meredith-mashburn-photo-2

"Ancestors and Wildflowers"

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:59:40 GMT

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Mommom a poem for my grandmother.

How fortunate am I—

to have known love in every form.

In this stillness, I feel her.

My Mommom,

stitched into the threads of my red afghan,

wrapping me in a quiet kind of knowing.

I felt her in the wildflower fields,

handpicking joy in every petal.

I heard her whisper between the cluttered charm

of the flea market stalls—

nudging me toward the right vase,

reminding me: you already have what you’re seeking.

Her vintage glass bowl now cradles

the same red flowers

that echo the texture of her afghan—

soft, bold, eternal.

Love is never lost.

It just changes form.

"Wild Rising with Dr. Daniel Wildcat"

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:02:47 GMT

Wild Rising: Dr. Daniel Wildcat — Reclaiming the Earth Through Indigenous Wisdom

Wild Rising: Dr. Daniel Wildcat — Reclaiming the Earth Through Indigenous Wisdom

Welcome to the very first print in my new series, Wild Rising, where I celebrate the environmental warriors rising up with love and grit to protect our shared home. These aren’t just activists — they’re teachers, dreamers, and change-makers. They remind us that with care and conscious action, we can shift the world toward healing.

Today, I want to introduce you to someone whose work feels like a compass pointing us back to the Earth: Dr. Daniel Wildcat.

A Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma, Dr. Wildcat has been quietly — and powerfully — reshaping how we think about the environment. Not through panic or doom, but through deep Indigenous wisdom, fierce intellect, and unshakable love for the land.

"The Climate Change We Need"

Dr. Wildcat talks about climate change in a way that cracks something open in you. Yes, we need to tackle rising sea levels and shifting weather patterns. But more than anything, he says, we need a cultural climate change — a transformation in the way we view our place in the world.

In his words: "Unless we foster a non-anthropocentric worldview, it will be difficult to successfully address the physical climate change problems humankind has produced."

That idea — that we need to shift from dominating the Earth to living with it — resonates so deeply. It’s a truth Indigenous peoples have carried for generations. And it’s time we started listening.

Indigenuity: A New (Old) Way Forward

In his latest book, On Indigenuity, Dr. Wildcat introduces a word I can’t stop thinking about: Indigenuity . It’s the beautiful blend of Indigenous knowledge and ingenuity — a reminder that sustainable living isn’t some futuristic tech dream. It’s rooted in ancestral traditions, passed down through story, ceremony, and a way of life centered on balance.

He doesn’t just write about this — he lives it. As co-director of the Haskell Environmental Research Studies Center, Dr. Wildcat has spent years mentoring Indigenous students, building bridges between tribal knowledge and scientific research, and launching projects like the American Indian and Alaska Native Climate Change Working Group. His work empowers Native communities to be leaders in the climate movement — not just participants.

Rising Voices, Changing Coasts

One of the most exciting pieces of Dr. Wildcat’s work right now is the Rising Voices, Changing Coasts research hub. This groundbreaking initiative brings together Indigenous knowledge keepers, scientists, students, and community members to address coastal hazards and climate change through collaboration — not just consultation.

Funded by the National Science Foundation, this hub is a space where Native wisdom leads the conversation, especially on how climate change is already affecting coastal and island communities. It’s about listening to the people who’ve lived in harmony with their environments for millennia — and supporting solutions rooted in those relationships.

It’s the future of climate science — and a return to something beautifully ancient.

A Legacy of Action

In 2008, Dr. Wildcat helped organize the "Planning for Seven Generations" climate conference, bringing together tribal voices and environmental scientists to talk about long-term stewardship. Seven generations. Imagine what the world would look like if we all made decisions with that kind of foresight.

His work has always been about more than data and policy. It’s about values. About re-rooting ourselves in humility, gratitude, and care. That’s what makes him such a force. His leadership feels less like a megaphone and more like a drumbeat — steady, grounding, and impossible to ignore once you’ve heard it.

Why He’s Wild Rising

Dr. Wildcat shows us that the most radical thing we can do in the face of climate change is not invent something new — it’s remember something old. His teachings call us back to our relationships: to place, to people, and to the planet. He reminds us that real change doesn't just happen in policy rooms or labs — it begins in our hearts and communities.

He is Wild Rising. And I’m honored to share his story with you.

Let’s keep learning from Indigenous leaders like Dr. Wildcat. Let’s keep rising — together.

