About Us
Gathering Ground blends agriculture and conservation on its working and teaching farm. With a vision for thriving communities connected to the environment and their food through work and play, we focus on sustainable farming practices with our diverse fruit and nut orchards and vineyards. We promote biodiversity, offer community composting, and support local farms through our Farmers’ Market. We host educational programs like Ground School and workshops and events for learners of all ages. The Grounds are open for walking tours and picnics. Join us in Planting for the Future!
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Take a virtual trip to our Washington Island farm, and hear more from the founders about what motivates them to learn from its soil.
Watch this video overview of our property, featuring footage from our annual Dinner in the Vineyard fundraiser. Hear from Russell and Alessandra Rolffs about what inspired them to start the foundation, and what they envision for its future.
Video production by Dusan Harminc of Stumptown Media.
News From the Farm
2025 Farm Update
The Aznoe Farm is up and running in 2025! This year we focused on storage crops, primarily winter squash, onions, and garlic, and our high tunnel that produced an abundant crop of green beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and melons. We are still enjoying the harvest...
Ground School 2025 Review
Ground School internship had an amazing team this year. The four interns and assistant director made an incredible impact here on Washington Island. Working with farm steward Frank Stonaker over the course of the internship, they helped revitalize the 1-acre market...
Farm-Tober Fest Recipes
We are excited to host our first Farm-Tober Fest. Saturday October 4 from 1-4 pm at Gathering Ground's Aznoe Farm. 1249 Aznoe Road. We will have pumpkin games, pumpkin picking and carving, pumpkin soup, recipes, a story corner, and much much more. Join us for...
They say that the best time to plant a fruit tree is thirty years ago. Well, the second best time is now.

Our Partners & Sponsors
We are so grateful for the support we receive from our partners and sponsors. Do you have a company or organization that’s dedicated to promoting and investing in sustainable agriculture? Contact us for more info.