Friends of Frog Tree Farm 2024 Annual Report

At Friends of Frog Tree Farm, financial health is the foundation of our mission. It ensures our programs are impactful, our operations sustainable, and our community connections thrive. In 2024, our careful planning and the generosity of donors and grant partners allowed us to achieve significant milestones. We proudly secured a $13,000 grant from the University of Minnesota’s Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, enhancing our educational initiatives and farm operations. Individual donations totaling $41,200 further empowered us to expand programs, improve infrastructure, and deepen community engagement. While not every grant application succeeded, the process provided valuable lessons for the future. 

In addition to grants and donations, the retreats provided meaningful experiences while generating revenue. Highlights included the Affirmation House Retreat, Onyx Collective Retreat, Annie’s Project Retreat, and the Minnesota Black Farmers Conference. 

We are profoundly grateful to our supporters. Your contributions fuel our mission and position us for an even greater impact in the year ahead. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future. 

This year, Friends of Frog Tree Farm proudly continued initiatives that enriched lives across Minnesota and beyond: 

Educational Retreats: We organized retreats for teachers, students, farmers, and community leaders, providing them with tools for success through collaboration, cultural understanding, and sustainable practices. These included programs such as Anoka-Hennepin’s Teachers of Color initiative, sessions for North Hennepin Community College and Anoka-Hennepin School District students, as well as gatherings with Affirmation House, the Onyx Collective, the U of M’s Annie’s Project, the MN Black Farmers Conference, and more. 

Barbershop Talks: These engaging sessions offered high school students practical life skills, career guidance, and mental health resources, culminating in vibrant community celebrations. In partnership with local schools, we co-hosted over 12 sessions, fostering growth and empowerment. 

Community Events: Recognizing that 80% of Minnesota jobs connect to agriculture, we organized career fairs and networking events, introducing hundreds of students to opportunities in agriculture and STEAM fields. We also continued facilitating the Minnesota Department of Agriculture’s Emerging Farmers Working Group—the first of its kind in the U.S.—and facilitated a workshop at the Emerging Farmers Conference. Presenting at the U of M’s Agritourism Convening in Duluth, participating in a central Minnesota farm crawl, and supporting Minnesota Africans United's Farm Demonstration in Staples, MN showcased our dedication to advancing community-driven agricultural initiatives. 

Communities of Practice (CoP): These focused groups bring people together to share their experience and expertise to address common challenges. Over the year, we organized CoPs at the Izaak Walton League, North Hennepin Community College with the Brother-2-Brother program, and Champlin Park High School’s young men’s group. Additionally, we supported Renewing the Countryside in facilitating their CoP efforts. These initiatives represent the core pillars of our mission: education, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Together, they are building a more connected, inclusive, and sustainable future. 

This year has been an exciting period of growth and transformation at Frog Tree Farm. We’ve made significant strides in creating a more welcoming and sustainable space for our visitors and community programs. 

Expanded Accommodations: We added more large bell tents to enhance our ability to host groups and provide comfortable outdoor lodging. 

Grandma Maren’s Cabin: The remodeling of our primary gathering space, Grandma Maren’s cabin, is now complete, offering a warm and inviting area for events and retreats. 

New Sleeping Cabin: We proudly introduced Little Buckingham, a cozy sleeping cabin constructed using 80% recycled materials. A special thanks to Ben Swanson and Shelby Mae Interiors for making this project possible! 

Sauna Expansion: Construction of a larger sauna is underway, though we are still sourcing upcycled materials to complete it.

Outdoor Kitchen: We broke ground on our new outdoor kitchen, which will serve as a hub for communal meals and cooking workshops in the future. 

In collaboration with Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart Chapman, Vincent Birchard, Henry Mitchell, and Steve and Joyce, we planted an impressive 600 trees this year, contributing to long-term environmental stewardship. Additionally, we began installing a micro-irrigation system to support sustainable farming practices and improve water efficiency. 

Our hiking trails remain a priority as we continue to groom and maintain them, ensuring they are open for exploration and enjoyment year-round. 

These developments are a testament to the incredible teamwork and dedication of everyone involved. With each improvement, Frog Tree Farm becomes better equipped to fulfill its mission of fostering community, education, and sustainability. Thank you to all who have contributed to this journey! 

As we envision the year ahead, our goals for 2025 reflect our commitment to growth, innovation, and community impact. Here's a glimpse of what’s on the horizon: 

Expanding Our Programming: Building on the success of last year’s Barbershop Talks, we are excited to launch additional leadership and skills training sessions aimed at reaching even more students across the region. These sessions will focus on equipping youth with practical tools for success while fostering self-awareness and community engagement. 

We also plan to expand the number of Communities of Practice (CoP) sessions, many in partnership with Three Rivers District Parks, to give students opportunities to participate in meaningful outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping. These hands-on experiences will promote personal growth, team building, and a deeper connection to nature. 

Our agricultural education initiatives will also see growth, both in the Twin Cities and on the farm. We aim to create engaging, hands-on programs that teach sustainable farming practices and highlight agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path. 

Securing Funding: To support these ambitious goals, we will continue applying for grants and actively seeking donations. Contributions can take the form of monetary funding, materials, or volunteer time—every bit helps us move closer to achieving our vision. 

Feel free to visit our website to donate funds or email us at FriendsofFrogTreeFarm@gmail.com to find out ways to become engaged in our work.

Strengthening Partnerships: Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. By deepening our partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses, we aim to amplify our impact and create even more opportunities for the communities we serve. 

•  Michael serves on the boards of We Win Institute, Be the Best Foundation, and Northwest Community Building, helping to guide and support initiatives that align with our mission.
•  Peace serves on the board of the Batcher Block Opera House Foundation, contributing her expertise to preserve and promote the arts in our region. 
• Together, they play active roles in organizing community events, workshops, and leadership opportunities. 

Sustainability as a Cornerstone: Sustainability remains central to our mission. We are investing in innovative practices to enhance the resilience of our farm and our programs while building connections with like-minded organizations. By prioritizing environmental stewardship, we aim to inspire others to join us in fostering a more equitable and eco-conscious future. 

With these goals in mind, we look forward to 2025 as a year of growth, collaboration, and impact. Thank you for being part of our journey—together, we can continue to make a difference! 

None of this would be possible without your unwavering support. Whether you’ve attended a retreat, donated to our cause, partnered with us, or shared our mission with others, you have been an essential part of our journey. 

With deepest gratitude and warmest regards, 

Peace Mitchell


Executive Director


Friends of Frog Tree Farm