Restoring Our Relationship with Nature

Interview with On-Farm Educators Randy and Jessie

Like everything we do here, we think about future generations.  - Randy Mermel

Randy and Jessie are On-Farm Educators who have been working on restoring the oak savanna on the Angelic Organics Learning Center property since 2013. In recent years, we have expanded to offer public volunteer restoration days as we have built up the nature trail system (read more about the trail completion here). Randy and Jessie explain, “In order to preserve and protect our old growth trees, we have to remove invasive species that impede oak regeneration. We feel privileged to be on this land and we feel it is our responsibility to steward it and try to restore some of the balance of the ecosystem.”

The ultimate goal of restoration work is listening to what the land needs. 
To liberate the old growth oaks from invasive plants that were brought over since colonization. 
To free the forest floor and let sunlight in.

The benefits of restoration are not just for the trees. This work can be restorative for both people and the community. When volunteering, you learn about the habitat, emotionally connect with the land, and experience spiritual refreshment. Jessie says, “This feels like a tangible thing we can do to try to right some wrongs. It feels like an act of love and devotion to tend to the forest and work together.” Randy adds, “Restoration work is great for building community. We have met many awesome people doing this. You get this sense of accomplishment by seeing what you have done as a team.” ​

“Oak savannas are one of the most threatened ecosystems on the planet. We are at risk of losing them altogether.  A lot of research is coming out right now that shows how vital old trees are in the ecosystem, sharing resources through their mycorrhizal networks. Some of the trees here are 200, 300 years old. They were saplings when the last Indigenous peoples lived here. We are blessed that these trees were spared the ax.”
​- Jessie Crow Mermel

Restoration work, the act of removing invasive species using loppers, handsaws, and chainsaws, is a great activity for both introverts and extroverts. During our volunteer days, you can focus on your work, and there are also opportunities to socialize. You can truly show up as you are. 

Sign me up

If you would like to try  a volunteer  restoration workday for the first time, make sure to wear sturdy shoes and clothes that can get dirty. Dressing in layers is best because your body temperature changes with the labor. We provide the tools and fire to stay warm (weather permitting), and encourage you to bring water and snacks. Come on time so we can walk into the woods together. Please register in advance before attending a restoration work day so that we can contact you if any changes are made to the timing and location. 

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To love a place is not enough, we must find ways to heal it - Robin Wall Kimmerer

Randy and Jessie share a love of oaks and are deeply committed to caring for them. The couple met at an activist campaign to save wetlands and old growth oaks from being destroyed in 2000. They were both raised in northern Illinois and consider this biome their home. ​