Fishers & Farmers Workshop Galena, IL
FFP Workshop Staff
FFP staff facilitate conversations and learning on the challenges farmers face when adopting practices to improve soil health and water quality. Through dialogue, story sharing, and listening, we identify common patterns, collaborate with local groups, and design actionable steps for watershed regions and farms.
Amy Smith
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region
Bailey Nelson
BVisions Media
Kristen Eggen
Kristen Eggen Visuals
Levi Long
Habitat for Humanity of the Greater La Crosse Region
Nancy North
Lanseboro, Minnesota
Tracy Chaplin
Co - Nexio
Day 1
The first day of the workshop kicked off with a field visit to Jo Daviess County, where participants explored sustainable farming practices. Afterward, the group gathered at Chestnut Mountain for a series of welcoming stories and introductions, with leaders sharing their journeys and the origins of the Fishers & Farmers Partnership(FFP) and the local network Jo Daviess County Soil and Health Coalition.
The first day of the workshop kicked off with a field visit to Jo Daviess County, where participants explored sustainable farming practices. Afterward, the group gathered at Chestnut Mountain for a series of welcoming stories and introductions, with leaders sharing their journeys and the origins of the Fishers & Farmers Partnership(FFP) and the local network Jo Daviess County Soil and Health Coalition.
The day focused on listening and storytelling, beginning with a check-in circle where participants shared what brought them to the workshop. Stories from local farmers highlighted the economic and emotional impacts of regenerative farming practices, offering real-world insights into conservation, multigenerational efforts, and the role of livestock. After a Q&A, the group turned their attention to the future, listening to inspiring accounts from Wisconsin’s farmer-led networks.
The day concluded with story-sharing in triads, where participants reflected on their personal journeys and considered the question: "What kind of ancestor do I want to be?" This set the tone for deep reflection and collaborative conversation, framing the rest of the workshop.
Day 2
Day 2 stared with a group reflection on key insights and opportunities that emerged. Through a World Café session, participants explored what was working well in their communities, the challenges they faced, and the possibilities for more regenerative farming practices and collaboration between agencies and farmers.
The afternoon offered space for affinity groups to discuss specific regional and thematic challenges, from building watershed health coalitions to measuring the impact of soil and stream restoration efforts. Participants were encouraged to identify actions they could take together to catalyze change in their areas.
The day closed with an open space for participants to dive deeper into conversations of their choice, followed by a harvest session where the group shared their insights. As plans took shape for Day 3, participants were invited to continue building connections over dinner and evening activities at Chestnut Mountain.
Day 3
On the final day, participants focused on translating insights into concrete plans through the "Design for Wiser Action" process. Teams worked together to outline their next steps, refine their ideas through multiple rounds of collaboration, and synthesize their plans for action.
After a break, the large group gathered to share their plans, offer feedback, and express gratitude. The day concluded with a closing check-out session where participants reflected on key takeaways and discussed ways to stay connected for continued collaboration. The workshop wrapped up with plans for the next gathering in central Illinois, ensuring momentum would continue.
Post-Workshop Analysis
Feedback from the Workshop
A deeper sense of community and the feeling of being part of something that has the power to make the world a better place for everyone.
Sheila Fitzgerald
Fields of Sinsinawa
Face-to-face conversations, where ideas can be shared and explored deeply, often lead to new insights you wouldn't discover on your own.
Will Keast
Water Resources Monitoring Group, LLC
Not once did a cell phone ring in three days... not a single time. Everyone was completely engaged.
Rick Bieber
Fields of Sinsinawa
This process is unlike typical conferences or meetings that often fail to produce real outcomes or meaningful learning. It fosters collaboration that feels natural, unforced, and genuinely positive.
Tim Hundt
Coon Creek Community Watershed Council