There are plenty of sustainable practices on and off campus in winona. One off-campus source that can specifically be useful for students is Kinstone, located in the bluffs in Fountain City – only a few minutes outside of Winona. Kristine Beck, the founder of Kinstone, encourages students to get involved in sustainability practices that are offered through her company that focuses on Permaculture (ecological human habitats and food production systems).

Photo of the chapel at Kinstone by Kristine Beck.

Photo of the chapel at Kinstone by Kristine Beck.

Kinstone offers a variety of sustainable practices including weekly walking tours starting in May to learn about the alignment of the sun and equinox, and many courses and workshops (working with native plants, fermenting healthy food, etc). The courses and workshops are taught by certified experts of Permaculture to create sustainability as a necessity in life.

In an upcoming April course, two cordwood experts will conduct a hands on workshop as a way to immerse participants in sustainable practices offered in the area. There are also other workshops offered throughout the summer, including ones on herbalism, the art of fermentation and whole house agriculture.

Kristine Beck talks to visitors in the stone circle at Kinstone. Photo by Linda Kihslinger.

Kristine Beck talks to visitors in the stone circle at Kinstone. Photo by Linda Kihslinger.

Students can also find sustainable practices offered at Kinstone on the streets of Winona. Kinstone has a food truck that promotes local and fresh foods, and you can find it on the streets as soon as May 6 with the Kinstone Spring Family Permaculture Day and Labyrinth Celebration from 12-5pm. It will also be present at other events.

Educate yourself on sustainability practices and take advantage of these great opportunities near WSU!