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2024 Annual Report

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Message 2024 Annual Report

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T a b l e o f C o n t e n t sA Thank You Letter...............................3Vision, Passion, Mission.......................4Looking to the Future.........................15Donors and Partners..........................20Board of Directors..............................242 Listen as you read

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Our mission has served an increasing number of people,and we are elated to share with you the plan of a modestWelcome Center on the west end of the property. Thiswill create an additional place for gatherings, wayfinding,and to answer questions in a comfortable and engagingfacility (see pages 16-18). A peaceful experience immersedin nature awaits all who visit.As always, you can reach out to me with questions. If yourplanned-giving and estate-planning desires line up withour mission, we can discuss how this type of supportguarantees the Conservancy will touch the hearts ofgenerations to come. Feel free to contact me atsusan@theconservancy.org.Sincerely,Susan A. RabeChair of the Board and CEOConservancy for Healing and HeritageDear Friends & Ambassadors,32024 Annual Report ~ I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to everysupporter of the Conservancy: donors, partners, friendsand volunteers. Every memorial donation, every thoughtand prayer shared in the Reiman Healing Chapel, everypiece of litter picked up along the Lake & Nature Trails— every act of care, no matter how small, does not gounnoticed. Time and time again, I have had the honor ofhearing how the Conservancy has impacted your lives.Because of you, what started as a mustard seed of faith(20 years ago!), has grown into a reality more beautifulthan imagined.The Reiman Healing Chapel, available for quietreflection, has also blossomed into a remarkabledestination for special life events and retreats. The Lakeand Nature Trails; a favorite spot for nature-walks, isalso an outdoor learning lab for students of all ages. TheWe Energies Foundation Healing Garden; a place forheartfelt talks with friends and reading a good book. Asalways, and most importantly, each of these elementsremain a special sanctuary for anyone seeking aconnection to nature. Each time you give, please knowthat you are supporting a place where you, your lovedones, and your community, can always return.

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VisionPassionMission...born in the late 1990's to provide ahealing garden for cancer patients andtheir families....the Conservancy stays the course tocompletion. Then and now....supporting the greater communityand connecting to nature together.4Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help

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What We DoAs a community based organization, the Conservancy provides a connection to thenatural world for comfort, inspiration, and rejuvenation. Since our founding in2005, thousands of people have experienced this safe, nature-based sanctuarythrough:Open year round, sunrise to sunset, for the community to visit the We EnergiesFoundation Healing Garden, Reiman Healing Chapel and Lake & Nature Trails.Support and survivor groups for those affected by cancer, grief, and other lifechallenges.A multitude of self-enrichment programs each month, including mental andpersonal health retreats.Nature-based programs like Badgerland Birding and old-growth foresteducation.Volunteers who care for the grounds and gardens.An outdoor classroom for local Environmental Science students.MissionWe are dedicated toconserving 36 acres offorest for cancerpatients, their familiesand all who seek natureto improve their well-being.PurposeCare of Creation &ConservationHealth & HealingPersonal Enrichment& Education52024 Annual Report ~

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Cancer patients, their families and staff toreflect and renew their spirit and sense ofhope.Everyone - all backgrounds and abilities.Those who want to experience a safe,nature-based healing space. Those who enjoy exercise, reflection,quietude and connections to nature.Thousands of students each year wholearn conservation and environmentalscience while gaining self-reliance andempathy to those they meet at theConservancy.Who We ServePeople from across the nation have visited the Conservancy; most of our visitors are local:Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help6FranklinGreendaleWaukeshaNew BerlinOtherSurroundingAreasMilwaukeeTeachers and students in learning and professionaldevelopment

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“I walked that area after mychemo and radiationtreatments at the ReimanCancer Center. The [ReimanHealing] Chapel was a sourceof comfort.”~VisitorMichael Christensen MD, Radiation Oncologist, Reiman Cancer Center, Franklin, WI“The Japanese pastime of forest bathing has a number of purported and proven benefits withregards to; health, immunity, and stress reduction. I am thrilled that our patients have readyaccess to the Conservancy for Healing and Heritage giving them, and the community at-large,an opportunity to enjoy the restorative benefits of nature. Coupled with the Reiman HealingChapel and We Energies Healing Garden at our site, I envision a setting where each of mind,body, and spirit can be enhanced and lifted simultaneously.”72024 Annual Report ~

