Wellspring is not-for-profit education and retreat center 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. Programs in wellness education, ecology and gardening, the arts and personal growth have been offered to the public since 1982.

History of Wellspring

Wellspring was founded on March 1, 1982 by Mary Ann Ihm. As an educator, Mary Ann sought to create a holistic learning environment, one that would help people live in harmony with themselves and the earth. The first Board of Directors met in April, 1983. Programs were held in Milwaukee. In 1987 the country location was found and in spring of 1988 Wellspring moved to Newburg WI and began a CSA, the longest running CSA in Wisconsin.

Wellspring Farm and Property

Wellspring offers a quiet country setting, nestled in the Milwaukee River Valley with 36 acres of gardens and nature trails, woods and meadows, ponds and prairies, and an outdoor labyrinth. Over 80 species of birds have been identified on the grounds, which are also home to other wildlife. The space is known for it’s relaxing, calming and rejuvenating qualities, yet we are only 35 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.

On-site there is a 6 acre certified organic vegetable farm, 1 acre demonstration garden, a solar heated greenhouse, 2 hoop houses for season extension, a small flock of laying hens, apple orchard, herb garden, and 31 acres of wildlife refuge

Education

Wellspring’s mission is to not only grow organic food, but to teach the community the importance of growing, eating, and living sustainably. Many educational opportunities are available at Wellspring through out the year. Wellspring offers farm tours, workshops and learning opportunities for individuals, families, school and community groups. Classes and programs include home gardening, cooking with seasonal produce, food preserving, seed saving, tree grafting, forging for wild edibles and Summer camps for youth and teens.

Wellspring is committed to nurturing the next generation of farmers and offers seasonal internships as well.

See http://www.wellspringinc.org/GardenProgram/HomePage for more details

Board of Directors

Wellspring is governed by a Board of Directors who sets policy and gives direction to the organization. As a working Board the directors are involved in committees that oversee the financial and educational aspects of Wellspring.

The Board of Directors for 2012–2013

Wellspring Staff

Angela Rester, Executive Director
Alissa Moore, Farm Manager
Mary Ann Ihm, Founder, Conference & Hospitality Director
Francie Szostak, Education Coordinator
Patrick Brooks, Building & Grounds
Caleb Trainor, Intern
Eli Murphy, Intern
Lynn Flint, Housekeeper

One Interns position left for the 2012 season! If interested, contact Farm Manager Alissa at wellspringcsa@gmail.com.

Program Areas

Wellspring has three main program areas, the CSA Farm, the Education Programs and the Conference and Retreat Center.