History
Wellspring was founded on March 1, 1982 by Mary Ann Ihm. As an educator, Mary Ann sought to create a holistic learning environment, one that would help people live in harmony with themselves and the earth. The first Board of Directors met in April, 1983. Programs were held in Milwaukee. In 1987 the country location was found and in spring of 1988 Wellspring moved to Newburg WI and began a CSA, the longest running CSA in Wisconsin. Wellspring offers a quiet country setting, nestled in the Milwaukee River Valley with 36 acres of gardens and nature trails, woods and meadows, ponds and prairies, and an outdoor labyrinth. Over 80 species of birds have been identified on the grounds, which are also home to other wildlife. The space is known for its relaxing, calming and rejuvenating qualities, yet we are only 35 minutes from downtown Milwaukee.
Specialties
Wellspring is a nonprofit education and retreat center, as well as, a certified organic farm whose mission is to inspire and teach people to grow, prepare and eat healthy food. In so doing, we transform food systems and build community. The retreat and conference center, once a private home, has a cozy feeling, yet is spacious with a view to the outdoors. Meeting rooms and a dining room hold 15 - 40 people. Guests can stay in the main house with 2 private rooms; two sleeping areas accommodate larger groups. One sleeps 7-10 people in one spacious carpeted room and the other sleeps 14 people. Each building has one or more bathrooms with showers and plenty of hot water! Linens are provided. In addition to being a working farm, Wellspring also has a Bed & Breakfast and International Hostel. We offer a wide variety of gardening workshop and cooking classes through our education programs. It's the perfect setting for weddings, anniversaries, family reunions, birthdays and more!