We were grateful to connect with Door County community members Tim and Sue Stone this summer. Tim is the former board president of the Door County Land Trust and he and his wife have been recognized for their philanthropy.

Tim recently shared this letter of support: 

In the early 1950s, I spent my summers on a dairy farm south of Oconomowoc. I did all the things a kid would do. Out in the early morning to bring in the Holstein cows, milk them, muck out the barn, feed and collect eggs from the chickens, cut the hay with an Oliver 60, cultivate the corn, and be a part of the oats threshing crew. Farm owner, Ed, had a brand new 1950 John Deere “A” and a wire tie baler. We went around the neighborhood baling hay for 10 cents a bale. All of this gave me a deep love of Nature, the Land, Conservation of the Land, the Farm, the People, and the Spirit of Community. I learned where our groceries actually came from, the farm.

On August 8, we attended Gathering Ground’s “Dinner in the Vineyard” on Washington Island. In short order, I knew these were my people. I strongly believe in its mission, to practice and educate people about sustainable agriculture, caring for and conservation of the earth, and sharing the bounty of fresh food with Door County food pantries. 

Introducing the younger generation to sustainable agriculture is key. Several of Gathering Ground’s 2025 summer Interns spoke about their experience and completely blew us away. They will spread the word of the wonderful work Gathering Ground has embarked upon.

I strongly support Gathering Ground’s mission and encourage others to learn more about Gathering Ground and offer a gift to sustain its marvelous effort. 

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More kids and young adults will have the opportunity to connect to the land, community and where food comes from through our Planting For The Future Campaign. This campaign will help us grow and strengthen our programs and ensure Door County has a vibrant agricultural community and access to healthy food for all of our neighbors.

You can help bring this vision to life: Give Today. All donations (and pledges) recieved by December 31 will be matched by an anonymous donor!