Women’s Learning Circles This Summer – Save the Date!
Are you a woman farmland owner looking to diversify your farm business? Or start a new business altogether? Do you own land and lease to a tenant farmer? Or dream of land ownership? Do you have a passion for growing and taking care of the soil? Maybe you have questions about where to start, how to expand your markets, or how to endure the seasons, but do not know who to talk to. You might be interested in Women Caring for the Land Learning Circles.
As TLC works to preserve farmland in McHenry County, we know we also must support the farmland owners and farmers. TLC has been holding women-focused workshops, called Learning Circles, gathering women into a circle (literally and figuratively) for the purposes of peer learning and mutual support. Learning Circles are meant to provide a crucial link between these women and the resources and support system they need to achieve their conservation goals on their farm. Each meeting features a specific topic related to the business of farming or information on farmland management. Because the workshops are for women only, attendees feel free to raise questions, discuss challenges, and get information on the wide range of resources available to them.
July Learning Circle
An event intended for women farmers and farmland owners to join other women to share ideas, stories, and expertise on how to manage the land you love. This Learning Circle will focus on topics such as starting a farm business and how to focus on personal and climate resilience.
Special guests include: Betsy Zarko, Arrowleaf Prairie Farm; Carina Mae Vowels, Woodstock Yoga Lounge; Christina Foster, Climate Land Leaders
Rain location: Harrison School, 6809 McCullom Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Wednesday, July 17, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p..m.
Arrowleaf Prairie Farm, 6710 McCullom Lake Road, Wonder Lake, IL 60097
Registration: $5, please register here
Registration Deadline: Monday, July 15
August Learning Circle
An event intended for women farmers and farmland owners to join other women to share ideas, stories, and expertise on how to manage the land you love. This Learning Circle will focus on topics such as growing cut flowers including incorporating native flowers, flower breeding, transitioning away from tillage and plastic, and hosting workshops.
Special guests include: Anna Guziak-Prochnicka, Gold Fern Farm; Sarah Michel, The Land Conservancy of McHenry County; Jeanne Janson, IL FarmLink
Meeting location subject to change, followed by farm visit to Gold Fern Farm
Wednesday August 14, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Gold Fern Farm, at All Grass Farms: 18N681 State Rte 31, Dundee, IL 60118
Registration: $5, please register here
Registration Deadline: Monday, Aug. 12
September Learning Circle
An event intended for women farmers and farmland owners to join other women to share ideas, stories, and expertise on how to manage the land you love. This Learning Circle will focus on topics such as regeneratively grazed livestock, agritourism, and whole farm planning.
Special guests include: Colleen Biver, Terra Vitae Farms; Marisa Maggio, Starry Nights Farm
Meeting location: Bluestem Farm and Events 9316 IL-173, Hebron, IL 60034
Farm visit: Terra Vitae Farms, 2208 Greenwood Rd, Woodstock, IL 60098
Wednesday September 18, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Terra Vitae Farms, Woodstock, IL
Registration: $5, please register here
Registration Deadline: Monday, Sept. 16