For the 17th Annual Back to Basics, there are 47 workshops on a wide variety of topics. From Blacksmithing to Gardening to Clean Energy, you can get your sustainability questions answered and learn some amazing new things. See the full line-up here.
Water Stewardship
In the land of 10,000 lakes it’s not surprising that there are multiple ways to support and improve protecting this precious natural resource. “Becoming Steward of the Loons & Lakes” is an in-depth workshop led by Natasha Bartolotta of the National Loon Center and Shannon Watters of Whitefish Area Property Owner’s Association. Learn about loon biology and threats our state bird faces as well as steps individuals can take to better share water with loons. Later in the workshop, learn about shoreline restoration and water quality and testing.
Aquatic Invasive Species may be a topic associated mainly with boat-owners, but the impact of AIS in area lakes impacts property values, taxes, and tourism. Dana Gutzman of the Cass County Aquatic Invasive Species Program offers both the theoretical and the practical side of this challenging issue. The “Aquatic Invasive Species” workshop will cover some basic aquatic identification, lake ecology, and the intended and unintended consequences involved.
Other workshops focusing on water include “Boundary Waters 101,” Water Protector 101,” “Great Roots for a Healthy Shoreline,” “Groundwater & Your Well in an Uncertain Future,” “Lead & Loons: A Toxic Relationship,” and “Learn About PFAS.”
Resiliency and Mental Wellness
Did you know the precursor to Back to Basics was a Pine River-Backus Community Ed event called “Cabin Fever Days?” Some people joke about the Winter Blues and some people are seriously affected by it. For others, mental wellness is a challenge year-round. In “Changing the Narrative on Mental Health & Suicide,” Destiny Brown of Northern Pine Mental Health Center will lead an interactive discussion designed to change perceptions of mental health toward hope and resilience.
“Naloxone & Overdose Prevention” is a workshop that trains participants how to recognize an overdose and the appropriate steps to take. Appropriate for ages 13 and older, participants will receive a certificate of completion and a Naloxone kit.
Tips for resiliency are likely also to be found in “Finding You,” “Creative Nature Writing & Ecotherapy,” “Ask a Death Doula,” “Preparing for the Aging Storm,” “Wellness Workshop,” “Seeking Peace in Stressful Times,” and “What Is this Sound Bath Thing?”
Registration for workshops is filling fast. Find more registration information here. And remember: it is not necessary to register to attend the keynote and the vendor exhibitor fair. Find the schedule for the whole day and details here.