WiWiC Potluck in Crawford County! Explore Cover Crops and Prairie Plantings
Wed, Jul 02
|Sweet Springs Farm, 43299 Patton Rd, Gays Mills, WI 54631, USA
This is an opportunity for women landowners, farmers, farm workers, gardeners, and conservation professionals to connect around their shared interest in land stewardship. We'll tour the farm to see cover crops used in a variety of ways, visit prairie plantings and share a potluck dinner.
Time & Location
Jul 02, 2025, 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sweet Springs Farm, 43299 Patton Rd, Gays Mills, WI 54631, USA
About the event
Join us for this summer potluck and farm hike. After our sharing circle, we will set out on a short field tour (about 45 min and 1/10th mile) of a compact area showcasing a variety of cover crops useful for gardens, fields and preparing areas for subsequent native prairie plantings. The large herb and vegetable growing area, a mature native prairie and an area being prepped for a fall native prairie planting will also be stops on our walking tour. Harriet Behar, owner of Sweet Springs Farm, will lead us on this tour of her farm and share how the variety of vegetation is promoting biodiversity and supporting pest management -- not to mention adding joy to the farm! So many great demonstrations at this event it is one not to be missed!
The cover crops currently being grown are chickling vetch, sunn hemp, essex rapeseed, oats, buckwheat, sorghum sudan, and red clover. Harriet hand-plants all of these, and has great tips for methods.
Harriet has been an organic agriculture educator for many decades (Organic Farmers Association, UW Madison, MOSES) and an organic inspector, visiting thousands of organic operations. She has taught conservation activities and organic production systems, with enthusiasm and a deep knowledge of environmentally beneficial agricultural methods. Observing and learning from the natural world, and restoring native habitats including prairie, woodlands and trout streams is her current passion. She and her husband Aaron have managed a certified organic farm since 1989, growing bedding plants, vegetables, herbs and small grains as well as having a small-scale commercial operation selling eggs and honey.
Others will be invited to share their conservation experiences as well. Please bring a chair and a dish and/or beverage to share, and any questions you may have. If you are interested in a conservation opportunities for your land, this is the gathering for you to bring curiosity and questions!
What To Expect:
To network with other women in the area around shared dreams, challenges, and experiences of conservation.
To learn about the WiWiC project and opportunities that exist for women to access conservation resources.
To gather on a beautiful property, with some uneven ground and uncertain weather - dress accordingly.
To eat, talk, laugh and connect.
Event Details:
Event is free to attend but registration is required and space is limited.
Women, all who identify as such, are welcome to attend – from landowners to farmers to conservationist enthusiasts – whatever your background, from beginners to experts!
Photos are taken at WiWiC events to help amplify the work being done by Wisconsin's women land stewards, and to help promote future events. Your registration grants consent for your photo to be taken and used for these purposes.
This event is co-sponsored by Michael Fields Agricultural Institute and Renewing the Countryside.
About Wisconsin Women in Conservation
WiWiC is a state-wide collaborative effort led by the Michael Fields Agricultural Institute in partnership with state and federal conservation agencies, local organizations, and other farm advocacy groups. WiWiC brings together Wisconsin's women landowners, farmers, farm workers, urban growers, and conservation professionals to connect and share about conservation practices, resources, and funding opportunities.
About Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
MFAI is a non-profit organization that has been cultivating resiliency through research, education, and policy work since 1984. With a broad coalition of public and private partners, The Institute supports farmers, food systems and communities in the Upper Midwest and beyond through a range of programs and initiatives. We believe agriculture can sustain both human and ecosystem health, while advancing food security, independence, and justice. Follow along on Instagram and Facebook for the latest news and events.
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 register HERE
