Co-op Program raises $1,281 for WOK
The Keweenaw Co-op raised $1,281 for Keweenaw Wild Ones in 2024 through its round-up program. During check-out, customers voluntarily round up their bill, with the proceeds benefiting a local food pantry and another area nonprofit, in this case, WOK.
Many thanks to the co-op for choosing us, and additional thanks to all the customers, whose small change has made a big difference.
Pictured, left to right, are Co-op staffer Ariele Pizzo and WOK directors Karen Cayce, Kristine Bradof (peeking over our lawn sign) and Marcia Goodrich (with the bird on her head).
“What’s the Rush?” showing in March
WOK is partnering with KISMA and Michigan Tech’s Center for Science and Environmental Outreach to host a showing of Doug Tallamy’s new video, “What’s the Rush?,” at 6 p.m., Friday, March 14, in Forestry G002 at Michigan Tech.
Tallamy, a professor at the University of Delaware and author of several books on native plants, including “Bringing Nature Home” and “Nature’s Best Hope,” is a leading voice in the native landscaping movement.
Potential partnership with MTU’s gen ed program
Keweenaw Wild Ones may join a partnership with Michigan Technological University that aims to link students with local nonprofits.
The Essential Education Experiences program will be part of the general education curriculum in coming years. As conceived, teams of juniors and seniors will conduct projects on behalf of nonprofits. Students gain skills in community involvement and leadership; nonprofits benefit from projects that they wouldn’t be able to undertake themselves.
WOK directors had several ideas about potential student projects, including developing a social media strategy and spearheading landscaping initiatives. Director David Hunter cautioned that such partnerships can be time consuming, so we should make sure our other programs are not adversely affected.
President Marcia Goodrich was part of a Jan. 21 focus group on Essential Education Experiences led by Cassandra Reed-VanDam, the Essential Education Experience manager and a member of the WOK Board of Directors. WOK member Sigrid Resh, coordinator of KISMA, also attended.
Winter sowing workshop
About 20 folks attended our first Winter Sowing workshop, held Jan. 23 at the Nara Center. The enthusiastic crowd, including several youngsters, made mini-greenhouses using jugs that had previously held kitty litter. About 10 types of seeds were available, and most participants couldn’t choose just one, so they typically planted two varieties in the makeshift greenhouses.
As one attendee said, “I got to talk with other people about plants and learned a new gardening skill. What more can you ask for from a winter evening?”
Many thanks to Kristine, who organized the workshop and spent many hours prepping nearly four dozen of the jugs and seeds, and to Karen, who provided much needed help throughout the evening, up to and including vacuuming potting mix off the chalet rug.
Keweenaw Wild Ones volunteers step up
Three WOK members stepped up to the plate after Marcia sent out a list of possible roles members could take on to benefit the chapter.
Director Cassandra has volunteered to organize WOK’s participation in the local farmers’ markets. She has plenty of experience in this area, since she has coordinated From the Ground, which oversees a number of Houghton County markets.
Member Keri McCall graciously agreed to help with grant writing. She and Karen are already collaborating on a project.
Director Susan Miko is now our new Hospitality Chair, organizing refreshments for get-togethers and other duties as assigned. And new member Sheri Hagwood has volunteered to be on the committee! If anyone would like to be part of an actual Hospitality Committee, let Marcia know.