In this issue:

• New CHM Leadership
• OLPR Ravine Restoration
• Latest OLPR Podcast
• New beekeeper at OLPR
• Latest issue of Down to Humus newsletter
• Upcoming Retreats at OLPR

Ravine's restoration and renewal underway at The Prairie

PHOTOS: ABOVE - Matt Risler and Kurt Kreiter spread dark, rich compost to prepare the ravine at OLPR for seeding. BELOW - Seeds from various sources await sowing.

By Todd Seifert, OLPR Property and Operations Manager

Below the structured lines of the spiritual labyrinth and the expansive beauty of the Prairie Heights Retreat Center lies a stretch of land that has recently sparked a quiet debate: where does human landscaping end, and where does the raw beauty of God’s intention begin?

This question centers on "the ravine." Originally designed as a functional drainage valley for the plateau above, the ravine serves as the exit route for runoff, beginning where the Stations of the Cross, the Memorial Garden and the retreat's majestic flower beds are located. To prevent the OLPR hillsides from washing away into the Wapsipinicon River, the valley was lined with rip-rap—heavy, locally quarried limestone rocks designed to anchor the earth.

For a long time, the ravine was maintained to look like a pristine, dry riverbed. However, nature has its own agenda. Over time, the inevitable cycle of ecological succession began. Leaves and sediment drifted between the stones, creating a thin, natural compost. Despite heavy landscaping fabric, small plants began to take hold.

To keep the view from the retreat center "aesthetically pleasing," the staff faced a constant battle. This meant back-breaking weeding and the use of herbicides—a practice that felt increasingly at odds with the retreat’s mission of land stewardship.

But a turning point came last year during a staff discussion. Instead of fighting the greenery, someone asked: "What if, rather than trying to stop things from growing, we planted what we want to grow?"



And the plan was underway. The goal was to extend a successful restoration project from a nearby steep hillside into the ravine itself. By converting the rocky drainage into a pollinator strip, the retreat could maintain erosion control and water quality while eliminating the need for chemicals. After consulting with experts to ensure the weight of new soil and vegetation wouldn’t impede drainage, the project was green-lit. The first hurdle was the soil. Traditional black dirt is expensive, but the team discovered a solution that fit their budget and ecological ethos perfectly: repurposed compost. Three dump trucks of rich, dark compost were brought in, and using a dependable John Deere tractor, the staff systematically spread a fresh layer of earth over the limestone rocks.

Meanwhile, a diverse collection of seeds was being gathered. This wasn't just store-bought filler; it was a community effort:

• OLPR Prairies: Seeds collected directly from the retreat's own grounds.
• The Clinton Franciscans: Neighbors who allowed the team to harvest from their prairie.
• Clinton County Conservation: Contributors who provided seeds from a "remnant prairie"—an original, undisturbed fragment of native grassland that has never been touched by a plow.
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The conservation team even provided a seed separator to process the raw seed heads. Following a lesson learned from a US Fish and Wildlife Officer, the staff mixed the final bounty of seed with wood shavings (typically used for pet bedding) to ensure the distribution would be uniform and easy to handle.

On March 4th, under a slight breeze that felt tailor-made for the task, the mixture was broadcast over the newly laid compost. The heavy lifting is now finished, and the transition from "landscaping" to "nature" is complete.

As the maintenance staff looks out over the finished product, they know the next two years might look a bit "untidy." Native prairies take time to establish their roots before they show their true glory. But there is a profound peace in the trade-off. By replacing herbicide and limestone with compost and wildflowers, the retreat has created a haven for pollinators and a more authentic reflection of the land's spirit. In the hallways of Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat, there is a common saying used when the work of human hands reaches its limit. As the seeds settle into the Iowa soil to wait for the spring rains, the team has uttered it once more: "Whelp. We did what we could. Let’s give it to God."

Nurturing life, balance, connection and bees

by Jim Berger, new beekeeper at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat

I am a small animal veterinarian from Walcott, Iowa, born and raised in Davenport, and a graduate of Iowa State University. Now in my 38th year of practice, I have devoted my career to the health and well-being of animals.

That same spirit of care led me, unexpectedly, to beekeeping. In 2017, I noticed something striking in my own garden—very few honeybees were visiting my flowers. That simple observation became the beginning of a new path. I started with just two hives, and over time, that modest beginning has grown into a family endeavor of more than 100 hives. Today, we produce wildflower and clover honey, a variety of creamed honeys and handcrafted lip balms.

What began as curiosity has become a deep and abiding passion. Along the way, it has also drawn me closer to my children and grandchildren. Together, we attend craft fairs, sharing not only our products but also a growing appreciation for the essential role bees play in sustaining our world.



