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!
Donate
Volunteer
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
Dinner in the Vineyard – ON THE FARM
Join us for Dinner in the Vineyard 2026. Matt Poole of American Wine Project will be returning as our featured chef for our eighth Dinner in the Vineyard! Formerly of Hotel Washington and Chez Panisse, Matt loves to celebrate the season through delicious wine and...
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...
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.




















