Keep our Barn Strong & Beautiful
Fundraising campaign by
Peter Kastler
-
US$7,506.00raised of $9,000.00 goal goal
No more donations are being accepted at this time. Please contact the campaign owner if you would like to discuss further funding opportunities
Campaign Story
OUR PROJECT
Our farm is a long-cherished family heirloom and community anchor. Since 1869, we've worked the land and have been privileged to be its stewards. In the last five years, we've worked to substantially update, rebuild and renovate the buildings and grounds. We've continued small-scale agricultural production, while refocusing efforts on protecting the natural open spaces. We've also worked to renew the community connection to this farm. All the while, the stalwart barn stands as the centerpiece of this beautiful farmstead -- and it's greatly in need of a new roof!
To keep the barn strong and beautiful, we need to put a new roof on it. The old roof on the main 1890s barn is leaking and this will soon damage the rest of the structure.
This is where you come in! We are humbly asking for your support for the re-roofing project. The new roof will be steel and should last for decades to come. We have a contractor lined up and ready to work this fall. The cost to re-roof is about $15,000. We are looking to raise $9000 from you and other like-minded individuals. We're asking you to contribute what you are willing to help get his project done!
YOUR COMMUNITY
While asking for money ranks as one of our least favorite things to do (we'd rather shovel manure), we know many of you feel a connection to this space just as we do. Some of you have known our family, and this farm, for decades. Many of you are just connecting to our farm through our eggs and nature trail. Our goal in fundraising for the roof is two-fold: a) we want to create a place for people to learn and experience small-scale agriculture and the natural environment and b) give people who also value the barn structure and surrounding undeveloped land the opportunity to preserve this sanctuary.
We believe the space is here to share with neighbors, friends, family and community who share our same values. We welcome visitors such as yourselves that want to experience and learn about small-scale agriculture, local food, land stewardship and the natural environment. There's not much more important than clean food and water, and the environment that provides it. One of the ways we've opened the space is through the creation of rustic yet manecured nature trail. We opened the trails this summer by reservation only to families like yours free of charge.
After seeing a sampling of Minnesota flora and fauna on the nature trail as well as visiting with our goats, you have the opportunity to buy super tasty, ultra fresh eggs while visiting with the hens that lay them, see sustainably-grown hops towering on their 18ft trellis or, if the timing is right, buy premium honey harvested from the our hives.
An phenomenal addition to this nature trail will be a "spur trail" to walk through and tour this historic, awe-inspiring barn. This neighborhood landmark is not only absolutely gorgeous inside, but tells the story of Minnesota's agricultural past. You and others will be able to tour through this grand space that you have helped preserve as a part of the trail system! All the while, we'll continue to use it for food production and harvesting. This is also where the barn roof donor recognition wall will be displayed! Please contribute what you can so you and others can experience this unique space.
If you'd like to stop by, walk our nature trail and take a look at the barn, please use the "Book Now" button on our Whippletree Farm & Nature Trail page on Facebook!
Thank you so much for your support, whether it is monetary or in spirit!
Rewards
THANK YOU: Receive 1) a public "Thanks" on our farm Facebook page and 2) donate by 10/15/20 (we need to get the roofing ordered sooner rather than later) and you get a vote (via internet form) on the barn roof color. After donating, we'll send you an email for you to opt in or out of having your name displayed.
DONOR RECOGNITION WALL: Receive 1) a public "Thank You" on our farm Facebook page, 2) donate by 10/15/20 (we need to get the roofing ordered sooner rather than later) and you get a vote on the barn roof color, plus 3) your name will be listed on our donor recognition wall that will be prominently displayed in the barn. After receiving your donation, we'll send you an email for you to opt in or out of having your name displayed for both Facebook and the recognition wall.
ONE DOZEN GRADE AA EGGS: Get 1) a public "Thank You" on our FB page, 2) donate by 10/15/20 (we need to get the roofing ordered sooner rather than later) get a vote on the barn roof color and 3) your name on our donor recognition wall and 4) one dozen super tasty, ultra fresh complimentary eggs for you to pick up at the farm (we'll email you a "coupon" to use at your convenience). After receiving your donation, we'll send you an email for you to opt in or out of having your name displayed for both Facebook and the recognition wall.
MILKHOUSE DATE NIGHT: Includes 1) all the rewards listed at the 100 dollar level plus 2) date night for you and another in our delightful milkhouse lounge. Come walk the nature trail and stay for Roma Restaurant pizza and a selection of beverages. If you select this, we'll reach out to set up a time that works for you.
BLACKSMITH TUTORIAL: Receive 1) all the rewards listed at the 100 dollar level and 2) receive a blacksmithing tutorial from our resident blacksmith Madeline. She's a novice herself, but she can definitely get you started in the basics of blacksmithing. We love the clank and ring of the hammer on hot steel -- come experience it for yourself! Scheduled this fall or this coming spring.
