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
Farm & Field Bike Tour
 Join us on Friday June 27 for our annual Farm and Field Bike Tour Learn what's happening in agriculture and enjoy the vistas as you bike Washington Island to visit four farms -- Sweet Mountain Farm, Fragrant Isle, and Island Orchard Cider and Gathering Ground....
Chestnut Seedlings for 2025 Planting
Chestnuts are called the Bread Tree as the nuts are similar to grain nutritionally. They can be eaten fresh or milled into flour. Chestnuts were once a staple throughout much of the eastern United States, both for humans and wildlife, and today, they are a staple in...
Volunteers Help Build Deer Exclosure
Thanks to a grant from John C. Bock Foundation and a group volunteers, we were able to build deer exclosures along our forest trail on our farm. We have a severe overpopulation of deer on Washington Island which is harming the regeneration of the understory of trees....
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.