Minnesota Grown

A Year in the Life of Honeybees: 7-Month Training Course for Beginning Beekeepers
2026-04-19 12:30 - 15:30 (America/Chicago) | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Become a beekeeper in this seven-session hands-on class that meets on the third Sunday of the month while following the life of honeybees. The first class is Sunday, April 19 and continues through October 18 unless otherwise noted.
This experiential class will cover the historic folklore, agricultural politics and current sciences of sustainable beekeeping in northern climates. The seven-session class is designed for beginning beekeepers and will provide hands-on experience at each turning point of the season. Each session will focus on the changing tasks that are involved with keeping bees and will include one-on-one time with the hives, guided by Hailey Kisch from Big Sky Acres.
The class meets the educational requirements for the WEI Beekeeping Certificate. To earn a WEI Certificate, registrants must attend at least 6 of 7 classes. The class schedule is subject to change and dates will be rescheduled if needed due to weather or other circumstances.
Class schedule:
Beekeeping at WEI is committed to the health of the bees, organic care practices as much as possible and an understanding of bees on the farm as integral to the farm’s ecosystem.

April 19: Overview of beginning organic beekeeping. Where to buy the necessary equipment, supplies and bees; how to build a hive, setting up hives
May 17: Hive day inspections: anti-swarming techniques, reversal of hive boxes in overwintered colonies, planting fall flowers for pollinators
June 21: Hive day inspections: honey assessment, prepping for nectar flow
July 19: Hive day inspections: Varroa mite counts and hive diseases
August 16: All things honey extracting
September 20: Prepping the hives in fall to prepare them to survive over winter
October 18: All things beeswax, winterizing hives and saying goodbye

All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
What to bring: Bee suit, veil, gloves, hive tool, outdoor wear. Snacks and beverages as needed. Instructor and WEI have several veils to lend. Please let us know if you need one.
Instructor Bio: Hailey Kisch dedicated to sustainability and food sovereignty, with a B.S. in Soil and Water Science and an M.S. in Range Science from Montana State University. She applies this expertise on her farm outside Shafer, where she and her husband, Trevor, raise their four children while focusing on sustainable farming practices. Starting with a small chicken coop and garden, their farm now produces high-quality produce and pasture-raised animals, all while preserving the land’s health for future generations. Education is key, as Hailey and Trevor teach their children about soil health and resource preservation.
Beekeeping is a central part of Hailey’s work. Over the past four years, she’s apprenticed with Mike at Bone Lake Meadows Apiary, deepening her knowledge of pollination and hive management. Hailey manages the hives at WEI and also oversees hives on farms in the Chisago County area. In partnership with Mike, she helps manage bees for an apitherapy center in Stillwater, using bees to assist with healing for various conditions. Hailey’s passion for beekeeping integrates pollinators into her farm, supporting biodiversity and reinforcing the important connection between humans and nature. Through this holistic approach, Hailey nurtures the land and educates future generations on sustainable practices.
If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.

Home Cannabis Cultivation
2026-04-18 13:00 - 16:00 | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Course Description: Growing your own cannabis at home is a rewarding and fascinating hobby. Whether you’re aiming for a high-THC yield or just want to grow one of the most interesting plants out there (that grows like a weed), with some basic gardening know-how, you can nurture plants from seed to flower and harvest your own high-quality cannabis.
This class introduces the fundamentals of cultivating cannabis responsibly and successfully on a small scale (which is legal in Minnesota for adults 21+). Participants will learn how to design a home grow that fits their space, schedule, and experience level. We’ll cover plant life cycles, lighting and soil basics, watering and feeding, and how to identify and manage common issues and pests. By the end of the class, you’ll have the knowledge and confidence to begin your own grow with care and curiosity.
All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
Instructor Bio: Charlie Zieke (they/them) is a farmer, artist, and mulching enthusiast with a decade of non-profit and educational experience. Along with their partner Relle, they operate Magic Acre Farm, a permaculture land project and CSA that raises more-than-organic veggies, flowers, and chicken eggs. Charlie runs Zieke Design, a small creative studio that supports farmers, artists, and organizations of all sizes with visual storytelling. Their past work has included supporting land access for immigrant & queer farmers as the Communications Director at Sharing Our Roots Farm, wrangling goats and communications at Great River Montessori School and implementing restoration plans for a community permaculture orchard at Frogtown Farm.
Make a day of it! On the way to WEI, visit charming Lindstrom, MN, for Northwoods Roasterie coffee and a pastry from the Lindstrom Bakery. After class, visit Wild River State Park (only 10 minutes from WEI). Franconia Sculpture Park is also nearby and open ’til 8pm daily.
If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.

