Frog Tree Farm

04/13/2026

Last Wednesday’s Sankofa gathering, sponsored by Frog Tree Farm and held at Champlin Park High School, was powerful.

We continue to see real growth and young people stepping into their voices, building connections, and creating meaningful change.

We’re honored to walk alongside them and excited that their work will be displayed at Frog Tree Farm.

This program is made possible in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center, through funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund

04/08/2026

We are incredibly proud of three of our young leaders from Frog Tree Farm programming who recently attended the Cities United conference—and were featured in this powerful WCCO story.

These young men are not just participants… they are leaders, voices, and changemakers. They’ve faced real challenges, and instead of letting those moments define them, they are choosing to grow, to lead, and to build something better for themselves and their communities.

At the Cities United gathering, they stood alongside youth and leaders from across the country, contributing their perspectives and learning how to create safer, stronger communities. Experiences like this are about more than just attending a conference—they’re about stepping into purpose.

We’ve had the honor of walking alongside them on their journeys, and it’s been inspiring to witness their growth, their commitment, and their vision for what’s possible. The progress they’re making toward their goals is real—and it matters.

This is what it looks like when young people are supported, heard, and empowered.

Keep going—we see you, we believe in you, and we are honored to be part of your journey.

Young men who've dealt with violence are now leading the charge to make a difference in their communities. Site: http://wcco.c...

03/28/2026

Another powerful day with our Frog Tree Farm Community of Practice at Champlin Park High School.

With our young men, we leaned into what it means to step into young professionalism—covering everything from presentation to presence. One highlight? Learning how to tie a tie. It might seem simple, but it opened up conversations about confidence, preparation, and showing up with intention in different spaces. Huge appreciation to Del Johnson and Tom Penn for showing up and pouring into the students alongside us and our partners at Be The Best Foundation.

At the same time, our young women engaged in a dynamic and honest conversation around money, finances, and decision-making. They wrapped it up with a fun and competitive activity that brought energy, laughter, and real learning into the room.

Across both groups, we also explored energy—what it is, how we use it, and why conservation matters in our everyday lives. From hands-on demonstrations like crank emergency radios to deeper conversations about impact and responsibility, students were able to connect real-world concepts to their own lives.

This is what community looks like—real conversations, practical skills, and young people growing into their future selves. We’re grateful to be in this work together

03/27/2026

This past Wednesday at Champlin Park High School, our students continued their journey through our Sankofa-inspired art project—and it’s been something special to witness.

Working alongside the talented artist Brianna Williams, our young people are not only creating powerful pieces of art, but also reflecting on identity, history, and what it means to honor the past while shaping the future.

The growth we’re seeing—in creativity, confidence, and connection—has been incredible. The students are fully engaged, supporting one another, and truly taking ownership of their work. You can feel the pride in the room.

We’re grateful for spaces like this where young people can express themselves, learn, and build community through art. Looking forward to seeing these pieces come to life in the weeks ahead!

This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with funding from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

03/15/2026

Spring has officially started at Frog Tree Farm. 🌱🐥

This week we welcomed a new group of baby chicks to the farm and started planting our seedlings for the garden. There’s always something special about this time of year — trays of seeds under the lights, tiny green sprouts popping up, and little chicks cheeping as they settle into their new home.

03/11/2026

Yesterday’s Tap-In Session was all about curiosity, teamwork, and learning together.

Our middle school students spent the afternoon at French Regional Park with our partners from Three Rivers Park District, exploring the outdoors through geocaching and frisbee golf. Along the way, students practiced problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership while learning new skills and simply enjoying time outside together.

Tap-In Sessions bring young people together to build confidence, explore identity and culture, develop leadership skills, and imagine future careers. We also integrate hands-on learning connected to food systems, agriculture, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Days like this remind us that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom — in nature, in community, and in conversation.

Grateful for the partnership and for the incredible energy the students bring every time we gather.

03/09/2026

One of the most moving moments from Frog Tree Farm’s Black History Month Kickoff on February 5th was this beautiful performance of “I’ll Be Seeing You,” originally recorded by Billie Holiday.

This performance came from one of the incredible Champlin Park High School students who has been participating in our Sankofa project, where students reflect on history, culture, and the stories that shape who we are today. Her voice, courage, and presence captured the spirit of the day in a way that truly touched everyone in the room.

We are so grateful for the opportunity to work with the students at Champlin Park High School. Their thoughtfulness, creativity, and willingness to step forward and share their talents made the entire event special.

Thank you to all of the Champlin students who helped make the day so meaningful. Your contributions continue to inspire our community.
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This project is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota Humanities Center, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

03/09/2026

On February 5th, Frog Tree Farm helped bring together about 160 students for our Black History Month Kickoff, in partnership with Northwest Suburban Integration School District, Be the Best Foundation, Three Rivers Park District, and several local high schools.

Students experienced powerful words from Rep Huldah Momanyi Hiltsley and Elder Vusi Zulu, great food, and an inspiring atmosphere filled with learning, culture, and community.

It was a meaningful way to begin the month—celebrating history, sharing wisdom, and encouraging the next generation to step forward with purpose.

03/07/2026

Frog Tree Farm was honored to serve as a keynote speaker at the 23rd Annual Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference hosted by the White Earth Land Recovery Project at Sugar Lake Lodge.

We had the opportunity to share about the work of Frog Tree Farm and the importance of reconnecting communities to land, agriculture, and cultural foodways.

Grateful for the chance to be part of a gathering focused on reclaiming Indigenous food systems and strengthening relationships with the land.

03/07/2026

Students in Frog Tree Farm’s Tap-In sessions recently had the chance to try ice fishing, many for the first time. Middle school youth learned how to drill holes, set lines, and experience the patience and excitement that comes with fishing on a frozen lake.

Our Tap-In sessions give students opportunities to explore outdoor activities, natural resources, and practical life skills while building confidence and connection with one another.

03/07/2026

Over the past few weeks, students at Champlin Park High School have begun an important journey through the Sankofa Project: Honoring What Was & Creating What’s Next.

This Friends of Frog Tree Farm after-school series invites students to explore healing, culture, creativity, and legacy through conversation, storytelling, and art.

So far, we have completed three sessions, where students have been reflecting on their experiences, exploring the meaning of Sankofa — “go back and get it” — and thinking about how the wisdom of the past can help guide the future.
📸 Here are a few photos from our first three sessions, along with the event flyer.
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This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.