Ground School had an amazing team this year. The four students and assistant director made an incredible impact here on Washington Island. Working with farm steward Frank Stonaker, they helped revitalize the 1-acre market garden, with onions, winter squash and garlic destined for nine food pantries in Door County to help provide local, healthy, nutrient dense food to our neighbors. They worked with Russell to maintain the health of the vineyard, chestnut nursery and orchard, and community gardens. They also laid the foundation fora new rustic playground, improved signage at the community garden and enjoyed learning from three guest lecturers Tom Bryan of UW Madison, Craig Allen of University of Nebraska (and resident of Washington Island) and Heather Swan from UW Madison. Here are some highlights from their summer reflections.
Gardening holds more than practical education. It teaches you incredible life lessons. Gardening doesn’t let you rush. It teaches you how to have patience. A seed takes time to sprout with incredible attention needed to make it thrive. A tomato ripens when it’s ready.
This summer as I finished up my junior year of high school in Texas, I was presented with the opportunity of a fresh experience as an intern at Ground School. I have found an immense amount of value in the work of pulling weeds, planting, and maintaining a garden (among many other tasks and activities working with my fellow interns.) But the unexpected and by far richest aspect of my summer internship has been the people I’ve been surrounded with, who are rich in passion for the environment and nature. Gathering Ground supporters have a personal respect and commitment to green life growing around us on Washington Island.
As our bond deepened, so did my perspective. There were days where I’d look up and see a hawk soaring right over my head, or cross paths with a deer who stared at me like I was out of place. Foxes moved with confidence, like they belonged. And maybe over time, I started to feel like I belonged too. Thats what Grounds school gave me. Not just new skills, but a deeper connection to the land, to others, and to myself. That connection is something I’ll carry with me, whenever I go. Because once you feel grounded, really grounded, it’s hard to forget where you came from
As our bond deepened, so did my perspective. There were days where I’d look up and see a hawk soaring right over my head, or cross paths with a deer who stared at me like I was out of place. Foxes moved with confidence, like they belonged. And maybe over time, I started to feel like I belonged too. Thats what Grounds school gave me. Not just new skills, but a deeper connection to the land, to others, and to myself. That connection is something I’ll carry with me, whenever I go. Because once you feel grounded, really grounded, it’s hard to forget where you came from
It is easy to say we have grown in many technical ways. Personally, though, I have grown exponentially more in other ways. I gained leadership experience, I’m more comfortable trying new things, and I am more confident in my abilities to manage and communicate effectively. I think my biggest area of growth, or change rather, would be my mindset. I never truly appreciated the value of local food until I lived here.
We are so grateful for these amazing young people we were able to work with this summer. They provided insightful feedback which will help continue to improve Ground School for next year. Look for applications to be posted toward the end of December.
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