The newly expanded Marbleseed Organic Resource Directory now includes buyers, suppliers, and certification agencies, as well as educational resources such as fact sheets, workbooks, guidebooks, and more.
Want to see your business or resource listed in the Marbleseed Organic Resource Directory? We review all submissions to ensure products, services, and educational resources are appropriate for inclusion in the directory. To submit your business or resource for consideration, please use the forms below.
If you would like to order large quantities of the Organic Resource Directory or Guidebooks, please email info@marbleseed.org, or call 888-906-6737 to place your order.
Beginning Farmers, Field Day / Training Recap
A small group of farmers gathered at the St. Croix Public Library December 1st to explore the Adaptive Learning Process. Led by Chrystal Johnson and Aiyana Sol Machado of Philadelphia Community Farm in Osceola, WI, it was an opportunity for growth and reflection.
To start the day, Chrystal and Aiyana led Exercises to relax participants and ease open interactions. The group then started to explore what factors most motivated their decision making processes on their farms. One illuminating exercise started by having farmers list several motivating factors that drive their farm business decisions. Through discussion, review and reflection, those factors were whittled down to three and then just one. With this in mind, farmers were asked to identify conflicts they currently face. Resolutions to these conflicts were then examined by identifying the best and worst possible outcomes as well as the outcome of not addressing the conflict. This disciplined approach to problem solving is designed to create a pathway for the best possible outcomes and identify the behaviors, strategies and actions will favor those best possible outcomes.
Field Day / Training Recap
We had an amazing Wisconsin Women in Conservation Northwest field day on Tuesday August 6th at Maiv Flower Farm! We started with a learning circle, which provided a great opportunity to hear each of the 28 attendees. The farm tour was a relaxing stroll that was filled with lively discussions. We were lucky to meet Pa’s mother in the field who shared Hmong cucumbers with the group. These cucumbers are much larger and have a mild taste; we were happy to enjoy them on a hot day straight from the field.
On the tour we were amazed not only by the floral beauty but also by the fragrant Hmong Chicken Herbs. We learned about the traditional postpartum diet that helps heal the body after labor and other Hmong vegetables and herbs that are grown at Maiv Flower Farm. This helped set the scene for the amazing meal we enjoyed from My Deli, which is located inside the Ameriasian market in Eau Claire.
While sharing a meal, we were provided with great information shared by the NRCS and Pheasants Forever. The information shared help the attendees realize the numerous conservation practices that NRCS offers cost-share applications for.
We are grateful for everyone who attended, for our Conservation Coach, Pa Thao, and our Northwest conservation professionals, Jamie Bischel (jamie.kraklow@usda.gov) of the NRCS and Morgan Sikora (morgan.sikora@usda.gov) of Pheasants Forever. If you are interested in learning more about conservation practices or a conservation plan, please contact Mercedes Talvitie at mercedes.talvitie@marbleseed.org or the conservation professionals listed above.
Field Day / Training Recap
We had a small but mighty crew come Bonnie Warndahl’s farm, Winnowburrow Farm & Florals in Colfax, WI. The seven of us joined casually and shared a meal together on a beautiful hilltop at golden hour. Without the pressure of a schedule or presentation the conversation budded into a discussion about agricultural zoning, agri-tourism, and virtual fencing. It was fun to see old and new friends come together and discuss what came naturally to them.
Bonnie specifically discussed how their farm is transforming and the grazing plan that will be implemented on the landscape in the upcoming year. She wants to utilize grazing to bring fertility into her soils. We hope to visit Winnowburrow Farm & Florals again to see how the landscape changes with animal impact.
Thank you to Bonnie and everyone who attended the first WiWiC Potluck in the Northwest region!
Field Day / Training Recap
WiWiC hosted an amazing potluck at the River Doc Nature Conservancy (RDNC) ! The group started the day by dropping off their dishes on a pontoon boat, which gave everyone a chance to see the beauty of Lake Desair. The scenery continued as Cate Lucas, Naturalist Educator & Program Director, led us on a hike through the property. Lucas discussed how the property has changed over time as a result of conservation efforts to improve water quality, control erosion, and expand native species habitat. Additionally, Lucas discussed the grade school events and lessons that she teaches; it was fun to hear a child's perspective and how they have fun on the landscape.
Once we arrived at the cabin, our group enjoyed our potluck brunch and heard conservation stories from Carol Olson who, along with her husband, Rod the “River Doc”, donated their 55 acres of woodland, wetland, and prairie to the Rice Lake Area School District in order to provide opportunities to learn, grow, and play within nature.
I know I speak for all who attended, that RDNC is a hidden gem and has amazing, applicable conservation activities. Cate and Carol have a wealth of knowledge (and stories) that proved to be invaluable! I invite you to become a Friend of the River Doc Nature Conservancy ! If you are interested in the happenings of the RDNC and curious about volunteer projects, please email Cate Lucas at lucasc@ricelake.k12.wi.us with your Name, Email Address, Phone Number, and Mailing Address. You are welcome to join whether or not you were able to attend this WIWiC potluck.
