conservancy for healing and heritage - franklin, wi
I recently happened upon The Conservancy for Healing and Heritage as I searched Google Maps for local nature conservancies. I had not heard of it before and I was intrigued. So this week I went there to check it out. I'm so glad that I did.
Located behind the parking lot of the Reiman Cancer Center at 74th and Rawson in Franklin, the Conservancy is part of a 36-acre natural habitat, and includes The Reiman Healing Chapel, WE Energies Foundation Healing Garden, walking trails, and Kopmeier Lake. Their mission is to welcome all who seek wellness, respite, and peace. Nature heals. The Conservancy embraces, and shares, the concept. They also partner with other local organizations and groups to provide opportunities for nature education, and hold classes and lectures in the healing chapel. Class and lecture fees may apply.
The land surrounding the forest and Kopmeier Lake are both remnants from the Ice Age. They are Milwaukee County's only kettle and glacier lake. Recent studies by the DNR determined that the 10-acre spring-fed glacial lake has excellent water, and no degradation. A status the Conservancy intends to preserve for future generations.
Although the day of my visit the weather was a very un-spring-like gray and cold day, the trails were still lovely. Bits of green were starting to pop out on the trees, and skunk cabbage was blooming. The walking trail loop is short, under a mile. There is a large wooden staircase that leads from the upper level down to the lake level trail, and past the nearly completed lake pier (estimated completion end of May). That loops back to the mid-way trail, which is a bit steep, but very manageable, and on up to the main level and the healing gardens. There are many benches along the way, and some overlook decks as well. Plenty of opportunity to sit and relax, bird-watch, meditate on the surroundings.
A visit to the Healing Chapel is quiet, peaceful, contemplative, and comes with a stellar view of the surrounding natural environment. If you're visiting, take a few minutes to enjoy this calming space.
Wildlife are abundant here. I spotted turkey feathers on the trail, and some woodpeckers along the birding boardwalk. I'm told Pileated Woodpeckers visit here. I hope for the chance to see one. Special birding events are offered here as well.
Plans are under way for a trail that circles Kopmeier Lake. Fundraising is still being done to achieve this portion of the project. Sponsorships for various projects are still available for anyone interested.
Entrance to the Reiman Healing Chapel, We Energies Foundation Healing Garden, and trails is Free (donations welcome).
The garden and trail are open daily sunrise to sunset.
The Reiman Healing Chapel is open Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm, unless a special event is in progress.
Location: Behind 7410 W. Rawson Avenue, Franklin, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, click here.
Located behind the parking lot of the Reiman Cancer Center at 74th and Rawson in Franklin, the Conservancy is part of a 36-acre natural habitat, and includes The Reiman Healing Chapel, WE Energies Foundation Healing Garden, walking trails, and Kopmeier Lake. Their mission is to welcome all who seek wellness, respite, and peace. Nature heals. The Conservancy embraces, and shares, the concept. They also partner with other local organizations and groups to provide opportunities for nature education, and hold classes and lectures in the healing chapel. Class and lecture fees may apply.
The land surrounding the forest and Kopmeier Lake are both remnants from the Ice Age. They are Milwaukee County's only kettle and glacier lake. Recent studies by the DNR determined that the 10-acre spring-fed glacial lake has excellent water, and no degradation. A status the Conservancy intends to preserve for future generations.
Although the day of my visit the weather was a very un-spring-like gray and cold day, the trails were still lovely. Bits of green were starting to pop out on the trees, and skunk cabbage was blooming. The walking trail loop is short, under a mile. There is a large wooden staircase that leads from the upper level down to the lake level trail, and past the nearly completed lake pier (estimated completion end of May). That loops back to the mid-way trail, which is a bit steep, but very manageable, and on up to the main level and the healing gardens. There are many benches along the way, and some overlook decks as well. Plenty of opportunity to sit and relax, bird-watch, meditate on the surroundings.
A visit to the Healing Chapel is quiet, peaceful, contemplative, and comes with a stellar view of the surrounding natural environment. If you're visiting, take a few minutes to enjoy this calming space.
Wildlife are abundant here. I spotted turkey feathers on the trail, and some woodpeckers along the birding boardwalk. I'm told Pileated Woodpeckers visit here. I hope for the chance to see one. Special birding events are offered here as well.
Plans are under way for a trail that circles Kopmeier Lake. Fundraising is still being done to achieve this portion of the project. Sponsorships for various projects are still available for anyone interested.
Entrance to the Reiman Healing Chapel, We Energies Foundation Healing Garden, and trails is Free (donations welcome).
The garden and trail are open daily sunrise to sunset.
The Reiman Healing Chapel is open Monday - Friday, 8am to 5pm, unless a special event is in progress.
Location: Behind 7410 W. Rawson Avenue, Franklin, WI (Milwaukee County)
For more information, click here.
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