2026 Perennial Farm Gathering

The Perennial Farm Gathering, Savanna Institute’s signature event, brings together a wide community of land stewards, farmers, and perennial enthusiasts. Over three days, folks gather to share work, research, and lessons learned in panels, workshops, deep dives, and nutshell overviews – all to advance perennial agriculture.

Info: Are you interested in growing chestnuts but need more information before taking the final leap? Do you have a young orchard and need some questions answered or encouragement? This workshop is for you! Co-hosted by Red Fern Farm, Savanna Institute, and Canopy Farm Management, this event will expand your understanding of chestnut growing in the Midwest.

Experts will present on a variety of topics including site selection, establishment, tree management, variety recommendations, harvesting, and marketing. We will also hear from existing growers. There will be time for asking questions and networking with other attendees!

Speakers will include Tom Wahl and Kathy Dice of Red Fern Farm, Roger Smith of Prairie Grove Chestnut Growers, as well as staff from the Savanna Institute and Canopy Farm Management. Lunch and snacks (chestnuts!) will be provided.

Info: In the Upper Midwest, March is plant swapping season. We invite you to connect through the old tradition of trading plants, trading stories, and building connections that will last a lifetime. Keep this in mind while planning your dormant tree digs this fall!

The Nursery Working Group of the Agroforestry Coalition invites you to bring up to 12 copies of something you want to share. This could be Hard cuttings, Bareroot Trees, Seeds, Arts and Crafts, Poetry, or anything you think holds value in your life that you want to share. Does it tell a story? Do you want that story to live with others too?

Info: A perennial favorite of the gathering, audience members can share five-minute updates, stories, lessons-learned or nagging questions from their work. Include slides or other visual aids–or just talk with guests. Nutshells are a great way to connect with a community of practice and help build knowledge across
the region.

Info: A perennial favorite of the gathering, audience members can share five-minute updates, stories, lessons-learned or nagging questions from their work. Include slides or other visual aids–or just talk with guests. Nutshells are a great way to connect with a community of practice and help build knowledge across
the region.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Grand River Convention Center, 500 Bell Street, Dubuque, United States

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