The document discusses various rural strategies that are considered good, bad, or sustainable. It provides examples of farms, businesses, and organizations across the Midwest that are adopting sustainable practices to strengthen their communities. These include operating CSAs and value-added businesses, promoting local foods, preserving historic structures, offering education programs, and fostering connections between urban and rural areas. The overall strategies discussed aim to support small family farms, encourage rural renewal, and promote environmental stewardship.

1. Rural Strategies: The Good, the Bad, and the Sustainable Presentation by Deborah McLaren National Preservation Conference, Tulsa 2008

2. Angelic Organics Caledonia, Illinois

3. From chemical fertilizer and pesticides-based -- dairy, beef, corn and soybean farm

15. Wormworks – Youth Outreach

16. Artist Residencies

17. The Reedikulous Puppet Festival is a week-long series of free giant puppet making workshops followed by a Main Street parade and performance.

19. Eco-prenuers Inn Serendipity B&B Browntown, WI

20. Lisa Kiverist & John Ivanko

22. Partnerships & Collaboration

24. We believe in the power of commerce to support "right livelihood" without compromising the environment or human rights.

28. Sharing Stories www.RenewingtheCountryside.org

32. South Coast Farms Adding Value to Farm and Community

36. “ Food has nothing to do with convenience or price. Food is nutrition for the heart and soul! You are what you eat is so simply said and we are making it easier to do!”

40. The Broodio, a former "brooder" house and studio, bathed in warm tones featuring original artwork, solar technology, traditional and handmade furniture, and fresh flowers in season.

42. "The consumer can make an enormous impact by choosing who they connect with. That determines how they want their farming done.“ – Richard Arner

43. www.prairiefare.com/moonstone

44. Farm Market Kitchen Algoma, WI To develop and to encourage educational and economic opportunities which foster understanding and experiences in the unique cultural heritage of the area and promote balance and sustainability of the environmental treasures of the region.

45. Operating the Farm Market Kitchen shared-use food processing business incubator helps fulfill the ongoing mission of The Living Lake’s Heritage, Inc .—to preserve the unique agricultural heritage of Northeast Wisconsin.

51. Arts, Agriculture, Action

58. Willow Lake Farm Windom, Minnesota

60. Partners with Rural Advantage to promote the connections between agriculture, the environment and rural communities in order to improve ecological health, economic viability and rural vitality.

61. Dancing Winds Farm Kenyon, Minnesota

63. "My vision of 'the good life' was to live on the land, work closer to the earth, and do honest work through which I could feel passionate and derive an income." - Mary Doerr

68. Greentree Naturals Sandpoint, Idaho

69. Diane Green and Thom Sadoski

73. Farm to School Programs partner local farms and schools

74. Sustainable Rural Renaissance!!

79. Utilizing and creating important public spaces

81. Promoting sustainable, historic preservation

83. Businesses Demand Locally Grown

84. Chef Michael Altenberg stands outside his new organic restaurant "Crust" in Chicago .

85. Connecting urban chefs with growers

86. Chef tastes locally grown herbs

90. Taking care of land and each other

91. Heritage Prairie Farm Camp

92. Sustainable Tourism and Preservation Classic Rosewood Inn, Hastings, MN Green Policy Green, Recycled and Local Products

93. Co-ops offer link and education about urban to rural

94. A return to healthier foods

95. Family Farms Stay Rooted!

96. Thank you! For more information contact Deborah McLaren RBR Communications, Inc Saint Paul, MN 55104 www.deborahmclaren.wordpress.com www.travelmomma.wordpress.com Email: Deborah@mm.com Cell 651-983-9880