Create Your Own Orchard: Make Fruit Trees by Grafting
2026-04-11 09:30 - 14:00, 2026-03-21 09:30 - 14:00 | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Course Description: Have you ever wanted to grow fruit trees in your own backyard and harvest home grown fruits or start a small orchard? This class will give you the skills and hands-on experience to learn how to hand make your own fruit trees, repair damaged trees, and add on different fruits to existing trees to save space.
Grafting is the ancient art of how to attach a specific desired cultivar of fruit onto a rootstock to make a customized fruit tree. Students will learn the reasons for grafting, the skills and materials needed to dormant graft, bud graft, and summer graft, and how to nurture trees to maturity. Basic biology of the tree, and why this works will also be covered. Resources also will be given that will help you find desired rootstock and scion wood for the specialty tree of your choice. If you have a favorite tree you want to replicate, like a neighbor’s or grandparent’s apple tree, contact Dan after you register and he’ll provide instructions for preparing tissue from that tree to graft.
This class is about two hours of instruction, an hour break for lunch, and then hands-on practice afterwards. Each student will take home two apple trees that they themselves have made.
What to Bring: Bring a utility knife with a new blade that has been washed in soapy water to remove any factory oil, pruning shears that can cut a quarter-inch stem, thin multipurpose garden gloves, a garbage bag, a sharpie, a 5-gallon bucket to bring your trees home in, a rag for wiping your hands and something to take notes on. Please bring a lunch and preferred drink – and snacks if you need them.
All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
We are offering this class again on Saturday, April 11.
Instructor Bio: Dan Sheild is the co- owner of Stone Creek Farm, an orchard that specializes in stone fruits, including plums, apricots, and peaches. With organic practices, Dan developed a system that would allow sweet and juicy peaches to grow and fruit consistently, as well as manage his orchard and farm for commercial fruit sales and research. Dan is a former board member of the Organic Fruit Growers Association, has memberships in Land Stewardship Project, Minnesota Fruit and Vegetables Growers association, and NAFEX, North American fruit explorers. Dan has grafted most of the 1200 trees on his property.
Make a day of it! On the way to WEI, visit charming Lindstrom, MN, for Northwoods Roasterie coffee and a pastry from the Lindstrom Bakery. After class, visit Wild River State Park (only 10 minutes from WEI). Franconia Sculpture Park is also nearby and open ’til 8pm daily.
If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.

Neighborhood Roots Winter Farmers Market
2026-03-14 10:00 - 13:00, 2026-02-07 10:00 - 13:00 | Bachman’s Floral, Gift & Garden, 6010 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, MN, 55419, United States
Join friends, neighbors, farmers, and makers at this cozy indoor farmers market. Stock up on locally grown and raised groceries, discover unique gifts, and warm up with delicious ready-to-eat foods — all while supporting small businesses through the colder months.
Patrons of the Kingfield, Nokomis, and Southwest Farmers Markets will see lots of familiar faces! Neighborhood Roots is the non-profit behind those three outdoor markets as well as this indoor series. Learn more about Neighborhood Roots markets on their website.

