For nearly a century, Benedictine sisters at the Monastery of St. Gertrude in Cottonwood, Idaho have lived and died fulfilling their mission.

Preserving nature

They've been dying in fulfillment of their vows and living to preserve one of God's greatest gifts – nature.

They live by the rules of St. Benedict, but Sister Carol Ann Wassmuth is guided by the additional principle of stewardship.

"We talk about how we own the land. I prefer using the words we are responsible for the land," she said. "Our community has ended up with these 1,400 acres of land, 1,000 of which are forested, and that to me is a responsibility. We are asked to take good care of it, to live in harmony with it."

Sister Carol Ann is a passionate, driven woman who has dedicated herself to a cause with lasting impact. Her oblate or offering to God is her stewardship of this sacred piece of land on the monastery's grounds.

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Sister Carol Ann

"It makes me feel I'm really doing something that is worthwhile not only for our community, but for our total planet."

"We're aware that what happens to the Earth also happens to the human community," said Sister Mary.

The sisters' tireless work even on rainy days is what makes this place special.

In 2001, they were named the "Stewardship Tree Farmer of the Year" for Idaho for the good practice of selective logging, reforestation, and a clear vision.

Sister Carol Ann's love of the outdoors is a driving force in her life, and on Idaho's Camas Prairie, beauty is abundant.

The monastery offers retreats that focus on ecology among other things, and they just completed construction on a brand-new retreat center helping to educate and house nearly 10,000 visitors per year.

Museum of Idaho's history

There's a history lesson waiting for anyone who walks through the doors of one of Idaho's oldest museums.

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Cottonwood, Idaho

With more than 70,000 artifacts, the museum at St. Gertrude's is keeping Idaho's heritage alive and well.

"The historical museum of St. Gertrude began in 1931 as a result of Sister Alfrieda's science teaching," said Lyle Wirtanen.

It started with a collection of minerals that grew when people started donating more and more items.

"The museum reflects the history of Idaho," said Lyle.