Malaise trap for an insect survey in the Central Wetlands, Summer 2021.

Farm Unfixed’s mission is to restore 140-acres of native grassland, riparian and woodland habitat degraded by cattle grazing. For the past few years, I  have shifted my art practice from exhibition-based work to studying restoration and designing Farm Unfixed, an Ozark science and design center on family land.

The center’s mission is three-fold: 1) to provide research opportunities for visiting restoration ecologists, 2) to provide residencies for artists and designers invested in regenerative system design, and 3) to generate site-based science education with local college, middle- and high-school students. Farm Unfixed’s strategic plan includes creating a field station, design studio, residency accommodations, and an outdoor classroom.

Collaborations with the plants, animals and the humans who visit is part of growing Farm Unfixed. Entomologist Merav Shemesh (right) conducted a pilot insect survey with me in grassland and riparian habitats using pitfall and malaise traps in August 2021.  Chicago-based designer Jamie Topper (left) joined us to rebuild the residency cabin porch using wood from our early 20th century barn.

Passiflora incarnata (left)

A growing herbarium captures some of the plants at various seasons on the farm to introduce visitors to both native and exotic species.

Cephalanthus occidentalis + Bombus spp. (above)