About Wellspring

Wellspring is a nonprofit education and retreat center and organic farm 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.

We are also actively involved in programming and partnerships in order to:

• create a permaculture “living laboratory”
• coordinate and support formation of a state food policy council
• develop Farm to School programming in Kewaskum and Grafton (more to come)
• teach new ways to prepare fresh foods and to preserve food to be able to eat local produce ALL year round
• grow the local economy through the encouragement of more local purchasing by EVERYONE and creation of Visit Newburg
• explore a food hub to support farmers, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, and food processors in providing local food and to acquire local food

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 its 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, 3 hoop houses for season extension, a small flock of laying hens, apple orchard, herb garden, and 30 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 throughout 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 preservation, seed saving, tree grafting, foraging 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
Will Moyer, Farm Manager
Mary Ann Ihm, Founder, Conference & Hospitality Director
Francie Szostak, Education Coordinator
Heather Hall, Assistant Farm Manager
Patrick Brooks, Building & Grounds
Lindsey Lee Jones, Intern
Kyle Dodge, Intern
Michelle Juech, Housekeeper

Press Archives

November 2012 http://activepaper.olivesoftware.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=V0JETi8yMDEyLzExLzA5I0FyMDAxMDY%3D&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
October 2012http://farmtotablewisconsin.com/2012/10/13/wellspring-growing-the-next-generation-of-farmers/
July 2012 - http://www.naturalmilwaukee.com/MILW/July-2012/Wellspring-Organic-Farm-Hosts-Seasonal-Cooking-Classes/
June 2012 - http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/produce-boxes-give-csa-members-challenges-delights-r85asjm-158491425.html
May 2012 - http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/lifestyle/151678645.html#!page=0&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst
March 2012 - http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/csa-owner-says-organic-farming-was-her-blood-5l4fb6j-142377345.html
March 2012- http://www.jsonline.com/features/food/homegrown-foods-have-a-homecoming-7t484gi-142377055.html

Thank you to Paul Oemig for several of the lovely farm shots featured on our site!

Program Areas

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