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Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help“This place is an absolute treasure. Both in a natural senseand spiritual sense. I come often. Thank you to all who havemade it possible!”~VisitorMission8

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Our collaborative efforts with youth enhance and maintain thequality of the Conservancy, while creating well-informed youngadults, better equipped for life ahead.The Lake and Nature Trails are an outdoor learning lab for localenvironmental science students to:Monitor flora and faunaID invasive speciesDevelop initiatives to maintain ecological balanceBeing responsible stewards of the environment means caring for the heritage andecosystem of the land for generations to come. The Conservancy is 36 acres of glacial lake,kettle, and ice-age land protected forever in a land easement. It is home to creatures bigand small, like:Towering hardwood treesSquirrels and deerDucks, cranes, owls, and many other species of birdsFrogs, insects, and moreNestled in the city of Franklin, this urban oasis is a rare and valuable ecosystem.Because of your support, we’ve taken care of the built space including the We EnergiesFoundation Healing Gardens. The remaining acres of forest is largely left to care for itself,with local science students who monitor the ecosystem's balance. Organized volunteergroups from SE WI Master Gardeners, Goodwill Industries, and our Friends of theConservancy, maintain the gardens and trails, all to take care of what we have inherited.92024 Annual Report ~

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“A place to get awayfrom daily stresses.”-Visitor97% of visitors feel the Conservancyfacilitates spiritual health “very well”Average of 4 enrichment programs heldeach month with thousands of attendeeseach year67 5 Star Google Reviews100% recommended on FacebookSupport us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help10Step out of the rush and worries of modern life, and into the tranquility of nature. TheConservancy offers self enrichment through the land, Reiman Healing Chapel and otherdesignated areas, as well as unique programs led by skilled practitioners.

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“This is the perfect season for a walk in the Healing Garden, you just feel the calm. Lovethe rope railing, so helpful! Thank you for being in Franklin.”~VisitorThe Conservancy was designed by a teamof skilled professionals, and built withhealing in mind every step of the way tosupport you wherever you are on yourjourney. Whether you attend a retreat,program, special event, or just visit, thereis something here for everyone.Special features of the Conservancy:ADA accessible Reiman Healing Chapel,We Energies Foundation HealingGarden including gazebos, andwalkways and birding deck.New safety rope railing on steepportions of the trail. (Available forsponsorship!)30 resting benches spread along theentire walkable property.112024 Annual Report ~

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“Healing my body & soul after cancer & Covid.”“For peace on my sister's journey & my own healing.”“Came to show the kids and spread kindness.” “A calm, serene area to focus on your thoughts.”“What a blessing in the midst of noise and confusion and haste!”Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help12

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Purpose for visiting:Our visitor’s tell us the following isprovided “Extremely Well:”ContemplationQuietudeEscapeRejuvenationPeacePrayer/meditationPhysicalexerciseSpiritualsupportProgram/classOtherAlone time132024 Annual Report ~

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Our Year in NumbersSelf-enrichment programs, retreats andworkshops.Nature and environmental based programslike birding and old-growth forest education.Support and survivor groups for thoseaffected by cancer, grief, and other lifechallenges.Environmental Science classes for schools,clubs and other community groups.Wedding CeremoniesLife Celebrations and Memorial Services BaptismsSources of FundsPrograms and ServicesFor families, teens, and adults, like the Badgerland BirdingSeries: Sponsored by the Midwest Orthopedic SpecialtyHospital.FundraisingMaintenance and repairsImprovementsMarketing and administration of operationsWhat Funding Supports205Programs2,000ParticipantsSupport us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help14SponsorshipsProgramsEventsGeneralDonations

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“I truly believe that the Conservancy is a place to heal mind and body. The Conservancy allows usto be able to get away from some of the stresses that life places upon us and be able to rejuvenatein a safe space. It gives one time to think and clear the mind even just for a short time. This isnecessary now more than ever.”~VisitorLookingToTheFuture152024 Annual Report ~

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The Welcome CenterComing in 2025...After years of evaluation, we recognize theimportance of being onsite to answerquestions, provide information, andadditional education/community space.Also, administration and mission serviceshave been off-site, thus missingopportunities to connect. We are veryexcited to announce our plans for a newWelcome Center. 16These photos are design renderings.Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help

