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
August 2026 Newsletter
Dear friends, At our Dinner in the Vineyard ON THE FARM, one of our six-month interns Christina (pictured above enjoying the Garden Tour earlier this month) shared that our Ground School internship was "the branch that pulled her out of a rushing torrent of confusion...
Meet Katherine!
Hello Washington Island! My name is Katherine (Wren) Thelen. I feel extremely fortunate to be one of Gathering Grounds 10 week interns. I live here in the county in Baileys Harbor. I did not grow up in Door County, but have had the pleasure to be around it most of my...
Gathering Ground Celebrates Eight Years of Dinner in the Vineyard — Now ON THE FARM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Gathering Ground will host its eighth annual Dinner in the Vineyard — ON THE FARM, an unforgettable al fresco dining experience that celebrates sustainable farming, local food, and community. This year's event will be held at Gathering Ground's...
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.




















