Sisters of Mercy to preserve land

The Sisters of Mercy April 18 gave their former 22-acre retreat center along the Platte River west of Omaha to the Nebraska Land Trust, conserving the land and protecting it from development.

 

“With about 700 feet of pristine Platte River shoreline, mature woodlands that provide habitat for songbirds and bald eagles, and a large pond that attracts migratory waterfowl, beaver and other wildlife, permanent conservation of these resources is a legacy and a gift to current and future generations who value our natural environment,” said David Sands, Nebraska Land Trust’s executive director. “This is especially true in the Lower Platte Valley, which is a region projected to have 2 million people by 2050.”

 

Known as Knowles Mercy Spirituality Center and Mercy Acres, the retreat center closed last summer, and the Sisters of Mercy West Midwest Community decided to donate the land as part of its commitment to conservation, said Sister of Mercy Margaret Mary Hinz, a member of the leadership team.