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 

It’s e-Farmony: Suzanna Denison Pairs Landless Farmers with Landowners

My interview with Suzanna Denison on how farm linking works for Food Tank
Photo credit: "обробіток землі" by EU-Ukraine cooperation (CC BY SA 2.0)

The Commons: An Old Idea for a New Generation of Farmers

How one of humanity’s oldest ideas about land could help farmers who can’t afford to…

Under Contract Documentary Featured on Last Week Tonight with John Oliver

For the first time in a full-length documentary, contract farmers tell their stories and industry…

The Future of Farming is Open Source

Farmers are innovators, which is a nice way of saying that they really like to…

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.