For me, beekeeping is more than a hobby. It reflects the same reverence for life that first inspired my work in veterinary medicine. The prairie at Our Lady of the Prairie Retreat offers a sanctuary—not only for honeybees, but for countless pollinators to flourish. I am grateful to be part of a place that nurtures such life, balance and connection.

As I look toward retirement from veterinary practice, I hope to devote more time to beekeeping and continue growing this work with my family. My wish is that this passion will carry forward to future generations. Just as the prairie is renewed through its pollinators, so too are the bonds we cultivate—with the land, with one another and with the work that brings us joy.

I am honored to be part of this retreat and look forward to sharing the bees' quiet, steady presence with all who visit this beautiful prairie.

PHOTO: ABOVE - Jim Berger displays one of his hives.

Please enjoy this month's issue of Down to Humus newsletter

2664 14th Avenue - Wheatland, Iowa - 563-374-1092 - theprairieretreat.org

(Click the date for additional information)

For full details and to register find our calendar at www.theprairieretreat.org

• To register by email contact: olpretreat@chmiowa.org or call 563-374-1092.
• For online retreats, we will send an email with a Zoom link.
• Financial aid available--please ask us!

April 10-12 | 1:00 p.m. Friday- 2:30 p.m. Sunday

Spring 2026 Writing Retreat-two ways to attend: Full weekend or *Saturday Only

Jodie Toohey

Take time for yourself to focus on your writing in a beautiful setting with this flexible weekend writing retreat.

$175/*$40 (separate registrations)

Monday, April 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Clergy Retreat Day at The Prairie

Pastor Robb McCoy and John Cooper

Clergy who practice self-care are more successful in their roles, able to serve others more fully and lead their churches more effectively. You need this day!

Free Will Offering

Wednesday, April 15 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sip, Sip, Hooray! It's Tea Time

Deb Monroe

Renew your appreciation of the custom of slowing down and savoring the present moment!

$25

Thursday, April 16 | 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Christian Mystics: 365 Readings and Meditations

Rev. Matthew Fox, PhD

Matthew Fox believes that throughout the ages, religious patriarchal hierarchy and rigidity have obscured Christianity’s most beneficial and essential teachings: those that arise out of personal, mystical experiences of the Divine.

$20

Wednesday, April 22 | 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A Walk Through The Prairie - Identifying Spring Wildflowers and Birds

Kurt Kreiter

Enjoy the beauty of this spring day and develop an appreciation for the wildflowers and birds that come alive this time of year.

$40

Saturday, April 25 | 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

At Last! A Powerful, Simple, Helpful Understanding of the Chakras

Kathleen Collins

Learn how to 'control' your own energy and stay alert to your health and emotional well-being.

$40

Saturday, May 2 | 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Stepping Onto the Path – Beginning your T’ai Chi Ch’uan Journey

Kim Trapp

Learn a bit of T’ai Chi history, its roots in Daoism, as well as several postures of the Yang style T’ai Chi Ch’uan Short Form.

$40

Wednesday, May 6 | 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.

Mass on The Prairie

Tuesday, May 12 | 9:00 a.m. - Noon

The Call of God as Spoken by the Prophets

Deacon Jeff Schuetzle

Our time will be spent exploring this priceless treasure of time, making every second count in gratitude to God for our time on earth.

$40

Wednesday, May 13 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Sip, Sip, Hooray! It's Tea Time

Deb Monroe

Renew your appreciation of the custom of slowing down and savoring the present moment!

$25

Friday, May 15 | 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Exploring the Uniqueness of You

Sarah Callahan

Learn more about yourself while acquiring the tools to help you have better conversations and deeper connections with others.

$40

May 15-17 | 5:00 p.m. Friday - 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Addiction, Recovery and the Spiritual Journey: A Meditation Retreat for Those in Recovery

Paul Witmer and Dick Jensen

“Sought through Prayer and Meditation to improve our conscious contact with God . . .” Step 11, Alcoholic Anonymous

$175

Monday, May 18 | Noon - 1:30 p.m.

ONLINE Book Study: The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer

Lori Freudenberg

Is there a book you've been meaning to read, but think it would be even better with group discussion? Join our book study group and dive into the conversations you've been craving!

 Free Will Offering

Wednesday, May 20 | Noon - 1:00 p.m.

ONLINE ONLY: Facebook Live: UN World Bee Day

Jim Berger and Kurt Kreiter

Tour the six hives of bees currently living at The Prairie.

Free Will Offering

May 29-31 | 4:00 p.m. Friday- 11:00 a.m. Sunday

Women's Retreat - Deeper with God

Jenny Chadima

Accurately discern what the Spirit is saying and how God is leading. Respond more fully to God’s invitations for growth and deeper intimacy.

$175