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due to your overwhelming feedback andrequests:Offer wayfinding in an engaging andcomfortable facility. Give info anddirection, if needed. Formal office space for conductingbusiness.A multipurpose room and viewing deckfor programs, observation,collaboration, and learning for all. Thisis for you.Improved access to efficiently utilizeexisting services and share resources.Support the community’s goals ofimproved mental health, communityconnectedness, and physical activity. Modest in size and minimalenvironmental impact, keeping naturethe driver of design.The Welcome Center willmeet the following needs2024 Annual Report ~ 17

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Welcome Center The Welcome Center will enhance how we serve you and allows us toproperly respond to the needs of the Conservancy and it’s visitors.THANK YOU to all who have already supported this project!It is important to provide the resources for increased communityengagement and collaboration to the Conservancy. The Welcome Centerwill provide the necessary entrance in a comfortable fashion for those whowill be entering the grounds for healing through communing with nature.Welcome Center - Lead GiftOlive I. & Eunice J. Toussaint FoundationDavid A. Affeldt, PresidentSupport us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help18Funds Raised in 2024Remaining Needed

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DonorsandPartners2024 Annual Report ~ 19

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Thank You To Our SupportersJudy and David AffeldtMorgan AhmadTara AlaufLinda and James ArshemAscension Wisconsin St. Francis Hospital St. Mary’s HospitalKrisandra Asp & Stephen UeckerDenise BachandBadgerland Birding, LLCAnthony BagwellSandy BakerDonald and Mary BalchunasLaura BarryDiane BarthVernie R. BarwickRob and Ann BassettTimothy and Debra BateBenevity Community Impact FundLarry BialcikTom and Geri BittersWilliam BittnerTheresa BlockEric and Anne BlomMike and Lori BoehmkeJames and Carole BornJill BorosSterling and Vicki BrandenburgHallie BrandenburgJoseph and Beverly BraunLaura BrownNoell Buelow & Aaron MillerBrett and Rachel BunchkowskiRosemarie BurkeCarma LabsKathleen CaseyJody CavanaughNancy ChapkoEdward and Diana CichurskiJackie ClausiusShari Comstock Mindfulness Community of MilwaukeeMary ConarchyBetty CongerMichael CooperFrancis Cuevas, MDSharon & Michael CunninghamSean CunninghamJoseph CzukasCzukas, McCall & AssociatesBarb CzyszMagdalene Danzer-MalinowskiManeeka DecuerBarry Dickinson Roman Electric CompanyKatie DilkeyHaley DowdCaroline DriesRobert and Mary Pat DriesStephen and Cari DriesMichelle EichmannMark and June ErnstEvan and Marion Helfaer FoundationCarol EvansDeb and John FabryckiFe, Vida Y Esperanza Inc.Claire FinkJean Fink Unplug & RechargeDebbie FiltzFranklin Department of Public WorksFranklin Public Health DepartmentFranklin High School AP Environmental Science & ECO ClubWilliam GaertnerDebi GaetzMary Galonski & Chris HetzelMary GannonTerry and Clare Ann GaouetteChris GeigerStephanie Geiger Wildfire RetreatsJim and Karen GeorgeSharon GerdsJessica Gertz Nirvana Fusion TherapyKim GiddensRonald and Diane GillesPatricia GoldenJamie Goll Rooted Awakenings WellnessAndrea GrabarczykEllen GraczykGreater Milwaukee Foundation Kopmeier Family FundCheryl GrahamGreendale Community ChurchJudith GregorJoseph and Susan GrieseMichelle and Craig GruenbergJohn Gurda & Sonja Nelson GurdaDeb HackbarthJeremiah Hannulah & Jessi PimentelHollie HansenKristin Hanson CorcoranJenny HartRobert and Mary HealyMargaret HennessyDavid and Angie HensleyHerb Kohl PhilanthropiesWinston HermannJessica Marie HindsRobin HokeMarie HoppeMary and Mark Horton-CarstensenLynn HughesMary and Jeffrey JareckiKathryn JeromeJudy JohnsonBarbara JohnsonSaprina JohnsonJohnson Controls, Inc.Leah JordanAmy JorgensenLeah JurgensChristos and Dimitra KambourisPayton Karth & Bailey FojutSr. Eileen KazmierowiczJames KettingerMichael KingJane Kirchhoff & Cheryl NeilsSusan KizaricThomas KnitterPam and Robin KnollLinda and Donald KoebelKoeppen Gerlach FoundationKathryn Kohlwaies-JeromeLinda KokemuellerDaniel and Maureen KonkolEdward and Jean KonopkaKopmeier Family FundMary and James KosinskiPhyllis KrajewskiNancy KraseKrawczyk, Duginski, and Rohr, S.C.Isabelle Kroes & Alexander ThielThomas and Susan KrukowskiAmanda KubackiJake Kubisiak Wachtel Tree ScienceLynn KwiatkowskiCynthia LepkowskiColleen Lese & Thomas Karakis, Sr.Elfriede LeskovarLiz LidwinKristine LindowNancy LisieckiRon LockNicholas and Susan Logarakis20Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help