Women and Chainsaws
2026-03-14 09:00 - 16:00 | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Course Description: If you don’t already love your chainsaw, you will after this class. We will focus on chainsaw safety and operation, and briefly touch on maintenance. We will discuss finding and caring for PPE (personal protective equipment) that fits you properly, creating and maintaining a safe work environment, and safe chainsaw operation. We will bring several different chainsaws to show differences in chain type, bar length, handle placement, etc.
In the afternoon we will work on how to safely operate a chainsaw while practicing basic chainsaw skills. We will have a limited amount of PPE for you to use if you do not have your own. During this class no one will be allowed to operate a chainsaw, whether it is your own or one of ours, unless you are wearing adequate PPE: chaps or chainsaw pants; and a helmet with eye, ear and face protection.
What to Bring: Your chainsaw, if you have one; Your PPE (head, ear, and eye protection; boots and work gloves); the clothing you need to be warm and comfortable in the classroom and outside; Your lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.
This class is designed for people who identify as women or non-binary.
Instructor Bios:
Louise Levy holds a master’s degree in silviculture and after a decade of experience in rural forestry, made a small but seismic lateral shift into the world of urban forestry and arboriculture. In 2011 she founded Levy Tree Care, and since tree care and civic engagement go hand in hand for her, she also spends time on community presentations, donations of tree care, tree preservation advocacy, sponsorship of arts programs, and collegial professional development.
Jenna Strait is a certified B level sawyer with the U.S. Forest Service in both gas-powered and crosscut saws and works as a utility line clearance arborist. Jenna’s background also includes work as an Americorps field coordinator, where she conducted chainsaw safety, operation and maintenance classes for service volunteers in the arrowhead region of Minnesota.
Holly Rose is a certified B level feller with the U.S. Forest Service and an assistant chainsaw safety trainer for Forest Safety Instruction, where she helps guide people in a variety of industries across the Midwest on how to use a chainsaw safely, correctly, and confidently. Her background also includes working with the National Park Service and contracting with the Forest Industry Safety and Training Association and the Minnesota Women’s Woodland Network.
Make a day of it! On the way to WEI, visit charming Lindstrom, MN, for Northwoods Roasterie coffee and a pastry from the Lindstrom Bakery. After class, visit Wild River State Park (only 10 minutes from WEI). Franconia Sculpture Park is also nearby and open ’til 8pm daily.

Learn to Prune Apple Trees
2026-03-07 09:00 - 16:00 | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Course Description: Skilled pruning increases the quality of your harvest and provides for better access to air, wind and sun for your apple trees.
Now is the time to learn what you need to know: the tools needed for pruning, the principles guiding best practices in pruning, best timing for pruning and spring thinning, and year by year pruning techniques from the very young seedling or the overgrown aged tree that needs your help.
Learn the art and science of apple tree pruning from experienced grower, Jim Birkholz of Pleasant Valley Orchard. The class will provide an overview of fruit tree growing habits and the reasons why we prune, along with an introduction to pruning techniques and principles, followed by an actual demonstration of pruning on the WEI Amador Hill Orchard.
All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
What to Bring: Be prepared to be in the out-of-doors, coats, gloves, boots for high snow, hats and warm layers of clothing. Bring your own tools, if you have them, and take care of them in the class. Please bring a lunch, snacks, and a water bottle.
Instructor Bio: Jim Birkholz, together with his wife Judy Erickson, own and operate Pleasant Valley Orchard near Shafer in southeast Chisago County. The family-owned farm consists of 15 acres of apples with the first plantings being made in 1991. They also grow strawberries, pumpkins and squash. Jim has been a member of statewide grower boards over the years in order to support and learn from successful local fruit and vegetable growers and to support higher education and businesses crucial to specialty crop agriculture. Earlier in his career Jim worked in soil and water conservation and remains involved in the field serving as chairman of the Chisago Soil and Water Conservation District.
WEI has an annual scholarship fund to support cost-accessible programming. Please see scholarship application instructions in the class registration form.

