Launching Soon: Botanical Culture

Launching in 2026, Botanical Culture is an ethnobotanical compendium connecting you with the best in the botanical world 

Hi, I’m Jean Willoughby

I’m a writer and strategist trained in the sciences. I studied sociology with a focus on health at Wesleyan University, biology and chemistry at the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, and ethnobotany with renowned author and lecturer David Winston.

At work, I’m a Senior Planner focused on land conservation. I’m part of a team of planners and ecologists working to conserve land in perpetuity while supporting local food systems. We create and implement policies to contribute to the global goal of conserving 30% of the Earth by 2030. Previously, I served as the Executive Director at a national land trust. 

At play, I’m an avid weightlifter, plant parent, and roller skater. Shoutouts to the lady lifters, green thumbs, and rink rats all over. 

Writing & Projects 

The Commons: A Story of Reworking an Old Idea for Next-Generation Farmers

One of humanity’s oldest ideas about land is helping new farmers who can’t afford to…

America’s Great Farmland Handoff, in Charts

Who Will Farm the Land? America’s Great Farmland Handoff, in Charts

VICTORY: We Sued the Trump Administration and Won

In March, Agrarian Trust joined a dozen other nonprofits and six cities to file a…

Climate voters are the future of the Democratic Party. Don’t shortchange them.

In March, Agrarian Trust joined a dozen other nonprofits and six cities to file a…

Featured in YES! Magazine: For a Cooler Climate, Focus on Food and Agriculture

Originally published by YES! Magazine The global food system is responsible for more emissions than…

ICYMI: Under Contract Featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

For the first time in a feature-length documentary, contract farmers speak out and experts reveal…

The Commons: A Story of Reworking an Old Idea for Next-Generation Farmers

One of humanity’s oldest ideas about land is helping new farmers who can’t afford to…

America’s Great Farmland Handoff, in Charts

Who Will Farm the Land? America’s Great Farmland Handoff, in Charts

VICTORY: We Sued the Trump Administration and Won

In March, Agrarian Trust joined a dozen other nonprofits and six cities to file a…

Climate voters are the future of the Democratic Party. Don’t shortchange them.

In March, Agrarian Trust joined a dozen other nonprofits and six cities to file a…

Featured in YES! Magazine: For a Cooler Climate, Focus on Food and Agriculture

Originally published by YES! Magazine The global food system is responsible for more emissions than…

ICYMI: Under Contract Featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

For the first time in a feature-length documentary, contract farmers speak out and experts reveal…

I’ve written two books, one on traditional herbal medicine with watercolor illustrations by artist Katie Shelly, and another on sustainable agriculture featuring interviews with farmers and the stories of eight farms. A third book is in the works. 

I attended the Center for Documentary Studies Video Institute at Duke University and have played many roles in film and video from writer to line producer to editor. Best 15 minutes of fame moment so far: A film that I co-wrote, Under Contract, was highlighted on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver🤓

I’ve written for BookDNA, Resilience, Pressenza, YES! Magazine, MAKE: Magazine, and other publications.