The Whole Field • Volume 5 • No. 8 • Full Moon • May 1, 2026
A selection of historic promotional artwork from May Day events • From the Robert F. Wagner Labor Archives and the Tamiment Library at New York University via LaborArts.org
Do meaningful work, and support others in their own efforts. Not to maximize production for the machine, but in service of a better world for all. Have a great May Day, and be sure to experience and celebrate the flush of new life outside.
The Warp — Ideas and Inspiration
|| 1 || Penny auctions are a historical example of solidarity with fellow land-based laborers. The term grew out of a movement of neighbors defending farms from foreclosure during the Great Depression. As live auctions took place, townspeople would gather menacingly to make sure farm infrastructure wasn't sold for anything more than their own bids of mere pennies. After the auction close, they'd return the equipment to the original owners, and banks wouldn't have gained much from the process.
I mentioned this phenomenon to a friend, and they brought up their own experience at a family sawmill auction here in Michigan fairly recently. Ellie Katz's Interlochen Public Radio piece, Going, Going, Gone, takes you on location to the tense and bittersweet occasion.
|| 2 || First, it was community wood banks, mentioned in WF Vol. 5, No. 1, and now Rob Frost is at it again, working out practical ways of scaffolding resilient rural communities by meeting everyday needs regionally. This time, in Growing a Row, he encourages folks to grow surplus produce to support food pantries. What stuck with me, along with curiosity about his manual sod-cutting + duck composting bed establishment method, was the expanse of his invitation:
How you define “surplus” is entirely personal, but my recommendation is to follow your bliss. I love gardening/small farming and forestry work. The surplus might be rows of potatoes, but it could just as easily be a hand-knit sweater, a hour of tutoring, or a shared car while a neighbor's is in the shop. If it is something you love doing or won’t miss, doing 10% more is almost effortless. Spreading that surplus isn't just charity; it’s the gift of a functioning community.
(If the sod-cutting still has you scratching your head, here's a quick clip from Keep Growing Detroit showcasing a manual sod-kicker.)
The Weft — News and Events
We’re heartened by a wide-range of expressions of resilient communities and gatherings. Here’s a smattering of regional events and happenings that reflect that diversity, collected for your consideration. Choose your own adventure!
|| 1 || Edible Trails Perennial Planting Workday. DeYoung Natural Area, Saturday, May 2nd, 11am-2pm. "All are welcome to participate in spring plant care for perennial edible plants in a public edible forest garden. This a chance to learn and have fun while doing the essential work of caring for a community food project on shared public land adjacent a community pedestrian and bike trail. Food and habitat producing trees ideal to our ecosystem will be available for FREE to take away and plant in the place you care for." Find more information and registration here.
|| 2 || Spring Wildflower Photography Workshop with James Manning at Glacial Hills in Bellaire. Saturday, May 9th, at 10am. An introductory class focused on spotting, identifying, and photographing spring ephemeral wildflowers. Click here for more info and registration.
|| 3 || The Long Memory Project: Farmland. Commongrounds, TC. "The Long Memory Project’s (LMP) mission is to cultivate the passing down of our community’s stories. Not just the ones considered worthy enough to make headlines and history books, but the small acts of courage, action, good governance and community building—the songs, poems and stories that help us understand where we came from, who we are, and what we envision for our future—both regionally and beyond." Work will be on display until June 6th.
|| 4 || The Ship Yard: Shortstop and Scott Foor. Tuesday, May 5th, 5:30-7:30pm at The Alluvion. Ship Yard is a community artist program supporting emerging local musicians. Be among the first to experience our region’s rising talent and support their journey as they set sail as artists! Find more on the evening and featured artists here.
|| 5 || Chestnut Grafting Workshop. Saturday, May 9th, 11am-1pm, Traverse City. "This hands-on workshop will teach the basics of grafting with scions gathered from the Dougherty Mission and other Large Surviving Americans (LSAs)." Free, but donations accepted. Find more information and register here.
|| 6 || Mark your Calendars! The 2026 Northern Michigan Small Farm Conference is coming to downtown Bellaire, Oct. 4th-6th. Find more on the theme ("Culture Keepers") and the conference here.
|| 7 || The 2026 NMSFC Farm Job Board—Check out this year's opportunities here. Submitting positions is strongly encouraged. Please share in your networks, and keep an eye out for more openings that might be a good fit for you or someone you know.
|| 8 || Volunteer Opportunity: Russ Mawby Signature Service Project at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Friday, May 15th, 9am-4pm, Traverse City. Expect "projects including invasive species removal, establishment of new trails, general grounds clean up, and installation of new native plants." Find more information, including registration, for the Americorps-driven day of service here.
|| 9 || NWMI Art & Culture Summit - Against the Current. May 14th-15th. "Through inspiring keynote sessions, practical workshops for arts workers, live performances, hands-on experiences, and structured opportunities to build real relationships, you will find meaningful exchange across disciplines and counties." Find more details and register for the Traverse City gathering here.
|| 10 || Happenings at The Alluvion Between Now and the Next Whole Field include: Fresh Coast Film Festival: Traverse City 2026, Big Fun, Ship Yard Series: Shortstop & Scott Foor, The Jeff Haas Trio featuring Laurie Sears + Lisa Flahive, The Afterlife of a Massacre: A Live Podcast Event, Lucía, Funky Uncle, Attia's Book Launch Party: Never Settle!, and Randy Napoleon & Waking Dream.
Find more information at thealluvion.org.
sponsored by:
Desmond Liggett Wealth Advisors is a mission-driven, fee-only wealth management company with a simple purpose: to generate exceptional value for the individuals, families, small business owners, and non-profit organizations they serve. Desmond Liggett Wealth Advisors believe in and adhere to triple-bottom-line analysis for portfolio investments, ensuring that they review how a company’s environmental and social values impact its long-term resilience and, consequently, value.
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