Letter from the Editor: Summer 2024

This land excites me with every changing season and I feel deeply connected to this place, from the fields of salad greens to the deer roaming through them at dusk. I am grateful for this space, and I also understand that we are only the current stewards of this land.

We cannot begin this summer issue focused on “The Land” without an acknowledgment—a recognition and respect for the inherent sovereignty of the twelve First Nations that reside within the boundaries of Wisconsin. It is a chance to consider our shared past and present with Indigenous peoples. It’s a history involving colonization, forcible removal from homes and lands, and it’s a complex present where I know words of acknowledgment are simply not enough.

In personally reflecting on this, moving beyond words, for me, includes learning and gratitude. A good place to start learning about the history of the land we reside on is wisconsinfirstnations.org/map/ where you can explore which tribal lands and nations are located where you live and work. As I continue to learn about the history of the land, I strive to be a conscious and considerate current steward, helping to care for and preserve our environment for future generations.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I think about all the land provides. I feel it as I read through the stories in this summer issue—stories of people who understand the connection between the health of our land, our food and our communities. They are living lighter on the land by preserving the abundance of summer for the winter months and supporting local growers and makers. Like the folks at Groundswell Conservancy and Rooted, they are addressing issues of equitable land access and helping support a new generation of farmers. And throughout this issue there is a celebration and deep thankfulness for the beauty, resiliency and bounty of the land.

I hope you take some time this summer to dig your hands into the dirt, take in the abundant flavors of the season and reflect on the past, present and future of the land we call home.

Cheers,

Marissa DeGroot, Managing Editor