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
Sustainability Capstone Project features Gathering Ground
A recent graduate capstone project by Washington Island resident Dennis Petrick is shining a spotlight on something many islanders already know: Gathering Ground is doing more than growing food; it’s helping shape the future of sustainable...
Gathering Ground Expands Team and Farm Operations, Advancing Its Vision for a Local Food System in Door County
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nonprofit hires Market Garden Manager and welcomes two 6-month interns as it nears $1.1M campaign goal Washington Island, WI — Gathering Ground, a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable agriculture education, is expanding its team this spring —...
Planting For the Future: Newsletter 2026
Destination Door County Community Investment Fund Awards $66,000We are excited to announce that we received $66,000 grant from Door County Community Investment Fund!
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.





















