Happy Dancing Blog

Jim Chamberlin

Feb 20
5 min

Naturally Productive Landscape Design

Early into my journey as a resource conservationist I had the opportunity to attend a multi-day permaculture training at Garden Farme...

Jenny Hill

Feb 2
3 min

Nature, Conservancy, & Miscellaneous

More than 45 workshops make up the 18th Annual Back to Basics. From Zero Waste to Gardening to Clean Energy, you can get your...

Jenny Hill

Jan 29
4 min

Engage & Take Action at B2B

For the 18th Annual Back to Basics, there are more than 45 workshops on a wide variety of topics. From Zero Waste to Gardening to Clean...

Jenny Hill

Jan 19
3 min

Want to DIY? These Workshops Can Help

For the 18th Annual Back to Basics, there are more than 45 workshops on a wide variety of topics. From Zero Waste to Gardening to Clean...

Minnesota Climate Expert Is Hopeful Despite Challenges

Jenny Hill

Jan 10
5 min

Minnesota Climate Expert Is Hopeful Despite Challenges

Dr. Mark Seeley, climatologist and meteorologist, has tracked, interpreted, and taught about Minnesota weather for more than 40 years. He...

Jim Chamberlin

Feb 3, 2023
4 min

Soil Health: The Challenge of Our Time

Soil health is defined as the ability of soil to function as a vital living ecosystem. The soil's ability to function, to cycle water and...

Bingo Scavenger Hunt: New Seasonal Favorite

Jenny Hill

Nov 4, 2022
1 min

Bingo Scavenger Hunt: New Seasonal Favorite

It started as a COVID outdoor alternative activity in 2020. Since then there have been 8 more Bingo Scavenger Hunts and it has become...

Getting Your Pollinator Friendly Yard Ready for Winter

Jenny Hill

Oct 21, 2022
3 min

Getting Your Pollinator Friendly Yard Ready for Winter

The population of pollinators is declining worldwide. Habitat loss and lack of food for pollinators are the primary reasons for the...

Community Connections and Environmental Education Highlights of Spring Fair

Jenny Hill

May 19, 2022
4 min

Community Connections and Environmental Education Highlights of Spring Fair

Since its beginning over 15 years ago (!) Back to Basics has been about bringing people together to learn about resilient and sustainable...

Exploring Farms and Co-ops for Local Foods

Jenny Hill

May 13, 2022
3 min

Exploring Farms and Co-ops for Local Foods

Spring brings the return of Farmer’s Markets and increases our urge to travel and explore. Have you ever wondered who are the “farmers”...

Community Gardens a Good Fit for Beginners

Jenny Hill

May 6, 2022
3 min

Community Gardens a Good Fit for Beginners

Maybe it happens to you every year about this time–the idea of tending a garden rises like an incredible mirage. You see yourself (tanned...

Jenny Hill

Feb 4, 2022
3 min

Activity Important All Year Long

Winter can be tough. When it starts in December, we might console ourselves that after Winter Solstice, the daylight hours slowly start...

Jenny Hill

Jan 28, 2022
4 min

Eating Well in 2022

You have probably heard about the trend that more people ate at home since the start of the pandemic. Indeed, research shows that people...

Keynote Examines Crucial Issue of Food Sovereignty

Jenny Hill

Jan 20, 2022
5 min

Keynote Examines Crucial Issue of Food Sovereignty

Happy Dancing Turtle recently interviewed food sovereignty advocate and Minnesota author Diane Wilson who will deliver the virtual...

Jenny Hill

Jan 14, 2022
3 min

Make Life Easier in Cold Weather

It’s January! The bright sun on sparkly snow in January can be spectacular but below-zero weather can make life seem unpleasant and some...

Back to Basics 2022 Registration Now Open!

Jenny Hill

Dec 17, 2021
3 min

Back to Basics 2022 Registration Now Open!

We are happy to announce registration for the 16th Annual Back to Basics is now open. For 2022 you can choose from virtual and in-person...

Back to Basics 2022: Something for Everyone

Jenny Hill

Nov 8, 2021
3 min

Back to Basics 2022: Something for Everyone

Happy Dancing Turtle is gearing up for our 16th Annual Back to Basics kicking off on January 22, 2022! This year will feature both...

Get to Know B2B 2021 Keynote Speaker - Dave Freeman

Colin Mclain

Feb 12, 2021
6 min

Get to Know B2B 2021 Keynote Speaker - Dave Freeman

What's the longest you've been away from your home? Imagine you were away from home and also had to paddle, hike, portage, or dogsled...

HDT Shaking up Presenter/Vendor Format for Back to Basics 2021

Colin Mclain

Nov 6, 2020
2 min

HDT Shaking up Presenter/Vendor Format for Back to Basics 2021

Happy Dancing Turtle's 15th Annual Back to Basics sustainability event will be undergoing some changes this year. We've relied on...