We began Day 2 of our Itasca seminar with our wonderful tour guide Connie Cox. She is a fantastic Naturalist for Itasca State Park, giving our group an informative (but chilly) tour of the Mississippi Headwaters. We enjoyed learning more about the history of the area and the beautiful sites, including the headwaters.
We then had the opportunity to visit Pine Lake Wild Rice Farm. We thank Peter Imle, MARL Class IV, for hosting us. Peter joined us on the bus to give us an overview of the field production practices and described the wild rice, soybean, and potato rotation used in their operation. We were also able to visit the farm site, where we got a first-hand look at the specialized equipment used for their operations. Our group thoroughly enjoyed this opportunity, as none of us had experienced a wild rice farming operation previously. Peter shared many insights into his leadership on the farm and how the management team each brings unique strengths to the operation.
After our tour concluded we hopped on the bus again to drive to the Red Lake Reservation. Here we learned more about tribal agricultural programs taking place. First off, we learned about their commercial agriculture production. The reservation owns several thousand acres of wild rice land adjacent to the Pine Lake Wild Rice Farm. The operations manager, John, gave us an overview of their production and marketing practices. Then David Manuel, the Foods Coordinator for Red Lake Economic Development and Planning, gave us insight into their new local foods movement. David and other tribal members are working to bring local, healthy foods back to reservation. They are working with local schools and families on garden plots, to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to the community. David’s goal is to improve the health of tribal members, knowing that one in two youth will get Type II Diabetes during their life. Red Lake Economic Development and Planning has been working hard on this new initiative – seeking out grants, going to trainings, partnering with many organizations, and working hard with their tribal members. This small scale effort has grown considerably over the last two years, with 300 garden plots in 2016 and now 400 in 2017. This group is passionate about their work and continues to bring new ideas and efforts forward. One example is the bison herd that will be added next year. Our group offered potential avenues for David to explore and wished them the best in their continued efforts.
Our day continued in Bemidji, where we explored the strengths of this northern community. In small groups, we considered the financial, built, political, social, human, cultural, and natural strengths found in Bemidji. Groups accomplished this in a variety of ways and enjoyed the chance to learn more about Bemidji and experience the community first hand. Unsung leaders of the community were found through these adventures and we all gained more perspective on the importance of Bemidji to the region.
Lastly, we concluded our time in Bemidji with a wonderful supper at the Sparkling Waters. We were honored to have Jesse Davis and Corey Hanson, MARL Class VII Alums join us for the evening.
Finally, our class enjoyed time back at the hostel after returning from our adventures of the day. There was much laughter, discussion, and comradery for all.
Submitted by Pauline Van Nurden, Class IX
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