Join us for a day of community, connection, and hands-on learning at Waxwing Commons Ecological Farmstead in Timmins, Ontario. Situated on 115 acres, Waxwing Commons is a growing ecological farmstead dedicated to regenerative agriculture, biodiversity, and community resilience. This Work Bee is an opportunity to gather on the land, spend a full day outdoors, and contribute to the ongoing work of stewarding an ecological farm.

What to Expect

Together we’ll roll up our sleeves and get important seasonal tasks done: managing compost, preparing garden beds for next season, planting garlic, harvesting rose hips, and mulching in the food forest. It’s meaningful work that supports the health of the land and provides a chance to learn new skills alongside fellow farmers, gardeners, and community members.

Lunch will be provided – catered by Radical Gardens, featuring a delicious meal cooked over the fire.

Important Note on Participation:

This is a hands-on, labour-intensive work bee. Tasks will involve lifting and carrying up to 40 pounds, digging, mulching, and working with hand tools outdoors for several hours. Participants should be prepared for physical farm work and come dressed and ready for the day.

What to Bring

• Proper work clothing and sturdy footwear
• Work gloves (recommended)
• A refillable water bottle (a refill station will be available)
• Rain gear if the forecast calls for it (the event runs rain or shine; we’ll gather in the prospector tent for shelter if needed)

Food, water, and snacks are provided. Come ready to learn, contribute, and share in the spirit of community while supporting a local ecological farm!

Speakers:

Mike Degagne is a proud Métis-Algonquin father of four and co-owner of Waxwing Commons Ecological Farmstead, a 115-acre off-grid farm near Timmins, Ontario. Drawing on his background in carpentry, cooperative development, and equitable housing and energy projects, Mike brings a practical, systems-based lens to ecological farming. At Waxwing Commons, he oversees infrastructure, livestock, and product development for a diversified operation that produces pastured pork, poultry, and meat rabbits, along with beeswax and tallow skincare, gourmet finishing salts, fire cider, and wild tea blends — all made from ingredients grown or foraged on the farm. Mike also co-manages The Commons Makers Co-op, a collaborative retail and community space that connects northern Ontario farmers, food producers, and artisans through shared marketing, mentorship, and cooperative business models.

Rachel Lachance is the co-owner of Waxwing Commons Ecological Farmstead, a 115-acre off-grid farm in Timmins, Ontario, where she and her family raise pastured livestock, grow herbs, and craft beeswax- and tallow-based skincare and wild-foraged products. Her work integrates regenerative agriculture, ecological design, and land-based education to strengthen northern food systems. In addition to running the farm, Rachel serves as the Northern Events and Outreach Manager for the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario (EFAO). In this role, she creates opportunities for northern and Indigenous farmers to learn, share knowledge, and build community through workshops, field days, and the annual conference. Rachel’s work bridges ecological farming, cooperative enterprise, and education—supporting a vision of resilient, place-based economies and shared stewardship of the land.