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Mirtalina MarkovichTaylor MarquardtMary MatesticJonathan MatuszewskiMartha McGuinnisMedical College of WIDean and Kay MehlbergAlan and Nancy MeierNancy MelcherJanine MengerCindy and Chuck MeyerMichael, Best & Friedrich LLPCindy MichelMidwest Orthopedic Specialty HospitalLisa MitchellJohn and Mary MoserMichael and Janet MurrySuzie NeumannIdalia Nieves ReyesMary NowakowskiOlive I. and Eunice J. Toussaint FoundationAmy Olson & Doug SpankowskiJane OlsonMary Kay OlstonGregory and Holly OrlowskiEstefany OrtizPatricia PeplinskiSuzanne PerkinsMr. and Mrs. Jerome PetersonCarol PetrieMarsha PhillipsPatricia & William PodewilsMary Jo PozorskiJames PuglisiSusan and Gregory RabeJohn & Judy RandallAlyssa Ratkowski & Henry RobillardKelly RediskeReiman FoundationAudrey ReineckJoyce RewolinskiValerie RichterMarilyn RieseMichele RifkinLori RosmanElizabeth Ross & Francisco Aguilar, MDMichelle Runte & John RunteChrystal Rydzik & Gary Thames, IIIRandy SannesMelissa and Daniel SawickiRobert SawickiErica SchachTara SchmalzBreanna SchmidtAshley Schneider Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer SocietyTom and Mary SchroederMichael and Christine SchuellerWendy SchumacherDavid SchumacherShari SchwantesKim SeaquistJoan SeidelChristina SeriLaurie Siskiewitz-MentzerGloria SkwierawskiDon and Linda SkwierawskiKaren SmitsRobert SowinskiSusan SpoerkSt. Alphonus ParishScott and Rachel SteeleJudy StefanovitzLevi SteinStier ConstructionRosheen Styczinski New Eden Landscape Architecture LLCTimothy & Vivian Sullivan Family Charitable FoundationCarrie Tacali Review Services, Inc.Jacqueline and Thomas TamsettMichael Taylor Ted TempletonDawn Tenant-CzyszThe Blackbaud Giving Fund The Ridge Community ChurchVerne ThiemeJim and Sue ThomasJames and Sue ThomasLarry and Mary ThysellAllison Tomczyk & Andrew SchauerDon and Anne TomczykJune TorreAnna TravisRuth and Jonathan TreismanDeanna Tritz ALMAAndrew Turner & Melissa TabaskaUW Milwaukee OSHERJill VarickAshley Vigdahl & Justin CobbGerilyn and Keith WagnerSharon WaldochWaterstone BankWe Energies FoundationBarbara WesenerDel and Kim WilsonDonna WilsonHannah WingfieldGreg and Mary Lou WnukRobert WrennJeanne ZiebkaAdrienne Zuber2024 Annual Report ~ 21

