers unique educational lessons like these for all ages.


  • And you'll have opportunities to learn about conservation, forest bathing and preserving our environment from experts. You may want to explore on your own the nooks and crannies of the Trail, observing nature undisturbed.  Who knows what you'll discover!


The Conservancy serves a broad and beneficial range of interests: environmental, conservation, health and well-being, education and heritage.


Educational Partnerships

 We are pleased to have Franklin High School ECO Club and AP Environmental Sciences classes as learning partners.  Students assist with land stewardship by monitoring flora and fauna, identifying invasive species, and developing initiatives to maintain an ecological balance on the property.  The high school’s environmental curriculum is supported and enhanced by our partnership, as field studies allow the property to serve as an "environmental learning lab" outdoor classroom.  We are confident that our collaborative efforts will enhance and maintain the quality of the Conservancy, while creating well-informed young men and women, ready to continue to make a difference in society.  


Additional partnerships are welcome.  Contact us for more information.

WUWM radio article and interview featuring Franklin High School students and teacher Mr. Gain

Article and interview here

Photo Gallery


    International Society of Nature and Forest Medicine

    "There has been rigorous evidence showing the therapeutic effects of forests.  First, the forest environment can boost the immune system by increasing the number of natural killer cells, which may facilitate recovery from cancer. Second, forests can relieve the symptoms of environmental diseases.  Third, forests can improve psychological stability in patients with depression and alcoholism. Finally, forests offer many other benefits such as improving cognitive ability.  A study showed a 30 min trek decreased negative feelings such as stress, depression, anger, fatigue, anxiety and confusion and improved cognitive skills. gather our peaceful thoughts, rid ourselves of stress, and begin our journeys of healing our bodies and spirits."

    Sponsor the Nature Trail

    Naming rights for the Trail is $200,000.  Other sponsorship options are available.  No gift is too small. And we appreciate every one. 

    Pay with PayPal or a debit/credit card

    Copyright © 2018 Conservancy for Healing and Heritage - All Rights Reserved.

      PO Box 320305

      Franklin WI 53132

      414.510.4771


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