"Wild Rising" "Sacred Hollow Farm: Cultivating Harmony, One Bloom at a Time"

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 03:29:32 GMT

"Wild Rising" "Sacred Hollow Farm: Cultivating Harmony, One Bloom at a Time"

Regenerative farming and gardening is a powerful way to work with nature—building soil health, encouraging biodiversity, and creating resilient ecosystems. Whether it’s a small backyard garden or a larger piece of land, these practices offer a chance for anyone to make a meaningful difference.

At Sacred Hollow Farm , Caleb and Sydney are doing just that. They have embraced regenerative methods to restore balance to the land—and in the process, they’ve created something truly special: a little heaven on Earth.

Their journey began with the purchase of a charming old farmhouse. It was a dream in the making. While restoring the house, they began cultivating the land—planting seeds not just in the soil, but in their vision for a better, more connected way of living.

Through their dedication to practices like water conservation, fostering healthy soil structure, and creating biodiversity in the garden, Caleb and Sydney are proving that sustainable living can be both beautiful and deeply healing. Their work reflects a commitment not only to the Earth, but to the idea that nature itself is medicine.

Sacred Hollow Farm is more than a destination—it’s an experience.

Visitors are welcomed into a world where they can slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with the present moment. The farm offers the simple joy of cutting fresh wildflower bouquets, a playful way to tend to the inner child and reconnect with natural beauty.

Caleb and Sydney have created a dream they can share with others. Every person who visits leaves feeling a little more grounded, inspired, and connected to the magic that still exists in the world.

Sacred Hollow Farm—where flowers grow and hearts bloom.

"Wild Rising" Designing for the Future: A Conversation with Michael Cockram of Bowerbird Design

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 03:04:34 GMT

A Conversation with Michael Cockram of Bowerbird Design

Designing for the Future: A Conversation with Michael Cockram of Bowerbird Design

At a time when sustainable building practices are more critical than ever, Michael Cockram of Bowerbird Design is leading the charge with a thoughtful, experience-driven approach. With a career spanning more than thirty years, Michael’s work blends timeless architectural craftsmanship with cutting-edge energy efficiency. From his early days under the tutelage of AIA Gold Medalist Fay Jones to his time with solar architecture pioneer L.M. Holder III, his path has been shaped by a deep respect for design integrity and environmental stewardship.

Now based at Bowerbird Design, Michael focuses on creating homes that meet the rigorous standards of passive house certification and net-zero energy performance. His projects are not just efficient—they are beautiful, durable, and deeply connected to place.

We sat down with Michael to talk about his journey, his philosophy, and what it means to build for the future.

Interview with Michael Cockram

Q: Can you tell us a bit about how your journey in architecture began?

A: My first job out of school was working for Fay Jones, who was a mentor to me and a huge influence. His work was meticulous and deeply rooted in craft. That experience instilled in me the importance of attention to detail and creating buildings that feel timeless and connected to their environment.

Q: What drew you to focus on energy-efficient design and passive house standards?

A: I’ve always been interested in how buildings can work with the environment instead of against it. When I worked with L.M. Holder III in Austin, I saw firsthand how solar design could be both functional and elegant. Passive house design takes that a step further by creating buildings that are incredibly efficient, comfortable, and resilient. It’s a smart way to build.

Q: What makes Bowerbird Design unique in how it approaches sustainable architecture?

A: We focus not just on performance but also on aesthetics and livability. A net-zero or passive house building doesn’t have to look like a spaceship—it can be warm, inviting, and grounded in its context. We also tailor each project to the client and site. No two buildings are the same.

Q: How do you see the future of sustainable architecture evolving?

A: I think we’re going to see a shift toward even more integrated approaches—where architecture, landscape, and mechanical systems all work together seamlessly. Clients are more aware of climate issues and are asking the right questions. That gives me hope. It’s an exciting time to be doing this kind of work.

Final Thoughts

Michael Cockram’s work with Bowerbird Design reflects a rare blend of artistry and environmental intelligence. As building standards rise and awareness grows, professionals like Michael are proving that high-performance architecture can also be deeply personal and beautifully crafted.

Whether it’s a passive house nestled in the Pacific Northwest or a net-zero project in the heart of a city, Bowerbird Design is building with intention—and with the future in mind.

"Wild Rising" with Christy Melhart Slay

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 18:02:43 GMT

An interview with Christy Melhart Slay

If you can name a moment in your childhood totally connected to nature and made you feel alive what moment would that be?

