PRESERVATION THURSDAY: GETTING BACK TO ORGANIC

DEADWOOD – Deadwood History, Inc. and the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission will host a presentation by Michelle Grosek at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2021, at the Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), 150 Sherman Street, Deadwood.  The presentation is free for Deadwood History members and $5 for non-members.  Masks are required.  Social distancing and limited admission will be implemented.  The event is wheelchair accessible.  Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Michelle Grosek, co-owner of Bear Butte Gardens, will share her knowledge and principles of various traditional and natural farming methods.  Grosek will answer some important but fundamental questions about soil:  What was farming like for the pioneers in the 1880s?   What were the types of soil that farmers encountered over a hundred years ago in and around the Black Hills?  How did the pioneers and today’s organic farmers deal with issues such as insect management and drought?  Grosek will talk about the importance of maintaining soil biodiversity and the benefits of using natural methods to grow food crops in soil that is naturally healthy and fertile.

Michelle and Rick Grosek have lived on their small farm five miles outside of Sturgis since 1996.  Michelle grew up in Newell and Belle Fourche and Rick grew up in Lead.  The Grosek’s started Bear Butte Gardens in 2011 when Michelle transitioned to working full time on the farm.  In 2012, the Grosek’s applied for and were given full organic certification of the vegetables they were growing, since they had not been using pesticides, herbicides, or other inputs over the preceding years. Since 2011 the Grosek’s have grown their business to include certified organic eggs, meat, chickens, turkeys, hay, and pasture. They also raise lamb and beef completely grass-fed and grass-finished and have a few bee hives on the property.  In 2020 a new building was constructed containing a farm stand, a commercial kitchen, and a short-term vacation rental.  The new facility allows for year-round sales of the food products grown at Bear Butte Gardens as well as showcases products grown and created by many other local producers in the area.  

Michelle Grosek is a Master Gardener through South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and recently trained to be a Master Food Preserver, also through SDSU Extension.  Rick Grosek is the Senior Database Administrator for Monument Health. 

Preservation Thursday is co-sponsored by the Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, Deadwood History, Adams-Mastrovich Family Foundation, Deadwood Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau, Spearfish Chamber of Commerce, and Saloon No. 10.                       

-30-

Photo available upon request.

We inspire the global community by preserving and celebrating the cultural heritage of Deadwood and the Black Hills in the context of the American West through exceptional exhibits, innovative educational programs, and access to extensive collections in unique settings.

Adams Museum, Days of ’76 Museum, Historic Adams House, Homestake Adams Research and Cultural Center (HARCC), and The Brothel Deadwood. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.