Greater Mille Lacs
Welcome to the Greater Mille Lacs Chapter
Greater Mille Lacs Chapter welcomes members from Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Mille Lacs and Pine counties.
Information: greatermillelacs@sfa-mn.org or 1.844.922.5573 Ext. 707
Upcoming Events
Intro to Permaculture
Saturday, April 18, 2026 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Clear Lake Gardens 31213 292nd St. Aitkin, MN 56431
We invite you to join us as we dip our toes into the world of Permaculture. Permaculture is a holistic design system built on the understanding that we thrive when we work with nature, not against it. Permaculture design mimics natural ecosystems to create sustainable, regenerative, and self-sufficient food systems and communities. It is a way of designing our land, homes, communities, and even businesses, using patterns found in nature.
In this introductory workshop, we will explore the ethical principles that serve as the foundations of permaculture: care of the earth, care for people, and fair share. We will then dive into the 12 ecological design principles that guide how these ethics are put into practice. Some examples include: observation before action, catching and storing water and energy on your land, diversification for risk mitigation and adaptation, and reducing “waste”, all with the end result of cultivating an abundance of food for yourself and your community.
We will get our hands dirty with interactive exercises, as well as experience first hand permaculture projects on the farm. The session will wrap up with refreshments and some time to connect with your new permaculture pals.
Registration
Advance registration required. No walk-ups, please.
$30 SFA Members, $35 Nonmembers
Members must log in to see member pricing. Learn more about joining SFA here.
Instructors:
Mika Thuening brings a broad, food-systems perspective grounded in a deep commitment to farmers and the environment. She completed her Permaculture Certification in 2012, and earned her MSc degree in Environmental Science in 2018. Her career spans international agricultural supply chains and working in the sustainability certification industry, including Fair Trade. Mika is excited to support our local food producers and contribute towards strengthening sustainable food systems here in her home state of Minnesota.
Kelley Rajala’s passion for the environment, sustainable communities and entrepreneurship led her to a vision in 2008 for a sustainable farmstead on her grandparents property in Aitkin, MN. She received her Permaculture certificate in 2008 from the Midwest Permaculture Institute and with determination, moved from Northern California to Minnesota in 2020 with her dream. Six years on, Kelley and husband Eric have built a diversified farm business using many permaculture principles. Clear Lake Gardens is proud to sell organically grown food into the local food system and work toward community food security and economic self reliance. She is excited to share their experience with you.
In partnership with the Greater Mille Lacs chapter of the MN Sustainable Farming Association and the Aitkin Local Economy Center – a food, farm and culinary arts incubator.
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