By AJ
I am currently reading “Finding the Mother Tree” by Suzanne Simard.
The author recollects her journey working for the forest service and then on to her research on forest ecology and the interdependence therein. Her research goes on to show that “hub” or “mother” trees are intricately connected to younger trees by underground networks of mycelium.
This all takes place from the 90’s onward, when we “knew” less about how forests and trees work. I think many of us don’t need science to tell us that plants live, communicate and work together to form complicated social networks to accomplish healthy communities. At the time, however, the author is fighting tooth and nail to prove this to policymakers and male coworkers who dismiss her every step of the way.
Primarily, I’m finding the book deeply sad. I don’t necessarily think it’s supposed to be deeply sad, but it brings up a certain desperation in my body. Feeling the love and respect that the author feels for the forest– and the subsequent frustration when she is dismissed–hits hard.
Her research ends up having a positive impact on forestry practices. But looking at where we are today, I don’t feel like her experience is outdated at all. It still seems like an uphill battle to convince people of the intrinsic value of the forest community, a far cry to protect and nurture it.
Reading this book has also brought up complicated feelings about my everyday work. I value what we do and how we do it. I value the community, human and otherwise, and the ethos behind how we interact. I also wonder, as humans, if we are capable of and willing to choose community over convenience. If, just because we don’t want to do harm, does that mean that we aren’t? I can’t say, With a history of misguided ecological decisions, we aren’t always the most observant species. We’ve made decisions that, at the time, seemed ingenious and positive but turned out to have problematic and negative outcomes down the road. The history of agriculture is a blaring example of this. (And I won’t get into capitalism and patriarchy and it’s role in driving these decisions here.)
In addition to feeling sad, I also feel fueled. I want to be more observant, I want to choose interdependence, I want to exude respect and positivity toward the plants (cultivated or not), animals and soil we work with, holding dear the things that matter. And I hope this intention is seen. And I hope it is enough.
Upcoming Event: Farm BBQ and Baseball Sunday August 3rd at 4:30 pm
Open Field Farm 2025 | The "ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW" guide for members
CSA Barn Hours:
Summer hours: 2:30-6:30 pm!
Pick List:
Eggs
Merlin Beets
Pink Beauty Radishes
Gold Princess Onions
Parade Scallions
Alto Leeks
Lettuce
Rhubarb Chard
Kale
Champion Collards
Parsley, Cilantro, and Dill
Albion Strawberries
Whole Dried Hot Peppers
Herbal Tea Blends
Pick your own flowers and herbs
Sonora Wheat Flour and Berries
Beef Bone Broth (Made by Olla Products)
Saltonstahl Olive Oil
Revolution Bread for sale on Tuesday and Friday
Open Field Farm Swag!
