December News

It's quiet at the Lodge and the Workshop the last few weeks of the year with final events wrapping up. But we're already planning for 2023, and have an exciting new addition to our 2023 programming!

Starting in late winter we will be offering seasonal culinary classes to encourage local food consumption and spark creativity in your meal rotations. Included in the programs will be local ingredients supplied by local farmers as well as preserved produce from the Learning Center’s own gardens.

Class hosts will guide you through prep, special techniques, and the cooking process itself. Enjoy the fruits of your labor in a shared meal at the cozy Lodge location. The initial demonstration videos are being developed to give a taste of what we can offer, so watch for the launch of those videos on our YouTube Channel!

What's Growing at Roots & Wings

The growing season is over, but that doesn't mean the farm isn't busy! Yatte, our Farm Manager at Roots & Wings, is looking ahead to the planting season, and ordering seeds for our urban farm in Rockford. Tedd our program director is already working out programming for the community and the year ahead.

Watch your inbox for the CSA subscriptions to open and get your fresh, local produce later in 2023!

Restoring the Old Oak Savanna

The Oak Liberation Front gathered several times this month to restore and revitalize the land. Volunteers assisted in the removal of invasive species like multiflora rose, honeysuckle and buckthorn.

A newer area, the Campground Hilltop, was further cleared in anticipation of using that area along the creek for pitching tents!

Randy Mermel, one of our educators, noticed many new baby oaks popping up in previously tended areas. Randy and Jessie Mermel spearhead these Restoration Days and are dedicated to the preservation and stewardship of the trees, land and creek around the Lodge.

Join up with the OLF again January 14, 2023 to continue our work as stewards of this beautiful land! Register online here.