This spring, the Audubon Center of the North Woods (ACNW), near Sandstone, will once again be holding their unique, all-inclusive Food & Farms Weekend, from April 15 to 17. This one-of-a-kind experience brings together people committed to farm-to-table sustainable food practices. Throughout the weekend, participants attend a variety of expert-led workshops, off-site field trips to local farmers and producers, and enjoy engaging evening presenters.

"Grow it, raise it, preserve it, prepare it" is the tagline of this special event, with its primary focus on assisting participants in getting back to basics while also learning new skills surrounding the most elemental of our needs and pleasures: food.

A few benefits of local, sustainable food sources and practices include personal satisfaction, superior taste and freshness, greater nutritional value, reduction in grocery expenses and lessening of one’s environmental footprint.

With an array of workshops and classes instructed by experts, including cooking, preserving, growing, composting, beekeeping, dehydrating and so much more, attendees have much from which to choose. Additionally, advanced naturalists from the center will lead guided nature hikes and a sustainable energy tour.

On-site accommodations include comfortable lodging, delicious scratch-made meals and access to the Audubon Center's 535 acres and more than seven miles of trails. The all-inclusive weekend fee covers lodging, meals and all activities.

Cost: $215-$375. Location: 54165 Audubon Dr., Sandstone. For more information, pricing, early registration discounts and online registration, visit Audubon-Center.org.