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APPLICATIONS ARE STILL OPEN! APPLY TODAY!
Don't let funding hold you back from applying - robust scholarships for extensive assistance are available!
LGBTQ+, women, BIPOC, Immigrants, and US Military Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Our peer-powered fundraising effort, Planting Your Future Today, ended on Dec. 31, but it took a minute to gather our final numbers... We are thrilled to have raised $23,720 in contributions toward the work of the Learning Center! We met and exceeded our goal again! Thank you - we are extraordinarily grateful!
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Fun Facts!
๐ง๐พโ๐คโ๐ง๐ป Total Fundraisers: 11
๐ Top Staff Fundraiser: Board Pres. Brad Kemp (go, Brad!)
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Top Peer Fundraiser: Miky Eum, Humbleweed Farm (thank you, Miky!)
โค๏ธ Total Donations: 80
๐ Median Donation Amount: $50
๐ Farthest Afield Donations: WA State, Southern CA, and New England
๐จ Messages of Support from our Donors:
"I'm doing it for the chickens!" - Jen M.
"Farm on!" - Seth A.
"Grow! Grow! Grow!" - Cammie M.
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What's Growing at Roots & Wings | |
2023 Roots & Wings CSA Now Open! | |
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The Roots & Wings Farm & Garden is a 1/2 acre organically grown urban farm located in Blackhawk Courts, a Rockford Housing Authority property.
We offer a full (weekly) and half (biweekly) CSA share for the summer, a biweekly fall share, and a honey share as well.
Supporting our CSA program provides employment opportunities for Blackhawk Courts residents and allows us to purchase needed equipment and supplies in advance. By participating in our CSA program, you will receive an abundance of fresh, locally grown vegetables and contribute to our educational programs in the Blackhawk community.
Keep reading on our blog...
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Restoration Work Day
Feb. 11, 12pm-4pm
| A popular event for our volunteers! Join the self-styled "Oak Liberation Front" in removing aggressive non-native shrubs like honeysuckle and buckthorn, identifying and protecting native plants, gathering native seed, burning brush, and other needed work. Tools and equipment provided. We will also have snacks! | |
Chili Days Culinary Course
Feb. 17, 11am-7pm
| Make your own version of chili with seasonal ingredients from local sources, combining interesting new flavors to warm yourself up in the cold winter. | | |
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Week 1: June 18-22, Week 2: June 25-19, Teen Week: July 9-13 | |
Get your spot for Overnight Farm Camp, where kids and teens spend five days and four nights learning, growing, and connecting with the land, the farm, and each other!
Campers experience a real working farm, hands-on experience caring for animals, tending gardens, harvesting and cooking food, exploring the land and its ecologies, learning where our food comes from and how they can help build local, sustainable food systems in their communities! Farm camp is life-changing for our campers, and we are so proud that many former campers return as camp counselors when they are older!
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We want all kids to have the opportunity to come to camp. Contact us for more information about custom payment plans or financial assistance.
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From Admin to On Farm
We are pleased to announce a new addition to the On Farm Education team, Trisha Wilks! Trisha stepped into her former role as Administration Director at an organizational time of need and performed those duties exceptionally. We are excited for her to return to her educational programming roots as she transitions into her much-deserved new role as On Farm Education Director!
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We'll Miss You, Goli!
We are sad to announce that Goli Ziolek has resigned from the Learning Center and the Farmer Training team.
Goli facilitated our Stateline Farm Beginningsยฎ course and helped drive the CRAFT network. Because of her work, she created wonderful connections and relationships with our experienced and beginning farmers.
Goli is dedicated to helping aspiring and beginning farmers learn how to make their farming dreams a reality. We will miss her wonderful facilitation skills, her deep appreciation for farmers and her work with many veteran organizations. We wish her well in her future endeavors!
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Are You our Next Team Member? | |
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The Learning Center is seeking candidates who care about reshaping our food systems and educating their communities about sustainable agriculture and want to work with a team of passionate, friendly, and fun people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Why would you want to join the Learning Center's team?
- Flexible work schedule, some positions hybrid remote
- Love your office, located on 70+ acres of wooded land
- Goats!
- Staff meetings that include kayaking, game nights, and museum visits
- Doing meaningful work that has a direct impact on the community
- Did we mention the goats?
Visit our Employment page for position details, requirements, benefits, and salary information.
Farmer Training Program Manager
Manage Farmer Training educational programs, including program coordination and delivery, outreach and recruitment, program evaluation, and farmer alliance work. Flexible, hybrid remote position.
๏ปฟOn Farm Educator
Facilitate educational programs at the Learning Center. Ideal candidates will have experience with organic farming, environmental education, and working with diverse audiences. Part-time, seasonal.
Roots & Wings Lead Educator
Develop and lead culturally-responsive educational programming at Roots & Wings, act as a liaison for the Community Advisory Council and provide educational opportunities to youth on the farm and beyond.
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NEW 2023 MEMBERSHIP PRICING
Whether youโve never farmed before, you're seeking advanced training, looking to build community, or youโre transitioning to sustainable agriculture, join the UM CRAFT network!
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Get the resources you need at the cost that is right for you! Choose from CRAFT+ or Basic levels, with the option to Add-On an additional member. VETERANS: contact us about free US Military Veteran memberships!
Benefits include:
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The Weekly Broadcast (click to preview) newsletter chock-full of resources
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access to the UM CRAFT Forum (Google Group & Listserv) and Directory of local member farms and farmers
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discounts on registration fees for UM CRAFT workshops, field days, and virtual events
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discounts on programs at the Learning Center and Center for Agrarian Learning
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