We’re combining a fun foraging foray with an exploratory conservation land walk at Anne Beihoffer’s cozy “Homeplace” in south western Aitkin County. Anne is welcoming us to her woodland so we can learn about her forest management plan and her enrollment in the Sustainable Forest Incentive Act (SFIA). Anne will also be learning alongside us to find more ways to steward and protect her woodland.
Please RSVP to help us plan:
https://www.mnwic.org/event-details/forage-explore-conserve-summer-field-day-in-aitkin
Gretchen Polkinghorne will lead a foray into the forest, looking for edible mushrooms and useful plants. As a Certified Wild Mushroom Forager, Gretchen has years of experience foraging for her family and for sale at farmers’ markets. Learn what ecology to watch for, how to prepare your finds, and, most importantly, what not to eat!
A land walk is an important part of observing and identifying potential for conservation. Candi Fuller, NRCS District Conservationist Team Lead for this district, will teach us what to look for in our own forests, farms, and homesteads. Candi’s guidance will help us take those first steps to NRCS, SWCD, or other state or federal resources to support our conservation goals.
What you need to know:
This is a hike in the woods! Sturdy shoes, long pants, hat, bug spray are all necessary! We’ll have light refreshments, tables and chairs for resting, and part of the day will be seated for listening and sharing.
Landowner Host Anne Beihoffer
“My husband and I purchased the property that is affectionately called "the homeplace" in 2019. It was a family homesteaded property that has sheep, cattle, crops and gardens in its history; however, a majority of the property is wild. Conservation of all things natural is very important to us, and I am so excited to invite other women to learn alongside me as we explore the natural gifts that this area provides.”
Conservation Professional Candi Fuller
Based in Baxter, MN, Candi Fuller serves as the District Conservationist Team Lead for Aitkin, Crow Wing, Cass, and Itasca Counties, overseeing a team of conservationists. In this role, she leads efforts to provide financial and technical assistance to area producers, fostering sustainable land management practices. Candi brings over two decades of experience to the conservation field, driven by an idea of empowering individuals to be stewards of the land.
Certified Wild Mushroom Forester Gretchen Polkinghorne
Gretchen Polkinghorne is a sustainable forager with a deep-rooted passion for wild mushrooms and forest stewardship. Guided by the seasons and a commitment to ecological balance, Gretchen carefully identifies and harvests wild plants and mushrooms with respect for both biodiversity and future growth. Whether teaching workshops or identifying rare finds, Gretchen champions a foraging practice that’s as ethical as it is enchanting. At her Calu Homestead, Gretchen uses foraged finds in teas, foods, and fiber dyes!
MNWIC Host and North East Region Coordinator Allison Rian
Please contact Allison with any questions:
YWxsaXNvbiB8IHJ0Y2luZm8gISBvcmc= or 218-831-8890
About Minnesota Women in Conservation
Minnesota Women in Conservation (MNWiC) is a brand-new statewide collaborative effort led by Renewing the Countryside in partnership with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). MNWiC brings together Minnesota's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, gardeners, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect, learn, and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.
About Renewing the Countryside
Renewing the Countryside is a non-profit based in Minneapolis, MN, that supports just, sustainable, and vibrant communities, both urban and rural, through a variety of agricultural and food system programs and partner initiatives.
Please RSVP to help us plan:
https://www.mnwic.org/event-details/forage-explore-conserve-summer-field-day-in-aitkin
Also check out other Workshops in Aitkin.
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