About Us
Wellspring is a worker-run, 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.

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 85 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 education garden, a solar heated greenhouse, 4 hoop houses for season extension, a small flock of laying hens, apple orchard, herb garden, perennial flower beds and 30 acres of wildlife refuge.

Wellspring Board

• Penny Gaudet, Board President
• Amber Heiser, Treasurer
• Jenny Strohmeyer
• Mary Ann Ihm
• Caleb Trainor
• Roxanne Hanna
• Karen White

Wellspring Staff

Mary Ann Ihm 

Founder, Conference Center Director

Mary Ann Founded Wellspring Inc. on March 1st, 1982. She combined her experience with organic gardening, 30 years of teaching, and 25 years of non-profit education experience to bring Wellspring into being. In addition to serving as the Conference Center Director, she maintains flower gardens on the property. She often takes guests on-site for her B&B. She also wrote a book on Wellspring's 30th anniversary: The Wellspring Story, The first 30 years​. 

Caleb Trainor

Farm Director

caleb@wellspringinc.org

Caleb got his start in farming at Wellspring as a volunteer and then as an intern in 2012. After that, he raised organic chicken for meat and eggs as Blue Wolf Farm. He then came back to Wellspring as co-manager of the farm in 2016 and has been turning the wheels on the vegetable operation ever since. In addition to running the CSA and market stand, he also manages the newsletter, and trains interns and WWOOF volunteers. ​​

Roxanne Hanna

Education Director

roxanne@wellspringinc.org
​

Roxanne's life path in food, skill sharing, and farming has been empowered in her work with Wellspring. After getting her start in urban community gardening and "W.W.O.O.F.ing" , she has completed certifications in: herbalism with Moonwise Herbs, mushroom cultivation by Radical Mycology and Fungi for the People, and permaculture design by Prospect Rock Permaculture. She brings her experience into her work with youth in the form of school gardens, field trips, teen internships, and family events. In her role as Education and Community Outreach Director at Wellspring, She hosts instructors for workshops, teaches youth and adult programming, manages the Learning Garden and organic herb production for the farm, maintains worm bins and mushroom patches, and tends the hens!

Amber Trainor

Office Director

amber@wellspringinc.org

Amber has enjoyed taking part in Wellspring's workshops, CSA, and volunteer programs since 2012. She has been a long-time advocate of organic and nourishing food, and shares her passion with her community to encourage people to seek a sustainable lifestyle that protects our Earth and future.

With her working experience and education in human resources and non-profit organizations, she coordinates the budget, payroll, accounting, invoicing and bill pay at Wellspring. She also supports our grant writing, event planning, and marketing endeavors more by serving on several of the our  committees. Her enthusiasm and excitement to help forward the mission of Wellspring are essential to our organization!