Wisconsin Benedictine Sisters Restore 170 Acres of Native Prairie

The Benedictine sisters of Holy Wisdom Monastery have completed a significant ecological restoration project, bringing back 170 acres of native prairie and oak savanna. This effort underscores the spiritual and environmental importance of preserving natural landscapes. The sisters, including Sister Lynne Smith and Sister Mary David Walgenbach, believe that humans need creation to find themselves, highlighting the interconnection between nature and personal renewal.

Located in Wisconsin, Holy Wisdom Monastery has been dedicated to environmental stewardship for decades. The recent restoration project, which involved removing invasive species and replanting native vegetation, represents a continuation of the monastery’s commitment to ecological healing. Sister Everline Jeruto and Sister Joanne Kollasch have also been instrumental in this initiative, emphasizing the spiritual dimension of their work.

The sisters’ efforts have not only contributed to local biodiversity but have also served as a model for sustainable land management. By restoring these natural habitats, they provide a space for reflection, worship, and the renewal of the human spirit. The project has attracted attention from conservation groups and environmental scholars, who recognize the value of such initiatives in the broader context of ecological restoration.