Our Mission
The mission of the Andrews Environmental Retreat Center LLC is to provide an environment where topics of sustainability can be examined within a community of learners. The intricacies and interrelationships that intertwine the natural community of life is the laboratory of outdoor environmental education available.
Our Story:
Settled in 1867 the farm was purchased by Tim’s great, great grandparents in 1880. The 197 acres has been kept in the family ever since. As land prices began to rise and generations of family passed, the farm has been divided among the family members. Tim and Cyndy own 52 acres including 17 at the pond, wetlands and trout stream. The land represents many of the ecosystems of southern Wisconsin- Prairie, Oak forest, Cedar Glade, Wetland and aquatic. Various ecological restorations are being done on the property to guide the successional processes that have taken place since the cessation of fire and demise of the dairy industry in Wisconsin. Within a half hour of Madison, you will find yourself immersed in deep country, reminiscent of an earlier time.
Tim Graduated from UW Madison in 1978 with a bachelors in Horticulture. After running a Landscape and Tree Care Company for 20 years he accepted a position at Edgewood. Tim works at Edgewood College in Madison as both Staff, Landscape and Grounds Coordinator and Faculty. After completing a masters program in Environmental Education he has developed courses for both the Human Issues- Roots and Shoots, and the Natural Science Departments- Dendrology. His skill as a naturalist, knowledge of plant material, and experience in the natural world promises to delight you should you want to hike the farm with this horticultural guide.
Cyndy is a gourmet cook. Her mindful shopping and attention to detail never fails to deliver a first class dining experience. “If you walk away hungry, it’s your own fault.” Seasonal foods that are locally grown are utilized as much as possible. She will be glad to customize the food needs and requests for your event. Cyndy is also the reason that the retreat center feels like a home away from home. Her attention for detail can be felt in everything from the artwork to the bedding. She is a large part of the sense of place that will permeate your experience at the Environmental Retreat Center LLC.