Dear Curiosity Journal,
We had so much fun on the Southwest Wisconsin Conservation Bus Tour on Friday. Over 20 women gathered at the Kickapoo Valley Reserve for coffee, quiche, scones, and meaningful conversation about land conservation. Then we hopped on the Merry Green Marvel bus and headed to Good Thunder Farm, where we heard from Sheri Scott and Karin Silet, who shared the lessons they’ve learned throughout their Environmental Quality Incentives Program experience and their elderberry production. It was so cool to see the different stages of elderberry bushes from 1- to 3-year-old plantings, as well as the progress they’ve made in their wooded areas, removing invasives and adding oaks. Next, we boarded the bus and drove through the beautiful Driftless hills to the Parker Hill Century Farm, where we heard from Rachel Parker, who gave us an inspiring tour of her multi-species rotational grazing operation. We learned about their organic dairy herd, pigs, and fiber flock, as well as their management of 138 diverse fields in forage and cover cropping. Then, we had the pleasure of visiting their FarmerSown on-farm store, where they sell gorgeous fiber, meat, veggies, and goods from their farm and other local artisans. It was a joy to see so many smiling women as they walked the land of fellow ladies and to hear the crescendo of conversation as we headed back to the KVR. There are so many take-aways, lessons learned, sparks of inspiration, and moments of meaningful connection during these Wisconsin Women in Conservation events, and I’m so grateful to be a part of this organization touching the lives of so many women in our community. A huge thank you to Elena, Harriet, Sheri, Karin, and Rachel for co-creating this fabulous Friday!
~Joy
