April 2026
Modern life has weakened the relationship between humans and the rest of the natural world. The environmental problems we face can be paralyzing. We’ll look at ways we may begin to heal this relationship through rewilding and reciprocity. Volunteer stewardship opportunities, rewilding our yards through native plants, composting, and growing our own food all offer meaningful ways for us to tend to this relationship and create active hope for a more resilient and biodiverse world. The program will include a presentation and group discussion. Arrive at 6:00 pm for an optional mindfulness walk on the land.
Jessie Crow Mermel is a community weaver, environmental educator, and a dedicated tender of the land. Jessie is passionate about cultivating shared experiences of wonder. Her mission is to help facilitate the re-storying of our relationships to the land, each other, and the more-than-human world. Jessie has a degree in Sustainability Studies from Roosevelt University. She is currently a Field Representative with Friends of Illinois Nature Preserves, a Worker-Owner with Nettle Curbside Compost, a board president at Nature at the Confluence, and edits and designs the newsletter for Wild Ones RRVC. She also leads women’s circles, land restoration, rewilding programs, retreats, and wonder walks.