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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 technologically 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!
Saturday, March 8th – Noon to 2 pm
Fruit Tree Grafting with John Holzwart
Join John Holzwart (‘Little John’) for a
comprehensive presentation explaining several approaches to grafting,
followed by a demonstration and hands-on learning. Participants graft and take
home two semi-dwarf fruit trees of your choice (apple, pear or plum). Root
stocks and scionwood (fruit tree cuttings) provided. Additional plant
materials will be available to purchase for grafting more trees at home.
Bring a sharp, clean pocket knife or similar; some knives available for
your use during class. Limited space; register early. *This class is
followed by a scionwood exchange that is free to the public. See additional details below*
Cost: $40 until 3/5, $45 after.
Saturday, March 8th – 2 to 4 pm
Scionwood Exchange – Fruit Tree Grafting
Attention all fruit tree grafters and growers! Here is your chance to
exchange plant material. Join us for a fun time trading fruit tree
cuttings. Newbies and seasoned grafters will mingle and swap scionwood of
various fruit trees. Do you have a special apple or pear tree in your yard?
Cuttings of that tree might have some value to others! All we ask is that
you bring a few labelled cuttings of dormant scionwood; no patented
varieties please. If you are picking up scionwood, bring plastic bags. If
you are bringing scionwood to trade or give away, please be ready to supply
a botanical name and description of the fruit.
Cost: Free to attend! Please RSVP to wellspringeducation@gmail.com
Saturday, March 15th – 10 am to Noon
Intro to Raw Cooking with Chef Karen Gill
Learn the benefits of eating raw, unprocessed foods! Chef Karen Gill leads demos, tastings and tips. Recipes to take home.
Cost: $30 till 3/2, $35 after
Saturday, March 22th – 1 to 3:30 pm
Hands on Sausage Making workshop with Matthew Devan from SA Braai
This workshop will offer a hands-on experience in sausage-making basics. Matthew will provide a walk through on prepping, seasoning, grinding & stuffing your own sausage. Students will receive guidance on how to make safe high quality product as well as proper sausage cooking and grilling tips. All students will make locally sourced, pork sausage to take home!
• Meat & casing will be provided.
• Please bring a small cooler & ice pack with you to take your product home in a safe manner.
• If students already have a sausage grinder, feel free to bring it along!
Learn more about SA Braai Sausage at http://www.sabraaitime.com/
Cost: $90 per student until 3/19, $100 after.
Saturday, March 29th – 10 am to 3:30 pm
Home Cheese Making Basics with Linda Conroy
Learn the art of cheese making in this hands-on class. Sample and learn to create several styles of cheese that can be cultivated at home including cultured butter, feta cheese, mozzarella, kefir and others. Participants will be able to build on this introduction to create many varieties of cheese at home.
Cost: $70 until 3/26, $80 after - includes lunch, cheese samples, recipes and cheese cultures to take home.
Saturday, March 29th – 10 am to 3:00 pm
Intro to Beekeeping
Join beekeeper John Holzwart for this fun and informative workshop! Whether you intend to keep bees or not, you will be fascinated by the hive structure as well as the role of the bees. Management of honey bees by season and plants will be covered. Finally, we will discuss where to get bees and how to get started with your new hobby! Extensive handouts and resources for future learning will be shared. Lunch included!
Cost: $60 per person until 3/26 $65 after
Saturday, April 5th – 10 am to 12:30 pm
Seed Saving Workshop and Seed Swap
Join experts from Seed Savers Exchange for a presentation on the importance of saving seed and preserving our food crop heritage. Seed Savers will also lead hands-on demonstrations, covering both wet and dry seed saving techniques. By the end of the workshop, participants will have the skills to begin saving their own seeds from season to season.
Educators from Slow Food Wisconsin Southeast will also share their Ark of Taste Project – a living catalog of delicious and distinctive foods facing extinction – and will discuss ways to access and grow these heirloom varieties on a garden or farm scale!
A group seed swap will follow the workshop! Bring any untreated seeds to share and expect to go home with new varieties!
Cost: $30 until 4/2, $35 after.
April 5th, 1 to 4 pm
Mustard Making with Master Preserver Christina Ward
Simple and gourmet mustards are easy to make and can for long term storage. Join Master Preserver, Christina Ward to learn to create mustards and how to process them for long term storage. This is a “hands-on” class! All participants will work together to prepare the mustards. All jars and supplies will be provided.
Cost: $50 per person until 4/2, $55 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.
