Peer Learning

This past September marked the 5th Women and Their Woods Educational Retreat hosted by the Delaware Highlands Conservancy. The event this year was held at the Highlights Family Foundation's Workshop Facility in scenic Wayne County, PA.

Success looks like...
She had lost her husband two years before. He was always the one to do the forest management stuff while she managed horses! Now she was left without a clue of how she should manage the forest. Her plan was to just - let it be. Accompanying her friend who invited her on an informal Oregon WOWNet hike changed everything and left her in tears of relief. After talking with women on the hike who are managing forests on their own, she said she felt like she could do it too. She instantly felt she had a support network and a huge barrier was lifted. It’s amazing what a walk in the woods, with peers, can do!

Location: Minneapolis Saw, 831 40th

Let's take a moment to deconstruct the green wall of vegetation which grows abundantly all around. What can you eat? What medicine grows right outside the front door? In the Spring, there are so many fresh young shoots and leaves to learn about in this afternoon of shared discovery; come take a walk and find a sweet or bitter snack!

“Who-ga-culture.”  Who the what?! German for "mound or hill culture", this ancient agricultural technique is used to construct garden beds from decaying wood debris and other compostable biomass plant materials. The process helps to improve soil fertility, water retention, and soil warming, thus benefiting plants grown on or near such mounds.

Mary's stewardship goals are for diversity and support of habitat for wildlife. Learn the techniques she uses to support diverse birds and mammals including bear, bobcat and cougar. Bring snacks, experience, questions, answers, and binoculars if desired. 

 

Liz Crain will teach about setting and shaping hedges to cultivate edge space and natural boundaries on the landscape. We'll talk about tools, techniques, the cultural and historical importance of hedges, and species to select for your hedgerow. Please bring your own lunch and dress for the weather! 

 

October 14th - registration deadline

Metro Area Minnesota Women’s Woodland Network

The Exchange Food and Drink, 500 5th Ave. NW, New Brighton (exit County Rd E2 from I-35W.  Note:  There is minor construction, so just follow the short detour.  The restaurant is in the SE corner of a small business center).  Phone:  651-348-6289.

Please RSVP by October 17 so that I can confirm our reservation.  

Where: The Tiny Diner, 1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407, Minneapolis, 612-767-3322, www.tinydiner.com

For more information and to register: contact Barb Spears, 651-328-0463

Where: The Tiny Diner, 1024 E 38th St, Minneapolis, MN 55407, Minneapolis, 612-767-3322, www.tinydiner.com

For more information and to register: contact Barb Spears, 651-328-0463

Where: Waushara County, Wisconsin

Registration: due July 5th

Women of Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association is touring a member's property to learn more about the beginning stages of her prairie restoration and to see her property. The day will include an introduction, walk, and a picnic lunch.