Welcome to Farm and Forage!

Farm and Forage was conceived out of my crazy passion for sustainable food systems, food security,  holistic health, and the amazing power of our natural world. On the blog I explore the confluence of food, wellness, and ecological stewardship (i.e. tromp around in the forest, eat weeds, rave about soil, and denunciate Big Agriculture). Keep reading below to know more about me. 

I live and work with gratitude on the unceded territories of the Lekwungen-speaking peoples, including the W̱SÁNEĆ, Songhees, and Esquimalt Nations and would like to express gratitude and respect to the Indigenous Peoples who have and continue to steward this beautiful land. 

About me: Emily Shields

My interest in alternative food systems germinated at the University of Waterloo while completing my Bachelor of Environmental Studies in Geography and Environmental Management. By taking courses such as Global Food and Agricultural Politics and Soil Ecosystem Dynamics, I began to realize the importance of agriculture but also the incredible potential of sustainable agriculture as a tool to mitigate climate change, regenerate the land, improve community resilience, and promote social equities of health. After graduation I got some hands-on experience by working on organic farms in New Zealand through WWOOF NZ, which bolstered the knowledge base I had built (and am still developing) by reading endless stacks of books.

Upon my return to Canada, I dug up the backyard of my rental house and installed my first garden. I complemented my horticultural endeavours by  learning how to forage, which was a consequence of my enrollment in a herbal medicine apprenticeship program. As I began to share what I was doing with others, I found that those around me wanted to learn more and even shared in my excitement.

Please enjoy my metaphorical soapbox as I document my own journey with plants and share what I am most passionate about.

Note that I am neither a registered herbalist nor a professional horticulturalist – this is purely me navigating how to positively impact my (human and non-human) community and the world that we all share.