Recommended Resources
Soil Health
Grassroots network advocating for regenerative land care practices that build soil health, increase biodiversity, and promote climate resilience across Vermont.
Online courses and consulting led by soil microbiologist Dr. Elaine Ingham, focused on restoring soil health through biological methods and understanding the vital role of the soil food web.
Comprehensive collection of research, guides, and technical resources from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to support soil health management across agricultural and ecological landscapes.
Nonprofit organization promoting community-scale composting and soil-building practices throughout Vermont, supporting healthy food systems and nutrient cycling.
A beautifully illustrated and data-rich atlas produced by the European Commission that explores the diversity, function, and global significance of soil life—available as a free download.
Resilient Food
Leader in supporting organic farmers, gardeners, and food systems in Vermont through education, policy advocacy, and direct support programs that foster ecological and community resilience.
Network of practitioners and researchers advancing agroforestry and forest farming in the Northeast, with a focus on cultivating non-timber forest products in ecologically sound ways.
Regional organization connecting permaculture educators, designers, and practitioners to promote regenerative practices and resilient communities throughout the Northeast.
Farmer-led organization promoting grass-based and rotational grazing systems that improve soil health, animal welfare, and farm profitability across Vermont’s landscapes.
Statewide network of growers sharing research, education, and resources to support sustainable production of vegetables, berries, and greenhouse crops in Vermont.
Research and action institute at the University of Vermont working globally and locally to support agroecological transitions that center farmers, food justice, and ecological integrity.
Trusted source of applied research, technical assistance, and outreach helping Vermont farmers transition to practices that support environmental stewardship and farm viability.
Working to protect farmland, promote sound farming practices, and support farmers in New England, this branch of AFT is deeply involved in climate-smart agriculture and land access solutions.
Public organization that funds the conservation of farmland and natural areas, and supports affordable housing, community development, and working landscapes in Vermont.
Pioneering nonprofit based in Burlington, VT that supports sustainable agriculture, land stewardship, and local food systems through farm business incubation and community partnerships.
Nonprofit advancing the practice and adoption of agroforestry in the Northeastern U.S. through education, research, and partnerships that integrate agriculture and ecological restoration.
Ecology
Science-driven nonprofit conducting research and community-based monitoring to conserve wildlife and ecosystems across Vermont and the Northeast, with a focus on birds, pollinators, and alpine species.
National nonprofit working to protect native medicinal plants and their habitats through conservation, education, and cultivation initiatives, including the Sacred Seeds Sanctuary network.
Nation’s first plant conservation organization, dedicated to preserving native flora of New England through seed banking, habitat restoration, public gardens, and educational programs.
Vermont branch of the National Audubon Society, focused on bird conservation, habitat protection, and public engagement through science, advocacy, and community programs.
International nonprofit that protects pollinators, beneficial insects, and other invertebrates through science-based conservation programs, habitat restoration, and policy advocacy.
Eco-Landscaping
Nonprofit, member-based organization dedicated to promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible approaches to landscape design, construction, and management. ELA serves as a hub for landscape professionals, gardeners, educators, and community members committed to ecological landscaping practices.
Educational organization founded in 1990 by landscape designer Larry Weaner. It is dedicated to advancing ecology-based landscape design and practice, integrating horticulture, ecological restoration, and cultural awareness to promote sustainable and resilient landscapes.
Nonprofit professional organization founded in 1964 to support and strengthen Vermont's horticulture industry. It serves as a hub for growers, garden centers, landscape designers, contractors, arborists, turf specialists, educators, and allied tradespeople across the state.
Nonprofit organization based in North Yarmouth, Maine, dedicated to restoring native plant populations and promoting biodiversity through the ethical collection and distribution of wild seeds.
Nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting environmentally sound landscaping practices through the use of native plants.
Culture, Economy, & Legislation
Grassroots organization advocating for family farms, rural communities, and sustainable agriculture through education, policy work, and community engagement.
Part of the global Slow Food movement, this chapter promotes local food traditions, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems across Vermont.
Nonprofit dedicated to strengthening Vermont’s farm and food economy by supporting farmers, advancing local food businesses, and promoting innovative agricultural solutions.
Natural Building
Innovative hands-on school offering workshops and courses in sustainable design, natural building, and green construction to empower builders, designers, and creatives.
Nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, studying, and promoting the heritage and craftsmanship of stone walls throughout New England.
Databases
Comprehensive database and nonprofit promoting the use of edible, medicinal, and useful plants suited for sustainable and regenerative gardening worldwide.
Online resource and community dedicated to promoting native plants and ecological gardening practices through education and plant profiles.
Leading conservation organization committed to preserving native plants and habitats in New England through education, restoration, and advocacy.
Extensive online guide showcasing the native wildflowers, grasses, and ferns of Illinois with detailed plant descriptions and ecological insights.
Trusted supplier specializing in native seeds and plants, focused on prairie restoration, pollinator habitat, and sustainable landscaping.
