Vernon County Man Lives “Off The Grid” In A Sod House


By Joel Waldinger | June 23, 2014

FacebookTwitterEmail

Harvey Baumgartner’s decision to live in a sod home sans electricity and indoor plumbing was a conscious choice, based on practicality and philosophy. He is profoundly committed to conservation.  Harvey is always willing to help a neighbor, yet quite content to tend to his goats, chickens, horses, mules, and his organic gardens.

Click here to learn more about Harvey’s off the grid lifestyle and then check out this segment to see how Harvey takes his minimalist lifestyle on the open road.

Joel Waldinger

Joel Waldinger

Joel Waldinger is a reporter for the “Wisconsin Life” project and considers a sunset over the “big island” on Manson Lake to be a perfect ending to a day of fishing and fun in the Northwoods. 
FacebookTwitterEmail

Sign Up Form

Sign Up for Our Bi-Weekly Newsletter

Get your favorite Wisconsin Life stories, meet the crew, and go behind the scenes.

Our Favorite Collections

Storyteller Rodney Lambright II's comic series about the rich relationship between a single father, his young daughter and his retirement-age parents.
For the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, we discover how Wisconsinites experienced the war both at home and on the battlefield.
Ice, cold and winter are an integral part of what it means to live in Wisconsin. "Ice Week" explores the many ways that ice defines us.
Food plays a central part in many holiday traditions. This series honors the foods and meals that make the day.
Escape winter with a look at some of Wisconsin's favorite sports and games.
"Living the Wisconsin Life" is an online series exploring the little things that make living in Wisconsin fun, interesting and meaningful.