homesteading

Our homestead is 16.5 acres and we love sharing it with visitors. While we still have a lot to learn about self-sufficiency, we began our journey in 2016 with a large garden, small farming enterprise specializing in garlic, and volunteering on sustainable farms. As we are still new to our land here in Two Harbors we are in the process of learning the natural flow of this beautiful space and have yet to establish a permanent growing space, incorporate solar, and develop native pollinator habitat.

Currently we grow about 70% of our food and what we do not cultivate ourselves we purchase from local farmers whenever possible. We practice permaculture principles, never use chemicals, and operate a closed loop system with little to no waste. Composting allows us to minimize waste and all food scraps from our guests go into our compost to feed the gardens. We use a raised bed system due to our thick clay soil and companion planting for pest control and soil health.

While staying with us guests are encouraged to check out our gardens and depending on the season we will have garlic and other garden goodies available for purchase.

The Natural Environment

Wildhaven sits on the Laurentian Mixed Forest (LMF) Province. In Minnesota, the Province is characterized by broad areas of conifer forest, mixed hardwood and conifer forests, and conifer bogs and swamps. The Encampment River and a small trout tributary run through our property. We have spotted wildlife including porcupines, black bears, coyotes, woodpeckers, chickadees, grouse, owls, hawks and more.

As you walk the trails of Wildhaven, you’ll also notice fly agaric mushrooms, bearded lichen, wild raspberries, among other plant life. What else can you find?

History of the land

Wildhaven sits on the ancestral land of the Anishanaabe people who are the original, current, and future stewards of the land on which we rest, create, and call home.