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News Archives » LaVista Ecological Center


Extending Our Deepest Gratitude, Hugs & Prayers to Sr. Maxine Pohlman, SSND  July 31st, 2025

 
We congratulate Sr. Maxine on her retirement after 20+ years shepherding the Oblate La Vista Ecological Ministry in Godfrey, Illinois.
 
IN HER OWN WORDS:

As some of you may already know, I am transitioning from this ministry at La Vista Ecological Learning Center into the future, I want to paraphrase my favorite John Burroughs’ quote. I begin with his words:
“If I had my life to live over again and I had my choice of celestial bodies, I am sure I should take this planet, and I should choose these men and women for my friends and companions. This great rolling sphere with its sky, its stars, its sunrises and sunsets, and with its outlook into infinity – what could be more desirable? What more satisfying?…one might ransack the heavens in vain for a better or more picturesque abode”.

And now, my version:

“If I had my life to live over again, and I had my choice of ecological ministries, I am sure I should pick La Vista Ecological Learning Center, and I should choose these many faithful volunteers, passionate participants, and responsive eNews readers for my friends and companions. The novitiate land with its vista from the bluffs, with its Nature Preserve and Pollinator Garden; this office with its memories of innumerable discussion groups, programs and meetings, where is there a more desirable place? The opportunity to work with the JPIC Office Team led by Fr Séamus Finn, OMI to teach and learn with OMI novices from around the world, and to connect with so many Oblate priests and brothers, what could be more enriching and satisfying? Marking each season for twenty years with equinox and solstice celebrations, what could be more grounding and enjoyable? I might ransack our rare and precious planet in vain for a better ministry and more wonderful colleagues.”
 
With an abundance of gratitude,
Sister Maxine Pohlman, SSND

2023 OMI JPIC Year in Review February 8th, 2024

In this video we are recap some of our activities in 2023, as we look forward to exciting opportunities in 2024. We express gratitude for the collective efforts that brought us together in 2023, making a positive impact on our world. Let’s carry this spirit into this new year.



La Vista Hosts Inter-Community Novitiate May 11th, 2023

On April 26th La Vista hosted Inter-Community Novitiate Program in St. Louis, MO. The focus was on how ecological restoration projects on the OMI Novitiate land help to preserve biodiversity.  There were nine novices and three formators present. 

 


La Vista Participates in Sierra Club’s River Road Cleanup March 10th, 2023

Students with green vests cleaning outdoors Students at outdoor cleanup with trash bags  

Caption: Alton High School Students volunteer with  LaVista Ecological Center in cleanup day on River Road in Godfrey, Illinois

On President’s Day, February 20, 2023, the Piasa Palisades group of the Sierra Club hosted a cleanup day up and down the River Road in Godfrey, Illinois.

Sr Maxine Pohlman, SSND, representing La Vista Ecological Learning Center, was part of the crew and was expecting the usual small group of people to show up; however, this year was different.  About 20 Alton High School students appeared, on their day off, to give their time and effort to improve the area. They didn’t look like they just rolled out of bed, either; rather, they were all smiles about the project. Their participation, attitude, and youthfulness created a spirit of hope. I was reminded of a quote from the encyclical Laudato Si’:

“Let us sing as we go. May our struggles and our concern for this planet never take way the joy of our hope.” (LS 244)

 

 

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