In the summer of 2005 I was part of a crew plastering our straw bale shed when a Prius pulled into the driveway. The driver, Jeremy, was curious about our project, and as we chatted he told me he worked for Valley Stewardship Network, a local organization committed to preserving the Kickapoo River watershed.
A few years later my partner David and I became water quality monitoring volunteers for VSN. We also regularly bumped into folks from VSN at various community gatherings. And every encounter underscored my first impression: this is an organization brimming with dedication, brilliance, and energy. I wanted to be part of that.
David and I live along the West Fork of the Kickapoo River, so we’re especially interested in the local watershed. We’re also curious about natural building, permaculture, and alternative energy. Everything is an experiment around our place, as you’ll notice if you visit. With the help of several local green builders, we recently completed our home of compressed earth blocks and recycled timbers.
When not pulling weeds, canning tomatoes, or chopping wood, I earn my living as a writer. My latest book, The Human-Powered Home: Choosing Muscles Over Motors, was published by New Society Publishers in 2008. I’m also one of the founding board members of the Driftless region’s only noncommercial radio station, WDRT 91.9FM.
Tamara Dean – Biography
A few years later my partner David and I became water quality monitoring volunteers for VSN. We also regularly bumped into folks from VSN at various community gatherings. And every encounter underscored my first impression: this is an organization brimming with dedication, brilliance, and energy. I wanted to be part of that.
David and I live along the West Fork of the Kickapoo River, so we’re especially interested in the local watershed. We’re also curious about natural building, permaculture, and alternative energy. Everything is an experiment around our place, as you’ll notice if you visit. With the help of several local green builders, we recently completed our home of compressed earth blocks and recycled timbers.
When not pulling weeds, canning tomatoes, or chopping wood, I earn my living as a writer. My latest book, The Human-Powered Home: Choosing Muscles Over Motors, was published by New Society Publishers in 2008. I’m also one of the founding board members of the Driftless region’s only noncommercial radio station, WDRT 91.9FM.