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Judy & Dave Affeldt In memorial: Edmundo AquinoTara Alauf In memorial: Casey AlaufLinda and James Arshem In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiDonald and Mary Balchunas In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiWilliam Bittner In memorial: Clarence KosikowskiEric and Anne Blom In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiJames and Carole Born In memorial: Linda KingKathleen Casey In memorial: Daniel CaseyMichael Cooper In memorial: Wayne Cooper “Coop”Robert and Mary Pat Dries In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiMary Gannon In memorial: Patrick James and Ryan Patrick GannonShiela Gansemer In memorial: Carol WallaceTerry and Clare Ann Gaouette In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiJim and Karen George In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiMemorialsMargaret Hennessy In memorial: Clarence and Claire KosikowskiMary and Mark Horton-Carstensen In memorial: Ken Smits and Jim BealJudy Johnson In memorial: Allen and John Harms In memorial: Nancy Jean LagunaMichael King & Loved Ones In memorial: Linda R. KingLinda Kokemueller In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiGary Krawczyk In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiElfriede Leskovar In memorial: Linda KingTaylor Marquardt In memorial: Judy MarquardtMartha McGuinnis In memorial: Claire and Clarence KosikowskiMary Moser In memorial: Roy & Ellie Kaczmarek Greg & Sue KaczmarekMichael and Janet Murry In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiTherese O’Neill In memorial: KD O’NeillCarol Petrie In memorial: Linda KingMarilyn Riese In memorial: Wally ReiseLori Rosman In memorial: Helen Severa Melissa and Daniel Sawicki In memorial: Linda KingRobert Sawicki In memorial: Linda KingDon and Linda Skwierawski In memorial: Michael SkwierawskiJudy Stefanovitz In memorial: David WhymsJacqueline and Thomas Tamsett In memorial: Linda KingLarry and Mary Thysell In memorial: George BurdeyCarrie Ticali In memorial: Linda KingDon and Anne Tomczyk In memorial: Nancy Jean LagunaGreg and Mary Lou Wnuk In memorial: Alice WnukAdrienne Zuber In memorial: James Fink In memorial: Mary Ann BelfranzBetty Conger In honor: Cindy MeyerPam and Robin Knoll In honor: Deb Eisner HackbarthSusan Logarakis In honor: Nicholas LogarakisDeb & Jon Fabrycki In honor: Deb & Jon Fabrycki FamilyJudy BakerJane BelangerTracy DeAngelisKathy DeKalbKelli DownsJean FinkFranklin Department of Public WorksFranklin High School ECO Club AP Environmental ScienceGoodwill IndustriesJeff Harwig and FamilyJane Kirchoff and Cheryl NeilsHonor VolunteersSue KubikAllyson LillyMaster Gardeners of SE WIMartha McGuinnisJoe MuellerMichelle RifkinStephanie RydeskiTom & Mary SchroederChristine SchuellerShari SchwantesAndrea SolomonPamela Treisman MDRebecca TreismanRuth & Jonathan Treisman MDAdrienne ZuberDonations and sponsorships are our only source of funding. To keep the Conservancy vitalfor the community, ongoing support is needed. We are deeply grateful to these generous individuals, foundations, and corporations.Support us here ~ www.theconservancy.org/ways-to-help22

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Here is how you can make adifference:Volunteer your talents and skills:Contact cora@theconservancy.orgText-to-give “Conservancy” to61094Visit our website:www.theconservancy.orgVisit our online Shop:www.theconservancy.org/shopReview us on Facebook and GoogleShare word of mouth referralsSponsor a program, brick, or otherFrom the bottomof our hearts,thank you.Scan the QR code at the trailentranceBecome a Sustaining VIP MemberContact susan@theconservancy.orgwww.theconservancy.com/ways-to-help2024 Annual Report ~ 23

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Susan A. Rabe, Chair of the Board & ChiefExecutive OfficerConservancy for Healing and Heritage Robert Dries, PhD, Vice ChairPsychologist Allyson Lilly, TreasurerAscension Wisconsin Christine R. Schueller, SecretaryBMO Harris Bank, retiredLance AllanCBS 58Laura BarryWealthspire AdvisorsTimothy Bate Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewage District, retiredJoseph CzukasC.M.A. Wealth Mgt., PresidentPatrick GainFranklin Public SchoolsThomas KrukowskiThomas P. Krukowski, S.C.Attorney-at-Law Nicholas LogarakisPresident & CEOThe Logarakis GroupDean MehlbergTrans Coil, Inc., retiredEmeritus Honorary BoardEdward CichurskiJohn GurdaMichael MurryPersonnelSusan A. Rabe, Chief Executive Officer Cora Vogt, Admin. & Program SpecialistBoard ofDirectorsCurrentP.O. Box 320305Franklin, WI 53132Located at 74th and Rawson just behind theAscension Medical Buildingwww.theconservancy.orgContact Susan Rabe, CEO and Chair of the BoardEmail: susan@theconservancy.orgPhone: 414.510.4771Contact Cora Vogt, Admin. & Program SpecialistEmail: cora@theconservancy.orgEvening Improvisation (with Ethera) by Spheriá |https://soundcloud.com/spheriamusicMusic promoted by https://www.chosic.com/free-music/all/Creative Commons CC BY-SA 3.0https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/Audio Credit: