Traditional and Green Skills Event planners seek presenters, input for 2027

Prairie Farm, Barron County, Wisconsin

Oct. 21, 2026

by DKO Pike and Shawn Kelley

What have you done to help a neighbor recently? Do you know their names and what skills they have? Could you ask them for help or offer yours when they need you?

Those are the principles we bring to planning the 2027 Traditional and Green Skills Event (TGSE), scheduled for Saturday, March 6, at Prairie Farm High School.

The idea behind the event is to meet neighbors, learn what they know and how to perform complicated tasks efficiently. These skills and community building help all of us to more happily and easily survive the challenges of life.

Our team of planners continues to grow and thrive. We build on the enthusiasm each of us has to drive this full day of presentations toward the best conclusion — everyone leaving with their notebook and mind full of new knowledge, including names and contact information for people who live close to us.

As we plan for the 2027 TGSE, we are looking for YOUR input. Do you have a subject you could teach a small group for an hour to 90 minutes?

Maybe you have questions about running your home, such as how to preserve food you harvest from your garden, or where to find the best seed for the vegetables you love to eat all winter long. 

To help get you thinking, our theme for 2027 is “Rising to meet the challenges of our times.” Our speaker tracks will include:

• Water and weather

• Growing, harvesting, and preserving food

• Community resources

• Managing the land

• Managing ourselves

• Classes for kids

Are these the right topics? Who from our community would you like to hear present their skills? Please share your ideas for classes or speakers by emailing kelley@hayriverti.org. 

For more information about the annual Traditional and Green Skills Event, visit hayriverti.org and follow Hay River Transition Initiative on Facebook.