As a kid, our annual family vacation meant camping with our large extended family—my dad was the oldest of ten! We’d load up our camper and gather with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins at the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, TX. Floating down the river in a giant homemade raft my dad built, I remember the icy water splashing our faces, the laughter of my family echoing down the river, and the cicadas singing from the trees. Nights were filled with catching fireflies in jars, roasting s’mores around the campfire, and a sense of adventure, beauty, safety, and togetherness. Though I didn’t realize it at the time, these moments shaped me early on. I’m drawn to water—rivers, streams, the ocean—because it’s where I feel most centered, present, relaxed, and connected to the world around me.

(PS I looked it up and the campground is still there with the same name! https://www.riverroadcamp.com/ and it looks the same!)

2. How has your role in the field of environmentalism this sustainability changed over the years? Where do you see yourself in this area moving through the current times and into the future?

Over my 27-year career, my role and perspective have evolved significantly. My journey began after graduating from Hendrix College when I became a teacher naturalist at the Ozark Natural Science Center in Madison County. Despite my biology degree, I was terrified—I couldn’t identify a single plant, tree, bird, or insect to teach the arriving students. Fortunately, incredible mentors shared their knowledge, and I absorbed it like a sponge. I remember the feeling of having the doors to the “real world” cracked open further and further the more I learned how to see what was actually there all along- the fungi, flowers, trees, rocks, birds, insects, mammals- everything had a name and a purpose. As I learned more deeply, I felt small and humbled at being in the world for so long without actually knowing its main citizens.

Eager to explore new places, I became a naturalist and educator with Audubon Connecticut. I sought to immerse myself in a different ecosystem, knowing that teaching others would be the best motivation for learning. There, another remarkable mentor introduced me to birds. I worked alongside researchers studying migrating raptors and coastal heron and egret rookeries, marveling at the intricate, ongoing phenomena I had once overlooked. Once again, I felt small and humbled that these phenomenon happened all around me and I, like most people, was oblivious.

When my father was diagnosed with incurable cancer, I moved back to Arkansas and enrolled in graduate school. Leaving Connecticut was devastating on many levels, so I arranged to conduct my research at an Audubon Connecticut nature center. I knew I wanted to study birds but had no idea where to start. Luckily, a professor took a chance on me. Every summer, I migrated north to research four declining songbird species in the Northeast, focusing on their habitat needs to aid conservation efforts. It was wonderful, frustrating, tiring, and rewarding.

Early on, I realized I wanted a broader impact. While I loved education, field research, and being outdoors, I saw that decisions driving habitat and species loss were made in corporate boardrooms, on farms, and within complex supply chains. I heard about a new initiative at the Walton College of Business and explored opportunities there. Sixteen years later, I now lead The Sustainability Consortium. In the beginning, I had to quickly adapt to the business world and learn how to translate my scientific knowledge into corporate sustainability strategies. Over time, I’ve witnessed companies shift from treating sustainability as a marketing tool to embracing it as a business imperative. Retailers play a crucial role in driving innovation, and government regulation is catching up—an exciting development. There’s still much work to do, but I know my next step will involve the same approach that has guided me all along: embracing challenges, learning, using my skills to make a difference and knowing that if I’m not a little scared then I’m not pushing myself to offer what I have to the world.

3. What people places are experiences have shaped your rule view around environmentalism and sustainability in your life? Who are your mentors in this field?

My grandparents, Meme and Pawpaw, lived on the edge of Waggoner Ranch in Electra, Texas—one of the largest contiguous ranches in the U.S. They were the first to show me a bird field guide and how to use binoculars. With them, I watched quail in their backyard, searched for crayfish in the pond, and watched wild horses graze. Every night, we took in the panoramic sunsets without a tree in sight. Lying in bed at their house, I heard my first coyotes singing. Meme and Pawpaw were my first nature mentors.

My second mentors were my high school biology teachers, Bob Ross and Ellen Turner, who nurtured my love for biology. Mr. Ross invited our class to his home to listen for Barred Owls at dusk, while Ms. Turner took us caving in Whippoorwill Cave—a trip I loved so much that I later married a cave biologist! Ellen remained in my life, first offering me a job at the Ozark Natural Science Center, then later becoming my colleague when she joined the same Audubon Connecticut center where I conducted research. Our careers intertwined for over a decade in the most unexpected and wonderful way.

