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Planting for the Future Campaign

When you plant a tree, you build soil, create habitat and feed people.

This year Gathering Ground purchased a 40-acre farm on Aznoe Road, expanding the possibilities of how we fulfill our mission. As we embrace those opportunities, our Planting for the Future fundraising campaign will help us bring life and community to our two farms. We’re raising $1.1 million over the next 5 years, and we need your help. Keep reading to learn why.

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We've raised $700,000 of our $1.1 million goal!

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“I support Gathering Ground to honor my father, who was a Professor of Agronomy for over 30 years.  He instilled in all his children a love of farming and the importance of preserving the land we depend on for our food.  I am excited to help Gathering Ground put the principles of sustainable agriculture in action to support farms on Washington Island and Door County.“

— Larry Strickling

“This new partnership makes a real difference for our pantry. The fresh, shelf-stable produce allows us to offer nutritious options that our families might not otherwise have access to.”

— Mike Longley

“Thanks for what you do. The chestnut trees look terrific.”

— Greg & Jean Wilde

“There were days where I’d cross paths with a deer who stared at me like I was out of place. Foxes moved with confidence, like they belonged. Over time, I started to feel like I belonged too. That’s what Ground School gave me. Not just new skills, but a deeper connection to the land, to others, and to myself.” 

— Cole De Bruin, Ground School Intern

Planting For The Future Starts Now

At Gathering Ground, we bring people together through farming and food. We believe connecting to the land and understanding where food comes from changes lives and inspires action. We are dedicated to preserving Washington Island’s farming heritage while building a vibrant local food system. This year, through the vision and generosity of a few key community members, we purchased the 40-acre farm on Aznoe Road, expanding the possibilities of how we fulfill our mission.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Gathering Ground’s $1.1 million Planting for the Future campaign will help us embrace these new possibilities on our two farms, 74 acres, in four key ways:

  • expand our practice and promotion of sustainable farming 
  • expand our educational programs like Ground School 
  • grow more healthy food and make it accessible to more people
  • increase our outreach through more workshops and classes
Russell and Dan deliver produce to food pantries
Russell and Dan deliver produce to food pantries
Agricultural Internship

Why This Matters

Industrial Food Has Created Problems That Are Global & Complex

Soil Loss

Since farmers began tilling in the Midwest in the 1860’s, 57.6 billion metric tons of topsoil have eroded. Around the world, soil loss is also a severe problem. 

At the current rate of dessertification, scientists estimate we only have 60 harvests left before soil becomes too degraded to grow food. This is not sustainable.

Nutrition theft

The quality of the industrial food has diminished drastically. With emphasis on quantity and calories over quality, veggies from the store have less nutrients than they did 50 years ago. Between 1975 and 1997, the average vegetables lost significant nutrients.

Most food is highly processed, making it harder to eat healthfully.

 
people gathered around a potluck table

Fragile food chain

The average distance your food travels from farm to plate in the U.S. is 1,500 miles.

This leaves a massive carbon footprint, raises prices for consumers and leads to loss of freshness and nutrients. Not to mention, as we discovered during COVID-19, this system can break down quickly.

Local food systems are more resilient. 

Who Will Grow Our Food?

The average age of farmers in the U.S. is 58 .1 and this is trending up quickly.

With the high startup costs and barriers to accessing farm land, it’s hard for younger people to get started in farming. 

The USDA considers beginning farmers anyone who has farmed for 10 years or less. Learning how to farm takes time, experience, and mentors. 

 

Want to know more? Learn more about these problems on our resources page.

Gathering Ground's Solutions Are Local & Practical.

Farm

Practice regenerative farming that nurtures the land and build healthy soil for generations to come. Support local farmers as we do so

Educate

Help research, share knowledge and get more people involved in growing food through internships, workshops, and classes

Localize food

Make sure fresh, locally grown, nutrient-dense food is available in our community through farmers markets, food pantries and partnerships

Spread The Word

Get more people aware and involved in the local food web through cooking classes, shared meals, book clubs and community-building activities.

Planting for the Future Campaign

Help us reach our goal of $1.1 million over the next 5 years.

Your contribution will support these four areas of growth.

Get Involved

We invite you to help us realize this vision. Join a committee and be part of something meaningful.

Join our farm & land use committee

Gathering Ground Vineyard

Shape the future of sustainable farming practices and land stewardship at Gathering Ground. Email Alessandra. 

Help with education & community outreach

Agricultural Internship

Help develop programs that educate and connect our community to sustainable living. Email Alessandra. 

The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago. The second best time is now.

Help us reach our $1.1M campaign goal so we can help prepare our community for the future.