CHICKEN RAISING CLASS: Includes 1) all the rewards at the 100 dollar level and 2) one chicken raising class from our resident flock-tender Peter. If you plan on starting a chicken flock this one's for you! With twenty years experience, Peter can help keep your brood happy and healthy. Includes a) a two-hour class covering feed, housing, breeds, health concerns, predators and resources, b) a farm tour and c) a visit to your coop (if desired) anywhere in the metro area. Class will be in April 2021 with a limited group size of five.
FARM YARD YOGA: Receive 1) all the rewards in 100 dollar reward level and 2) we'll host you and up to 9 of your friends at the farm for a 90-minute all-levels yoga class. Our resident yoga instructor, Dusty Bennett, is a Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher and currently instructs at the White Bear Lake YMCA. There's no need to be a full-blown yogi to appreciate this perk; students of Dusty's slow-flow, vinyasa-style yoga class classes often comment that his teaching style makes yoga approachable for beginners, challenging for novices, and invigorating for connoisseurs. While this isn't goat yoga, you definitely can pet the goats and use our nature trail afterward.
MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL RIDING INSTRUCTION: Includes 1) all the rewards in the 100 dollar level and 2) come ride our easy-to-moderate trails after getting riding instruction from a certified mountain bike coach. Dusty has over 20 years of mountain bike experience, is a certified Mountain Bike Guide through the International Mountain Biking Association, and is licensed mountain bike coach with the MN High School MTB League
NATURE TRAIL BENCH DEDICATION: Receive 1) all the rewards in the 100 dollar level plus 2) you get a dedication on a metal plaque on one of our nature trail benches stating "Keeping This Place Beautiful" and your name, or a dedication to a friend or family member.
NAME A TRAIL SECTION: Includes 1) all the rewards in the 100 dollar level and 2) you get to name a section of our nature trail. This will be listed on the trail maps and there will be a sign on the trail. We reserve the right for final approval of the name.
INTRIGUING BONUS REWARD: Includes 1) all the rewards in the 100 dollar level and 2) co-hold Whippletree Farms's "Raised Right" registered trademark with us. You'll be permanently listed as named co-holder of this mark with the State of Minnesota as long as we have it. There is no equity or specific monetary benefit (we don't license this trademark for outside of our own use) -- but it's pretty cool to be named as a trademark holder!
Organizer
- Peter Kastler
- Campaign Owner
Donors
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 30, 2020
- Guest
- Donated on Oct 28, 2020
- Michele Pease
- Donated on Oct 28, 2020
In memory of Nana
You did it!
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 12:38 amThe fundraiser was a success, and you've raised enough for us to get the barn re-roofed! We are honored to have you as a part of this barn and farm legacy. Thank you so much.
Wet Floor Nevermore
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 02:17 pmHere's what we're battling, people. Foundations are where it starts, but roofs are absolutely essential to protect the foundation and keep the structure standing. Here's a picture from the recent storms; buckets are not longer sufficient to hold back incoming rain! Thank you so much for your support.
Vote on the Roof Color!
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 02:21 pmPeople, we're at a 50/50 dead heat between charcoal gray and slate blue for the barn roof color -- with no other colors voted for thus far! If you've already donated, be sure to check your email for a link to vote on the color. And those of you that
From Above!
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 03:50 pmHere's a pretty cool shot of the barn that Gian Ferretti took last summer. Notice the center third looks darker than the side third -- that's because the shingles are severely damaged and broken -- let's get a new roof on it!
Back in the Day . . .
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 06:43 pmGorman's Restaurant in Lake Elmo has this old picture of the barn, among many other local historical pictures, hanging on the wall. This cool picture is from 1968! Nothing looks much different except the surrounding fields, which are now suburban homes.
So far so good!
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 01:12 amMadeline, Alferd and I wanted to say "thanks" for the great day of donations today!
Fantastic Start!
Update posted by Peter Kastler at 11:42 pmWell, we've had a great couple days of donations from some generous people -- thanks so much. We've still got 75% of the funding to go. Looking forward to knocking on some more doors and making some phone calls.
Donors & Comments
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 30, 2020
- Guest
- Donated on Oct 28, 2020
- Michele Pease
- Donated on Oct 28, 2020
In memory of Nana
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 26, 2020
- Ingrid Weise
- Donated on Oct 26, 2020
- Howard and Laurie Preston
- Donated on Oct 26, 2020
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 25, 2020
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 25, 2020
- Sarah Branion
- Donated on Oct 23, 2020
We can't wait to see the new roof. We are so proud of how you have renovated, sustained and improved the farm. I believe your grandmother would be so honored by your blood sweat and tears.
- Anonymous
- Donated on Oct 20, 2020
