“Who Are You Learning From?”

Dear Readers and Friends,

This is Heidi, a long-distance admin assistant for the Bittersweet-Milkweed Collaborative Farm and Kia-Beth’s cousin. Things on the farm are very busy and Kia hasn’t had time to write a March newsletter, so I’m stepping in to say hello on their behalf.

A few updates from the farm: Kia is working on getting the farmstand ready to open and continues to care for the pigs, chickens, sheep, and cows. Abigail will have piglets next week, and the transplants in the solarium—peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs—are growing splendidly. Kia has been welcoming volunteers to help on weekends, and they can always use extra hands. If you’re local and can offer some time, there are open volunteer hours every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for shifts from 9:00am-12:00 pm or 1:00-4:00 pm. We’ve also gathered a small group of supportive growers and thinkers, who are meeting monthly as an advisory committee and sounding board for the farm. I had the pleasure of meeting this group on Zoom last month and was blown away by their care, wisdom, and experience.

Here in Michigan (where I live), I recently attended an event at the university where I work. It was a gathering of educators and students who were discussing the ways we can collectively work for environmental justice. One educator was gathering recommendations for learning about climate change and sustainability. They asked “Who are you learning from?” and attendees shared responses on a large whiteboard. There was an offering of podcasts, books, documentaries, and local organizations, all touching on different aspects of environmental education. I added the Bittersweet-Milkweed Collaborative Farm to the list of resources.

Every time I talk to Kia or Brian, update the website, or publish Substack newsletters, I learn. I learn about regenerative agriculture, what a food forest is, or what it takes to humanely raise and butcher an animal. I learn about restoring local ecosystems, using native plants to encourage pollinators, and the importance of seed saving. I’ve also learned about reciprocity, mutual aid, and what it means to be part of a community.

So, I’m curious about you! Who are you learning from these days? What’s sparking your interest? What are you diving into?

Leave us a message on Substack or reach out to me via email: heidi.a.bennett@gmail.com

Thanks for engaging and for your continued support.

With gratitude,

Heidi

Pronouns: she/her (Read more about personal pronouns)