Practical Permaculture to Get You Started
2026-03-01 09:30 - 15:00 | Women’s Environmental Institute, 15715 River Rd, North Branch, MN 55056, United States
Course Description: We’ll start with seeing ourselves as part of nature- our gardens as part of the larger ecosystem, and how we can build simple systems to make lasting changes. We’ll go over the design process, consider soil life, how to work with water, build plant communities and best of all, ways to tend the permaculture garden so it is a truly sustainable way of growing with nature. We’ll dedicate time to start creating your own permaculture garden design.
All are welcome – WEI classes are open to everyone.
What to Bring: Come with a loose sketch of the property/area that you want to design. Bring a notebook or sketch paper, pencil with eraser, pen, and colored pencils if you have them.
Instructor Bios:
Michelle Bruhn homesteads in suburban Minnesota. She’s a local food advocate, Master Gardener Volunteer, writer, garden educator, and farmers’ market manager. As the founder of ForksInTheDirt.com, an information hub for garden and farm-to-table living, her passion is helping folks “dig” their food. When not in the garden, Michelle enjoys spending time with her backyard flock, family, and friends while immersing herself in nature (usually with a foraging basket in tow).
Elaina Moss is a master gardener that lives in Minneapolis on a 1/6 of an acre. She focuses on regenerative permaculture gardening methods and growing a wide variety of fruit trees (18), berry bushes (44), edible vines (7), along with other perennial edible and medicinal plants, even in her lawn.
Make a day of it! On the way to WEI, visit charming Lindstrom, MN, for Northwoods Roasterie coffee and a pastry from the Lindstrom Bakery. After class, visit Wild River State Park (only 10 minutes from WEI). Franconia Sculpture Park is also nearby and open ’til 8pm daily.
If you would be interested in staying overnight at WEI before and/or after this class, please reserve accommodations through our FarmStay.

Galentine's Bouquet & Brunch with Rustic Designs Flower Farm 2026
2026-02-07 09:30 - 11:00 | Redhead Creamery, United States
Join Redhead Creamery for a fun-filled Galentine’s Day bouquet and brunch at Redhead Creamery, in collaboration with Rustic Designs Flower Farm! Enjoy a delightful morning with friends as you:

Savor delicious bites from a gourmet cheese and brunch grazing table
Create your own stunning floral bouquet with expert guidance from Rustic Designs Flower Farm

Come for the flowers, stay for the cheese, and raise a glass to friendship! Perfect for celebrating with your closest gal pals. Cheese shop and restaurant will open promptly at 11:00AM for shopping and more celebrating.
Space is limited—reserve your spot today! No actual ticket sent.
This event takes place on Saturday, February 7th from 9:30AM-11:00AM at Redhead Creamery 31535 463rd Ave, Brooten, MN 56316.

AFSA Charter School MN Ag Night
2026-01-15 16:00 - 19:00 | AFSA Highschool, 100 Vadnais Blvd, Vadnais Heights, MN, 55127
Join us for a special night highlighting the MN agriculture industry!
January 15, 2026
4-7 p.m.

Meet with representatives from the MN agriculture industry
CDE/LDE sampler led by AFSA students
Spaghetti dinner – free!

Look who’s joining us:

CFANS
MN Beef Council
Minnesota Farm Bureau
Minnesota Grown
MN Pork Board
MN Turkey Growers

Holiday Forest Fair
2025-12-13 11:00 - 17:00 | The Mustard Seed Garden Center, 10000 Great Plains Blvd, Chaska, Minnesota, 55318, United States
The 4th Annual Holiday Forest Fair, hosted by Chick of the Woods, will take place on December 13, 2025 at the warm greenhouses of Mustard Seed Garden Center in Chaska, MN. This festive event is FREE and is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Please RSVP below for tickets and to be updated on the event. Many more details to come.
With 40+ nature-themed vendors, attendees can browse and shop for unique gifts and treasures. The event will also feature expert demonstrations from nature enthusiasts, including special guests Robin Greenfield, ForagerChef, Sam Thayer, and Hank Shaw who will share their knowledge and passion for the outdoors. Visitors can enjoy interactive activities for all ages, delicious food and beverages, and festive photo opportunities with Santa and the Morel Man. Visit the Holiday Forest Fair Instagram Page or Facebook Event to see samples of the unique items vendors will be bringing and more information on demonstrations and events.