Along my career, I have had the good fortune to work with amazing naturalists who mentored me in different ways. Each of them shaped who I am, instilling in me taught me so much about how to be a teacher, nature identification, staying the course in difficult times, and finding the humor in every situation

4. tell us a little bit about how you connect with nature? Birdwatching, Hiking camping, etc. and what would you recommend to someone wanting to get into these hobbies? How do they get started? How do they get connected to nature?

My connection with nature has evolved over time. In my 20s, I loved hiking and camping, fully immersing myself in the outdoors. In my 30s and early 40s, caving became my passion—exploring biodiversity underground with my husband and even discovering new species. There’s nothing like crawling through a cave and finding an organism unknown to science. It’s a rush, humbling, and an incredible honor I never take for granted.

By my mid-40s, birdwatching became my next focus. My husband and I now plan trips to spot species we haven’t seen, chasing rare bird alerts at a moment’s notice. I’ve become slower and more patient, which has its rewards. Over time, I’ve learned the songs of birds, frogs, cicadas, crickets, and katydids—what once was background noise is now a familiar chorus. I recognize who’s present, who’s missing, and who’s early or late, listening as one would to beloved friends and family gathered deep in conversation.

5. you were such a driven and inspiring woman who is very connected to her natural surroundings . How has nature helped you develop your sense of self?

Without nature, I wouldn’t be the same person—I’d likely be miserable without knowing why. Nature pulled me out of my own head, showing me that my thoughts and experiences were just a tiny part of something vast and intricate. Realizing I am a small piece of an endlessly complex world was liberating. I could spend a lifetime studying nature and still barely scratch the surface, yet that knowledge freed me.

It became simple: if I value nature, I should align my skills and time with that passion. Whether helping a fifth-grade student or a corporate sustainability leader, my role is to show how science and nature connect us all through invisible threads. The bee that pollinates an apple in California that ends up as my snack, the wind that carries pollen to the oats in North Dakota that become my oatmeal breakfast, the nutrients from West African soils that travel through a cocoa tree into my chocolate bar—my existence is intertwined with nature’s global elements, not just physically but also spiritually.

"Wild Rising" with Caite Mae Ramos

kyleclooney@gmail.com (Kyle Looney) — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 11:02:19 GMT

Caite Mae Ramos (b.1991, Springdale, Arkansas) is an Oglala Lakota multidisciplinary artist who is interested in observations of the natural world and human interactions with it. For almost three years their work and research has centered around a remnant prairie and savannah in South Fayetteville, Arkansas called The Oak Knoll. Caite began researching on the site looking to deepen their knowledge of Andropogon gerardi ‘Big Bluestem’ a tall grass that is native to the area but also native to parts of the ancestral homelands of The Oceti Sakowin and where their dad grew up in South Dakota. ‘When I walk into a tallgrass prairie, Big Bluestem is always the first to greet me-face to face. It’s oriented perpendicular to the land just like us in our human form. Seeing its presence in Northwest Arkansas really validated my presence here, connected me with who I am, and taught me about place and resiliency through the lens of a wildly overlooked grass.” Working with The Oak Knoll for specific artworks led to Caite sharing the space as an extended classroom to their foundations class at The University of Arkansas. They linked each of their students to a plant species to research and create work from as a way to share the local history of what this land used to look like and form relationships with what is now. Caite believes sharing these stories and plants is a way to protect and care for the land. Being in conversation with botanists in the area has been integral to learning these spaces and the relationships formed are inseparable from the work Caite has made: Jennifer Ogle introduced Caite to The Oak Knoll and the scientific methods of research through The University of Arkansas Herbarium. Sarah Nunn traveled with Caite to other remnant prairies and taught them how to responsibly gather and press specimens. Samantha Heller shared her expansive knowledge of native plants and ability to ID them. “Learning plants with these women has been a formative part of life and practice- they’re so generous with their time and knowledge and always with their own flavor of humor and wit. Their individual love for the prairie and ongoing work continuously pushes me to be a better human and artist.” Caite’s work directly inspired from The Oak Knoll remnant prairie savannah: “Remnant’s Observed’, ‘Remnant’s Rest’, and ‘Passing Through’ can be viewed at caitemaeramos.com .

The "Human Nature" Series by Meredith Mashburn

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:36:52 GMT

Welcome to a deep dive into one of my most heartfelt projects to date: the "Human Nature" series. This collection is more than just a photography project; it's a spiritual journey and an environmental manifesto, born from a profound awakening that inspired me to reevaluate how we coexist with our planet.

