In the next 3-5 years, we aspire to expand our current summer internship program into RuralYear, a 9-month program on the Island that educates young adults in sustainable agriculture through classroom education and apprenticeships at Gathering Ground as well as local farms and farm-to-table kitchens. We imagine opportunities for participants to acquire hands-on experience in … Continue reading Looking to Grow: RuralYear
Blog: Gather Round
Why are we planting chestnuts?
Chestnuts are called the Bread Tree as the nuts are similar to grain nutritionally. They can be eaten fresh or milled into a 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 parts of Europe and Asia. Chestnut trees can … Continue reading Why are we planting chestnuts?
Dinner in the Vineyard; Featured Chef
Matt Poole of Hotel Washington will be preparing the entree this year for Dinner in the Vineyard, Thursday August 29 on Washington Island. “I don’t always get to be there with guests while they are enjoying their meal,” said Poole. “I’m excited to be able to share a meal, especially at Gathering Ground which captures my … Continue reading Dinner in the Vineyard; Featured Chef
Gathering Ground looking at solutions to destructive beetles
This article first appeared in the Washington Island Observer. By Sheridan Ash, Gathering Ground intern. 2019 marks the second year that Gathering Ground is tending the vineyard on the Island. Because the organization’s mission is to educate youth and adults in sustainable agriculture and to strengthen the health of the environment and community, Gathering Ground … Continue reading Gathering Ground looking at solutions to destructive beetles
Door and Kewaunee geology a factor in groundwater contamination
Because the question of wastewater is a timely issue right now on the Island and throughout Door County, Gathering Ground asked its intern Sheridan Ash to attend the talk with Dr. Bouchardt in Egg Harbor earlier last month. “What you put on the land, you will drink,” Microbiologist Dr. Mark Borchardt explained the general rule of thumb … Continue reading Door and Kewaunee geology a factor in groundwater contamination
Island School at Gathering Ground
This article first appeared in the Washington Island Observer By Jessica Dennis On Wednesday, May 29, students in grades 3-12 had the opportunity to give back to our community through a service learning day at Gathering Grounds with Russell and Alessandra Rolffs. Through a race in the vineyard, students picked up pruned pieces of the … Continue reading Island School at Gathering Ground
Planning Ahead for the Rose Chafer
First published in the Observer By Russell Rolffs, Gathering Ground executive director Recently I saw a sign at the entrance of a garden that read: “If nothing is eating your plants, your garden is not part of the ecosystem.” The message to gardeners, I think, is to be proud when your plants are preyed upon … Continue reading Planning Ahead for the Rose Chafer
Save the Date • Dinner in the Vineyard
Mark your calendars! Dinner in the Vineyard 2019 will be held Thursday, August 29. So save the date and start making your plans to join us on Washington Island for a night of amazing food, amazing people, all in the amazing green abundance of our Vineyard. We will keep you posted for when tickets become … Continue reading Save the Date • Dinner in the Vineyard
End of Year Giving
It’s been an exciting year at Gathering Ground. The community spirit in the vineyard and orchard has been inspiring. We hosted Island students as well as volunteers and guests from around Wisconsin to help us plant, prune, and celebrate sustainable agriculture. Read our End of Year Report to learn more! We are also thankful to … Continue reading End of Year Giving
An Outdoor Classroom
Gathering Ground and the Art and Nature Center hosted a potluck and talk in the vineyard on Friday, Aug. 17. The topic was “Invasives in Door County,” with the following presenters: Krista Lutzke, Door County Soil and Water conservationist; Kari Hagenow, Door County Invasive Species team coordinator and The Nature Conservancy Door Peninsula land steward; … Continue reading An Outdoor Classroom