17th Annual Back to Basics Sustainable Living event February 11

   Happy Dancing Turtle and Pine River-Backus Community Education are hosting the 17th Annual Back to Basics sustainable living event at Pine River-Backus School on Saturday, February 11, 2023.

   Workshops, vendors, exhibitors, lunch, door prizes, and a keynote speaker are planned for the full-day event which runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attend the morning keynote address and the all-day vendor/exhibitor fair for free, no registration required.

   Dr. Carrie Jennings, a geologist with the Freshwater Society of Minnesota will present the keynote. “We are excited to have Dr. Jennings kick-off the day by sharing her insights on water quality in our region. Her experience and expertise are sure to enthrall and inform,” said Happy Dancing Turtle Executive Director Quinn Swanson.

   The Back to Basics Vendor/Exhibitor Fair is open from 8-5. Visit over 50 booths of sustainably themed vendors and chat with knowledgeable people while stocking up on handmade and locally sourced foods, home décor, clothing, and more. A highlight for this year will be the Natural Resource Conservation Services’ 20-foot soil health tunnel to explore what makes healthy soil.

   “The response from vendors/exhibitors tells me it’s going to be a great event,” Michelle Hoefs, one of the primary event coordinators commented, “We have a blast every year, but this year we are very excited to be back in person.” For more information, go to happydancingturtle.org/back-to-basics.

   Happy Dancing Turtle is a nonprofit dedicated to growing good stewards of the planet by providing education, programs, and experiences for youth and adults that inspire wonder and empower change.