Holiday Bake Goods
2025-12-13 - 2026-01-05 | 2267 Priscilla St., St. Paul, MN, 55108
You can order by emailing bettylotterman@gmail.com or text 651-238-6859. We will arrange for a time you can pick up at 2267 Priscilla St., St. Paul, MN, 55108. Flour, eggs, shortening, and sugar are always organic. 50% of sales goes to Loaves and Fishes.
Pumpkin Pie: organic, nondairy or traditional $20
Apple Pie: vegan or traditional $20
Apple Crisp: $15
Honey Wheat Bread: 1 lb. loaf, organic, vegan $5
Sour Dough Bread: 1 lb. loaf, $5
Rosca de Reyes: $20

S'mores & Santa
2025-11-28 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Sargent’s on 2nd, 1811 2nd St SW, Rochester, MN, 55902, United States
Sargent’s is providing complimentary S’mores and Hot Chocolate for you to enjoy around our bonfire! Bring a friend and enjoy some treats!
Meet and Greet with Santa
Rumor has it that Santa will be taking time out of his busy schedule to hang out with us! He’ll be reading stories and wandering the greenhouse, spreading holiday cheer.
Drop-In Spruce Top Workshops
Stop in and create your own spruce-top porch pot with your choice of decor and design elements. Sargent’s staff will be available to help guide you!
Local Food & Drinks
As always, our friends at Café Aquí will be serving up their usual assortment of delicious drinks and baked goods. We’ll also have local food from The Compadres food truck.
Live Music & Entertainment
There’s nothing like some festive music to get you in the holiday spirit. Each day features a local musician bringing their unique sound to the Sargent’s stage.

We Are the Harvest: A Sankofa Celebration
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00 | Mississippi Gateway Regional Park, 10360 West River Road, Brooklyn Park, MN, 55444, United States
We Are the Harvest: A Sankofa Celebration is a vibrant, multigenerational event that honors the rich legacy of Black farmers, entrepreneurs, and community builders — past, present, and future. Rooted in the spirit of Sankofa — a call to remember our roots while moving forward with intention — this gathering is a joyful tribute to Black resilience, excellence, and collective growth.
Join us for a full day of:
-A marketplace featuring Black-owned businesses and artisans
-Cultural demonstrations and legacy storytelling
-Youth and family activities, arts, and learning stations
-Community resource tables and empowerment tools
-Panel discussions on farming, business, and community futures
-Music, food, and a celebration of Black joy

Ferndale Market TurkeyFest
2025-11-21 09:00 - 2025-11-26 18:00 | Ferndale Market, 31659 Willow Trail, Cannon Falls, MN 55009, Cannon Falls, Minnesota, 55009, United States
Pick up your FRESH Thanksgiving turkey and other local foods (including smoked turkey, gravy, pie, and more) at our annual TurkeyFest!
The celebration will take place at our on-farm market in Cannon Falls, MN from November 21st to November 26th, 9am to 6pm each day. This year’s TurkeyFest will feature a food truck from 11am to 2pm each day, including The Brick Oven Bus, The Bleu Dog Café and GastroTruck. Guests will have the opportunity to sample foods each day (9am to 3pm) from our local vendors, like CannonBelles, Groveland Confections, Lowry Hills Provisions, and Milton Creamery.
Visit our website to reserve your fresh turkey and other Thanksgiving items. We look forward to seeing you on the farm!
