the gift of nature

The Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in Franklin, WI

Finally, the weather has turned and there are signs of new life everywhere. Green leaves sprouting on trees, flowers and plants sprouting up from below in gardens and prairies and parks.  A few weeks back I was lamenting the hanging on of winter, and a cold, cold spring.  It was during those gray days I visited three different nature preserves. And I found, even lacking the warmth of spring sunshine, that I was grateful for the gifts of nature surrounding us.  

A budding tree at The Conservancy for Healing and Heritage in Franklin

A recurring theme in all three of these hikes is the gift of conservation.  All of them exist today because in decades past others saw the value in preserving the land, and leaving it in tact for future generations.  They saw the value in preserving the land for wildlife, for the environment, for the earth.  They saw the value in preserving native plant life, for the birds, the bees, and every creature in-between.  They worked the lands, restored it where it needed restoring, and they made a plan to hand it down to future generations, and ensured its safety from commercial destruction.  A Gift of Nature indeed.

I recently visited Retzer Nature Center in Waukesha, The Conservancy For Healing And Heritage in Franklin, and Saller Woods, in Rochester.  They are all beautiful and peaceful natural spaces. All offer something special to those who visit.  And they all have a story to tell. A tale of those who worked to protect and preserve the land.  I've tried to include some of the history in each profile, but I encourage you to follow the links provided and discover even more, if you are interested.

I am grateful to those souls who left us these gifts of nature. And I dream of gifts we can leave for future generations as well.

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A woodland trail at Retzer Nature Center

Retzer Nature Center is a public nature preserve and educational center in Waukesha.  Within its gorgeous 450 acres you will find nature hiking trails that wind through prairie, forest, and wetland habitat.  The property was initially owned and restored by John and Florence Retzer, who planted over 26,000 trees, shrubs and flowers in their lifetime.  they donated the property to Waukesha County for park purposes only, wanting to conserve the natural life, and wildlife, for future generations.  Read More:

One of several boardwalks at Retzer Nature Center

Located behind the parking lot of the Reiman Cancer Center at 74th and Rawson in Franklin, the Conservancy For Healing and Heritage 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. Read More:

A duo of winding paths draw you in at the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage

A chapel with a view at the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage

One of two large ponds along the trails at Saller Woods

On a recent trip to the Burlington area to explore Case Eagle Park, I noticed, just off Hwy 36, a small parking lot in front of a stone monument and a forest opening.  I was intrigued.  A search on Google Maps named the site as Saller Woods.  I saved the location and two weeks later went back to check it out.  It was so worth the trip!

Read More:

A memorial stone at the entrance to Saller Woods