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Organic Farm & Education, Retreat Center
About Wellspring
Wellspring is a nonprofit education and retreat center, as well as, a certified organic farm and CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) whose mission is to inspire and teach people to grow, prepare and eat healthy food. In so doing, we transform food systems and build community.
Education
Many educational opportunities are available at Wellspring throughout the year including farm tours, field trips, workshops and learning opportunities for individuals, families, school, home-school, and community groups. Classes and programs range from home gardening to food preservation to summer camps for youth and teens. Visit our Education Page to learn more. Registration for 2014 Farm Camps at Wellspring is now open. Learn more about these summer programs on our Education Page
Organic Farm
Wellspring has been a CSA since 1988, making us pioneers of this movement in Wisconsin. While we have always grown food sustainably, 2013 marked our 12th year as a certified organic farm. Wellspring produce can also be found at the West Bend and TOSA farmers markets, Port Washington Winter Farmers Market and at various schools and restaurants in the area. Wellspring is a member of CRAFT, Fair Share and the Wisconsin Local Food Network. Wellsprings works towards training the next generation of organic farmers and hosts interns each growing season. Visit our CSA Page to learn more about the farm and register to become a CSA shareholder. Registration for the Wellspring 2014 CSA is now open!!
Conference and Retreat Center; Bed and Breakfast and International Hostel
Wellspring hosts retreat and conference groups throughout the year. Individuals may also enjoy Wellspring and the surrounding “green belt and outdoor recreation area” as a B&B or hostel guest. Wellspring offers state-of-the-art technology in a newly remodeled meeting space that invites conversation and comfort in a wonderful rural setting. Wellspring’s Bed & Breakfast is open year-round, welcoming those who are looking for a relaxing retreat in nature and a farm fresh breakfast! It’s the perfect setting for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, birthdays and more! Visit our Retreat and Conference Center Page and Bed and Breakfast Page to learn more.
The Wellspring 2014 Class and Event Calendar is now available! For the full schedule of Wellspring classes, workshops and events, please visit our Events Page or Click Here to download your own printable version!
Save the Date! Saturday, May 17th - Organic Seedling Sale and Free Gardening Workshops at Wellspring!
Stop by Wellspring for our annual Spring Gardening Prep Event!
- Organically grown seedlings available for purchase.
- Free gardening workshops open to the public and taking place throughout the day.
- Local and sustainable gardening supply vendors, including Purple Cow Organics Compost and Potting Soil.
Organic Seedlings Available: Tomatoes, Herbs, Kale, Ground Cherries, Eggplant, Tomatillos, Broccoli, Peppers, and more!
Free Organic Gardening Workshops:
• It Starts in the Soil: Growing organically for high quality, nutrient-dense vegetables.
• Composting: Learn composting basics to start your own composting system
• Food Forests 101: Learn to design a garden that not only feeds people, but provides biodiversity, natural soil building, and a host of other benefits!
Thank you to Outpost Natural Foods and Purple Cow Organics for their generous support of the event!
Share the event with your friends! Click Here to Print an Event Flyer
Thursday, April 24th – 6 to 9 pm
Herbal Soap Making
Learn to make soap in your own kitchen. This hands-on class will introduce participants to the process of making old fashioned soap, it will take the mystery out of soap making, and also provide information about herbs from the garden that can be added to soap. Participants will take home soap that we make in class as well as recipes for future use.
Cost: $60 per person until April 21st, $65 after
Saturday, April 26th – 9 to 11 am
Composting 101
Improve the fertility of your garden soil! Learn home composting basics including: what can be composted, pile maintenance, how to harvest finished compost and garden bed application. Different styles of piles will be introduced, decide which is best for your home!
Cost: $25 till 4/23, $30 after
Saturday, May 3rd – 10 am to 3:30 pm
Women’s Day of Wellness with Herbalist Linda Conroy
Focusing on wellness and nourishment this mini retreat will leave you feeling inspired and rejuvenated. Participants will spend the day in community, exploring approaches to nourishment and health. Learning about the herbs that grow around us and our relationship to the natural world, we will take an herb walk, create an herbal lotion, herbal sachets, tea blends and an herbal elixir. Participants will leave inspired and rejuvenated with recipes and the items that we make in class. A wonderful Mother/Daughter activity for Mother’s Day! Organic lunch and snack are included.
Cost: $75 till 4/30, $80 after.
Saturday, May 3rd – 9:30 to 11 am
Container Gardening Workshop
Who says you need a large yard to grow your own food! Learn principles for growing a successful container garden. Bring your own container, and go home with a garden!
Cost: $35 till 4/30, $45 after. Includes soil and seedlings. -$20 per additional household members. (For those sharing a container)
Please bring a container that is between 5 to 10 gallons, with a minimum of 10″ wide. The type of container is up to you! Ideas: ceramic or terracotta pots, plastic bucket with whole drilled, plastic pot container.
Tuesday, May 6th – 6 to 8 pm
School Garden and Garden Based Education Training
In this free workshop, participants learn about planning and designing youth gardens and education programs, with regard to program sustainability. Topics will include developing a mission and goals for your garden program, engaging your garden community, and planning for the future. Participants will share lessons learned and successes from their garden program and will hear about other youth garden programs across the state. Lessons and activity ideas will also be demonstrated in the Wellspring Education Garden! Open to educators and interested community members! Continuing Education Units available for early childhood educators.
Cost: Free to attend! Please RSVP to wellspringeducation@gmail.com
Thursday, May 8th – 6 to 9 pm
Fermentation: Making Sauerkraut, Pickles and Beyond. With Linda Conroy
Preserving vegetables with live-cultures — this is Lacto-Fermentation, an ancient practice experiencing contemporary revival. In this hands-on workshop, we will learn about the science, method and magic of “wild fermentation”. We will transform local, seasonal vegetables into delicious treats. Participants will take some of our preparations to bring home. Samples, instruction and recipes will be provided. Please bring 2 pint canning jars so that you can take home some of our preparations. $60 per person until May 5th, $65 after.
For the full list of Classes and Workshops, visit out Education Page
- Credit for one year will be provided should you need to cancel from a registered program.
Allergy Disclaimer: House cats are kept in one of our indoor learning facilities. They are not allowed to roam the building, but dander may be an issue for those with severe allergies.
Home Garden Consultation Service
Want help with your home garden?
Mary Ann Ihm, an organic gardener for 35 years, can help you design your garden
and provide helpful tips for maintaining and reaping the most benefit from your garden.
Mary Ann is the founder of Wellspring and has provided garden education for three decades.
Investment: $100 for 1 ½ hours of professional help, payable to Wellspring.
Call (262) 675–6755 or email wellspring@hnet.net to schedule a consultation.
