“With the extreme changes currently unfolding as a result of anthropogenic global change, as ecosystems continue to unravel from their previous relatively stable state, one thing that brings me peace, is to try to live as part of the ecosystems where I grew up. Assisting plants, animals, fungi, rivers, lakes and rocks, wherever possible to find and/or keep their place to survive.”
-Kirt Tidwell
Humble and unassuming, Kirt Tidwell strides through knee-high grass and forbs to inspect his thriving Chinese chestnut trees. Located just south of the Koenn Nature Preserve in Sylvan Township, the six-acre agroforestry easement was established four years ago, and the chestnuts were planted soon after. Hazelnuts, wild American plums, and paw paws have followed for a total of 300 plants on site, but that’s just the beginning. Kirt’s enthusiasm grows as he discusses his vision – an expansive botanical garden focused on climate adaptive plants that also support a wildtype edible business. Food security and climate adaptability are two key issues that drive his model. The loss of genetic diversity and the privatization of seed through genetic modification have locked conventional farmers into paying for seed annually, but Kirt seeks out specimens that will produce viable seed, allowing him to sell both the fruit and seed to the local community.
As a child, exposure to ornamental plants through his mother’s garden design business encouraged a deep love of plants and the outdoors. He continued to seek out opportunities to learn more about nature, agriculture, and sustainable systems, such as permaculture, biodynamic farming, agroforestry, and indigenous horticultural techniques, thorough work experiences in California and Nicaragua. Upon his return to Michigan, Kirt worked for Richard Andres and Deb Lentz at Tantré Farm, a 115 acres family-run operation just up the road. When Richard learned of Kirt’s aspiration for a botanical garden/wildtype edible business, he introduced him to Dave and Sharon Brooks, neighbors with about 80 acres of property and a history of conservation. In 2017, Kirt and Dave reached an agreement and the work began.
Kirt’s easement is on rolling hills, edged by oak-hickory forests and framed by Letts Creek to the north. To the south, gentle slopes lead to button-bush studded wetlands connected to Goose Lake and the headwaters of Mill Creek are just a short distance further. Kirt’s deep love and appreciation for the easement and surrounding land is evidenced by his excitement to share it with others – the bur oak, willows, nettle patch, black walnuts - and all the techniques and ideas he’s learned through his experiences of how to live in harmony with the land. He has invested time and money in the land (he paid for the Chinese chestnut seedlings and installation out of pocket) with the hopes of achieving his dream, but he’s concerned about the future of the surrounding property, the remaining 74 or so acres not protected by his easement. Like other beginning farmers and producers, Kirt has the knowledge, drive, and tenacity to make his vision a reality, but his product and investment are tied to a relatively small area of land and impacted by what transpires around it. Hence, Kirt has become an advocate for the land and the owners, The Brooks, whom he has befriended and encouraged to start thinking about succession planning. Ideally, given the proximity to Washtenaw County Park’s Koenn Nature Preserve and the Goose Lake State Game Area, Kirt hopes his easement can be expanded and the County or State will step in to preserve the remaining surrounding land in perpetuity.
Kirt’s aspirations and love of the land are only rivaled by his respect and gratefulness for the people who have guided and influenced his journey. Many people and organizations have helped to shape his path and expand his knowledge, but Kirt credits Richard Andres and The Brooks as integral supporters for whom he is extremely thankful. At WCCD, we are thankful for strong, resilient community members who support one another to make dreams come true and drive efforts of community conservation and sustainability.
Congratulations, Kirt Tidwell, WCCD’s 2021 Tree Conservationist of the Year!