WiWiC’s MKE Women’s Urban Ag Network Hosts its first in-person event!

On Tuesday, October 11th, 2022, the Milwaukee Women’s Urban Ag Network, a part of Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC), hosted its first in-person gathering in Milwaukee! 

The event focused on highlighting the stories of urban ag growers in the area, as well as sharing urban ag related resources with its participants. 

(Left to right: Efueko Landry, Noemy Serrano, Katie Boland, LaDonna Green)

A panel of three urban ag growers from/near Milwaukee, which included Efueko Landry, LaDonna Green, and Katie Boland, shared their experiences which spanned from container gardening to the owning and operating of a 13 acre farm. The panel discussion was moderated by WiWiC South East Regional Coordinator Noemy Serrano.

The women spoke about the land they work, touched on the ways in which working the land helps their mental health, and shared why they believe teaching youth about gardening, soil health, and conservation is so important! 

Following the panel discussion, participants split into smaller groups and learned about different programs and resources available, from the representatives of Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), UW Extension Milwaukee County Urban Ag Program, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA), Urban Ecology Center - Riverside Park, and the Food, Faith and Farming Network.

This program was hosted by Noemy Serrano (MFAI Assistant Policy Director & SE Regional Coordinator for WiWiC), and Una VanDuval (MFAI Board Member & Field Collaborator for WiWiC). They hope to host a similar event in 2023 with even more urban ag related resources present.

Wisconsin Women in Conservation (WiWiC) is a program funded by USDA - NRCS and is led by Esther Durairaj of MFAI, in partnership with other non-profit organizations namely Renewing the Countryside, Marbleseed and Wisconsin Farmers Union.