The Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration recently joined in a partnership with the Mississippi Valley Conservancy (MCV), located in La Crosse, Wis., to assist with the protection of the land surrounding Villa St. Joseph just east of La Crosse.

“The FSPA Facilities and Land Committee was commissioned to develop a comprehensive plan for stewardship of current and future FSPA-owned facilities and land,” says Sister Sharon Berger, FSPA mission councilor. The committee sought MVC’s assistance to begin a land inventory at the Villa St. Joseph. The land surrounding Villa St. Joseph was purchased by the Franciscan Sisters in 1895 as land to produce food for St. Rose Convent and the then St. Francis Hospital. Today the land provides a home for retired sisters, hermitages open to anyone interested in retreating in the peace and quiet of a rural setting, and a large garden that still provides food for FSPA.

The land inventory will detail the natural resources found on the sisters’ property. “What we find in the land inventory will help the sisters develop a management plan to augment the natural communities and native species of plants and animals,” says James Falvey, MVC advancement director. According to Falvey, MVC focuses on areas of scenic, biological and cultural importance. In its 10 years of existence, MVC has helped secure the protection of over 6,900 acres throughout seven counties in the Coulee Region. “The partnership proves a deep commitment that the Franciscan Sisters have for the Earth. By supporting Mississippi Valley Conservancy, the sisters help enable the work of land preservation to be done throughout the Coulee Region—protecting the region’s beautiful and natural areas for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Sister Lucy Slinger, FSPA ecological advocate, will coordinate the relationship with MVC. Sister Lucy focuses on and directs ecological efforts of the FSPA and the Ecospirituality Committee. “By partnering with Mississippi Valley Conservancy, we can identify the breadth of biological resources that exist on the Villa St. Joseph land,” says Sister Lucy. “The partnership will grow and guide us in decision making ensuring we protect the treasures that exist on that land.”