Hello Ashland, Wisconsin!

Nineteen years ago I left this land, water and community that raised me.
Today, 19 years later, I sit on the shores of Lake Superior, drawn back by a yearning so deep as to be nearly irresistible.

I come with an exploration to put down roots on this land that is ingrained into every strand of my DNA and to continue the circular flow of water from this great body into my body.

I have returned yearly for most of my thirties and each time found myself more interconnected and enlivened by this special place we call the Northwoods. The cloud of depression that once sat over this space for me was overcome by a bright light of connection. With each visit I made, the habit of staying longer and having no desire to leave deepened.

So now, here I am …
Drawn to being of service to the community that gave so much to me.
Drawn to standing strong with the fellow Earth lovers, stewards and protectors that feel the burning call that I, too, feel. Drawn to working with and learning from the Anishinaabe people who embody connection, love and stewardship of Earth in a way that simply melts my heart. Drawn to becoming interconnected — universally in love — with the plants, animals, water and land.

Wherever I have been over the last 15 years, I have aimed to use my life to be of service to Earth, to our human community, and to the plants and animals we share this home with. That’s just what I’d like to do here.

I want to melt away into this land, water and community and bring others into this journey of deepening our connection with Earth.

To do that I am setting out on a year of foraging 100% of my food, with this land and water being the foundation for this endeavor. If you spend time with me, you’ll be learning how to exist in relationship with this land.

I am teaching foraging classes (all free) twice per month right now, and in August, I’m hosting immersive Foraging Schools in Ashland, Duluth, Madison and Minneapolis.

I am in the process of launching a One Million Community Fruit Trees initiative, starting micro-nurseries this fall to have 20,000 trees ready to plant in the region in 2026. These trees will provide nourishing food freely to the community, ecosystem restoration, and food and habitat to our community of plants and animals.

I welcome involvement in these initiatives by anyone who would find meaning and purpose being of service and learning together.

I am here to be a friend to all, no matter their political beliefs. I believe that all of us have a lot more in common than we do in differences. Yes, I do have very strong views about caring for Earth and all life upon Earth, and that life includes ALL humans, even those who I have strong disagreements with in how we live on this home together.

If you see me in the community, I warmly welcome you to say “hello” and to share a hug if you’d like. I have designed my life to be a “public figure” which means being accessible and available to the best of my ability. I am here for you. At the same time, I request your compassion and patience. In many ways, I am an introvert and I struggle at times with anxiety and overwhelm. I am very focused and dedicated to my mission and sometimes struggle with being patient and gentle.

Please know that everything I do here will be done with love for Earth, love for our community and love for the infinite community of life and humanity that we share this “pale blue dot” with.

Much of my time, energy and resources are yours. I’ll be available to teach and share with the local schools, libraries, nonprofit organizations and community initiatives.

Love,
Robin

Contact me here

A Year of Foraging 100% of My Food

Foraging classes through Wild Bay Foraging Club

Foraging Schools in Ashland, Duluth, Madison and Minneapolis.

Interested in volunteering with me or an apprenticeship position? Learn more here.

I will be hiring a part or full-time teammate for Community Fruit Trees. Interested? Learn more here

I am seeking a home base as I settle into the area. Learn more here.

I am exploring creating a Simple Living Center in this region where people can come to learn how to live in harmony with Earth. This is one of the main draws to “putting down roots,” as this is a decades-long project of working with the land. Learn about the Simple Living Center idea here.