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
Ground School Update
Gathering Ground is getting in the swing of its first full season at the Aznoe Farm. In mid-April, the hybrid education nonprofit and market garden welcomed a Farm Manager, Becca Boogert, and an inaugural pair of full season interns, Ava Anderson and Christina...
Gathering Ground’s Internship Welcomes Ken Meter, Francisco Arriaga, Ari Abbrescia, Tom Bryan, and Luawanna Hallstrom
Gathering Ground's Ground School — an internship for people passionate in agriculture and conservation — is excited to announce a series of speaker sessions as part of its summer program on Washington Island. This year's lineup brings together five respected voices in...
A Guide To Home Composting
Russell gave a presentation on home composting with Washington Island Library back in March. Check out his guide to home composting. Composting is an amazing way to reduce waste and build soil at the same time. Not ready to compost on your own? Gathering Ground has a...
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.




