Nationally renowned center dedicated to native plants, promoting their conservation and use in sustainable landscaping and habitat restoration.
Community-driven organization exploring the ecological and cultural roles of fungi through education, workshops, and resources about mycology and fungal cultivation.
Educational platform led by soil scientist Dr. Christine Jones focused on soil health, carbon sequestration, and regenerative agriculture techniques.
Interactive tool providing detailed soil data and mapping, valuable for land use planning, agriculture, and ecological restoration projects.
User-friendly web application offering soil survey information and maps from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for informed land management.
Detailed ecological classification map by the Environmental Protection Agency showing Level IV ecoregions in New England for environmental planning and conservation.
Global community project mapping and sharing locations of public fruit trees and edible landscapes to promote urban foraging and food access.
Interactive online map and resource recognizing Indigenous territories and promoting awareness of native lands worldwide.
Influential Podcasts
Influential Books
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“For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate our Food Production Systems” by Nicole Masters
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“Dirt to Soil: One Family's Journey into Regenerative Agriculture” by Gabe Brown
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“Reading the Forested Landscape” by Tom Wessels
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“New England's Roadside Ecology” by Tom Wessels
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"No Dig: Nurture Your Soil to Grow Better Veg with Less Effort" by Charles Dowding
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“Farming with Native Beneficial Insects” by Eric Lee-Mader, Jennifer Hopwood, Lora Morandin, Mace Vaughan, and Scott Hoffman Black
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“Designing and Maintaining Your Edible Landscape Naturally” by Robert Kourik
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“The Secret Therapy of Trees” by Marco Mancago and Marco Nieri
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"The Ecological Farm: A Minimalist No-Till, No-Spray, Selective-Weeding, Grow-Your-Own-Fertilizer System for Organic Agriculture" by Helen Atthowe
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“Eager, the Surprising Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter” by Ben Goldfarb
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“Teaming with Microbes: The Organic Grower's Guide to the Soil Food Web” by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
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"Teaming with Nutrients: The Organic Gardener's Guide to Optimizing Plant Nutrition" by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis et al.
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“Teaming with Fungi: The Organic Grower's Guide to Mycorrhizae” by Jeff Lowenfels and Wayne Lewis
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“Mycorrhizal Planet: How Symbiotic Fungi Work with Roots to Support Plant Health and Build Soil Fertility” by Michael Phillips
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"Regenerative Soil: The Science and Solutions" by Matt Powers
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“Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing & Working with Fungi” by Peter McCoy
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"The Regenerative Grower's Guide to Garden Amendments: Using Locally Sourced Materials to Make Mineral and Biological Extracts and Ferments" by Nigel Palmer
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“Mushrooms Demystified” by David Aurora
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“The Wizard and the Prophet: Two Remarkable Scientists and their Dueling Visions to Shape Tomorrow's World” by Charles C. Mann
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“The Forest Unseen: A Year's Watch in Nature” by David George Haskell
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“Your Successful Farm Business: Production, Profit, Pleasure” by Joel Salatin
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"Lawns into Meadows: Growing a Regenerative Landscape" by Ian Wormser
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“Gathering Moss: A Natural and Cultural History of Moss” by Robin Wall Kimmerer
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“A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold
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“The One-Straw Revolution” by Masanobu Fukuoka, Larry Korn
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“The Hidden Life of Trees: What they Feel, How They Communicate: Discovieries from a Secret World” by Peter Wolleben
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“Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds & Shape Our Futures” by Merlin Sheldrake
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“Garden Revolution: How Our Landscapes Can Be a Source of Environmental Change” by Larry Weaner
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“Lawns into Meadows: Growing a Regenerative Landscape” by Owen Wormser
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“The Know Maintenance Perennial Garden” by Roy Diblik
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“Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes” by Thomas Rainer and Claudia West
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“The Living Landscape: Designing for Beauty and Biodiversity in the Home Garden” by Rick Darke and Douglas W. Tallamy
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“Nature's Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard” by Douglas W. Tallamy
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“The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees” by Douglas W. Tallamy
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"Sacred Geography: Geomancy: Co-Creating the Earth Cosmos" by Marko Pogačnik
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"Where Heaven and Earth Unite: Powerful Places, Sacred Sites, and You" by Ferran Blasco and Elyn Aviva
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"In The Company of Stone: The Art of the Stone Wall" by Dan Snow
Energetics
Nonprofit dedicated to preserving and teaching the ancient art of dowsing, including water locating, earth energy sensing, and intuitive environmental practices.
Educational site exploring sacred geometry, earth energies, and the spiritual aspects of place through the lens of geomancy and land-based wisdom traditions.
Professional dowser and geomancer who blends intuitive and traditional practices to work with land energies, agriculture, and the health of natural and built environments.
Collaborative community and educational platform focused on earth-based spiritual practices, nature connection, and planetary healing through shamanic wisdom.
Admired Stewards