1. The Genesis of Human Nature

The origins of "Human Nature" can be traced back to a personal revelation that occurred in a place of cherished childhood memories—a place we affectionately called the "fern factory" along a red dirt road. It was here, among the moss and ferns, where the seeds of this project were planted. As I revisited these haunts of my youth, I collected fragments of my past, piecing them together to create what I call "living sculptures." These sculptures became the cornerstone of the series, each one representing a step back toward my roots and a step forward in my understanding of our bond with nature.

2. Reflection and Revelation

Each piece in the "Human Nature" series invites viewers to ponder profound questions: Why are we here? What truly matters to us? How should we live our lives in harmony with the natural world? This project has been a way for me to turn the camera inward, documenting my journey of rediscovery and growth. It challenges not only my perceptions but also those of my audience, encouraging a collective introspection about our roles as stewards of the Earth.

3. Living in Harmony

"Human Nature" is a call to action—a plea for each of us to embrace a lifestyle that balances our needs with those of the planet. Through this series, I explore themes of sustainability such as food as medicine, the use of solar energy, and the reduction of toxins in our daily lives. Each photograph and sculpture is a narrative piece, reflecting the interconnectedness of mind, body, spirit, and earth.

4. Community Engagement and Dialogue

A key component of "Human Nature" has been the Salon Series, where I partner with local businesses to host talks and discussions that complement the themes of the project. These events, alongside a corresponding Photo Essay series published on social media, aim to foster a community dialogue about sustainable living and environmental consciousness.

5. A Vision for the Future

The journey of "Human Nature" culminates in exhibitions and events in Monroe, Louisiana, and Northwest Arkansas, supported by a grant that helps bring this vision to life. My hope is that this series not only showcases the beauty and necessity of a more sustainable lifestyle but also inspires others to consider how they can make changes in their own lives to better align with the natural world.

6. We Are Nature

Through "Human Nature," I seek to dissolve the artificial separations that distance us from our environment. We are not apart from nature; we are a part of nature. My aim is to rekindle that innate connection and remind us all of the vital role we play in the health and vitality of our planet.

This series is a journey back to the basics, to the pure and simple truths that we often forget in our busy lives. It's about finding beauty in the basics and wisdom in the wilderness. I invite you to join me in this exploration, to share in the discovery and perhaps find a path to your own awakening.

I'd love to hear your thoughts and reflections on this series. Feel free to share your views, questions, or inspirations in the comments below. Together, we can raise our vibrations and create a more harmonious world. Stay tuned to see this full series unfold again on this blog.

Meredith Mashburn Photography: Introductory Blog

Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:34:09 GMT

Hello and welcome to my blog! I’m Meredith Mashburn, and I’ve spent the last 25 years pursuing my passion as a professional photographer. This blog is my space to share the journey, the stories behind my projects, and the transformative power of photography. Whether you're an artist, a photography enthusiast, or someone interested in the intersection of art and activism, I invite you to explore the impact of visual storytelling with me.

Photography is more than capturing moments; it's about capturing life itself and truly being in the moment. My camera has allowed me to document the diversity and beauty of the world—from Arkansas's powerful landscapes to New York's electric streets. Each photograph tells a story, embodying the moment, emotions, and environment that define it, and raising the vibration of humanity one frame at a time.

Educationally, I’ve had the privilege of teaching alongside renowned talents like Annie Leibovitz, deepening my understanding of photography and reinforcing my commitment to sharing this knowledge. These experiences have refined my skills and shaped my unique approach, where each session is an opportunity to learn and teach.

I strongly believe in the role of art in activism, a term that has sadly become viewed negatively by some. Through my work, I strive to reclaim and redefine what it means to be an 'activist'—it's about advocating for positive change and awareness, especially regarding environmental sustainability. My ongoing project "Human Nature" embodies this mission, merging personal and global narratives to inspire a more conscious and harmonious way of living.

Over the years, I've captured emerging artists at the Crystal Bridges Museum and magical scenes at The Momentary. These experiences have not only enriched my artistic expression but also broadened my perspective on how art can influence society.

Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm excited to share more about my projects, insights on art and activism, and the beauty of capturing the world through a lens. Stay tuned for stories, reflections, and perhaps some tips on how you too can engage with the world in a more meaningful and artistic way.

Thanks for being here. I am happy to have you. Let’s create change together.