Regenerative Earthworks & Master Line Rainwater Harvesting workshop
With Mark Shepard and the Restoration Agriculture and Development (RAD) Team
September 12–14, 2025 | Viroqua, Wisconsin
A Hands-On Weekend for Aspiring Land Stewards
Join Mark Shepard on the RAD 5 property in Viroqua, WI for a powerful 3-day workshop focused on designing and installing regenerative water management systems. You'll gain firsthand experience with the Master Line System, a modernized and adaptable version of Keyline Design, alongside core principles of restoration agriculture and site development.
Whether you're a farmer, landowner, developer or aspiring equipment operator, this is a rare opportunity to work side-by-side with one of regenerative agriculture’s most innovative leaders on a real project, in real time.
Workshop Schedule
Friday, September 12, 2025
4 - 6 pm: Introduction to Restoration Agriculture
Saturday, September 13, 2025
9 - 12 pm: Classroom session on Master Line rainwater harvesting and agricultural runoff management systems design
1 - 3 pm: Hands-on field layout and excavation
4 - 6 pm: Optional return to the classroom for reflection and refinement
Sunday, September 14, 2025
9 - 12 pm: Final classroom wrap-up, Introduction to Agroforestry and perennial Polycultures
Afternoon: Q&A
Workshop Focus
Master Line System & Regenerative Water Management
We’ll introduce Keyline Design briefly, primarily to show how the Master Line System evolved to adapt to complex landforms. Rather than following dogmatic cultivation patterns, the Master Line approach allows for more dynamic and responsive design.
When we say “water management,” we’re talking about more than ditches and detention basins. You’ll learn to implement rainwater harvesting, runoff management, swales, berms, terraces, ponds, grassed waterways, Water and Sediment Control Basins, level sill discharges, and advanced layout techniques like concentric and congruent curves.
In this workshop, you’ll gain the knowledge and practical skills to design ecological infrastructure that restores and enhances the natural water cycle on any landscape.
You’ll also gain foundational knowledge in:
Reading the land for water management opportunities and planning earthworks
Equipment basics, layout techniques, and excavation strategies
On-the-ground training in Restoration Agriculture system implementation
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is ideal for:
Land stewards interested in building resilient water systems
Farmers, homesteaders, permaculture designers, and students
Anyone ready to learn and apply these systems in the field
Developers looking to learn how to use surface runoff as a regenerative resource in the greater landscape
This workshop is limited to 30 participants, and spaces will fill quickly. If you're serious about gaining hands-on experience, we encourage you to sign up soon to reserve your spot.
Registration
Register with AcresUSA, see link below
Lodging & Amenities
Camping and Lodging Options
Please make arrangements to stay nearby. Great options include:
Sidie Hollow County Park
Three miles from Viroqua
Tent, electric, and full-hookup RV campsites
38-acre lake, trout streams, hiking, biking, and boat launch
AmericInn by Wyndham Viroqua
1325 North Main Street, Viroqua, WI
Non-smoking hotel with complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, and parking
Airbnb Listings
The Viroqua area offers many cabins, guesthouses, and rooms on Airbnb
Early booking is recommended for best availability