The fresh breeze hit our faces. Warm dirt and all of the living things it contained squished against our skin and crept into our shoes. Sweat glistened on our foreheads as we laughed about a story being told. Dead weeds were piled high next to the fresh crops that once were hidden underneath them. 

Thanks to Trusted Earth Farms that catered our Farm to Table Dinner last Saturday, we were able to work off some of the cost of the food at their farm in Reedsville. Our volunteers that helped were amazing! 

The event itself had been planned for the outdoors at the Nature Center, but the weather decided otherwise. As rain poured down by the bucket load on Saturday, we were all dry and comfortable in the Ballroom at Holiday Inn in Manitowoc. We can’t thank Holiday Inn enough for letting us take refuge in their newly renovated space.  

When 5pm rolled around on Saturday, the room was set and decorated with flowers from the farmer’s market, wine, beer and soda bottles were open from Court House Pub and Captain’s Walk Winery, and appetizer trays were set, filled with local cheese from Belgioioso and pickled vegetables harvested from Trusted Earth Farms.

Guests mingled, viewed raffle baskets filled with products from local businesses, and listened to our Executive Director, Jim Knickelbine play the guitar while his daughter, Emma, sang.

Dinner was served at 6:00pm.

A few minutes before the buffet line was opened, the room was filled with the aroma of fresh cooked vegetables, chicken stuffed with pork, sautéed tofu with risotto, and rustic potatoes. Everyone was eager to dig in!

When guests were finished with the delicious meal, Jim spoke about the exciting projects that Woodland Dunes Nature Center has been a part of so far this year. Hands flew high from the tables, enthusiastic to have their questions answered about our local wildlife. It was amazing to see the interested in our Nature Center and wildlife in general. What a great night to celebrate the support our Nature Center has from the community.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, volunteers, guests and staff for making Farm to Table Dinner a success.