By Wolf Ridge Naturalist
Tori Dahl is currently the Farm Field Manager at Wolf Ridge, a seven-month job she started in April, 2018.
Her background includes a B.A. in Biology and English from California Lutheran University and from Antioch University of New England, a MA in Environmental Studies with a concentration in Environmental Education, plus a Certificate in Food Justice and Resilient Communities. Prior farm experiences include working for EarthDance Organic Farm School in Missouri and at Farmer John’s Plot in Dublin, NH. When Tori’s farm job finishes up later this fall, she plans on moving back to Ramsey, MN, and then spending a few months farming in New Zealand with her younger brother. She has been an amazing addition to our staff this year, and we will miss her greatly. Best of luck in your future endeavors Tori!
Tell our readers about something that you have learned as the result of your time or association with Wolf Ridge ELC.
I learned a lot about how to manage both a farm and employees. I had the privilege of managing most of the day-to-day farm operations as well as spending time teaching two full-time and one part-time interns about farming and educating. I will take forward with me the value of building camaraderie among staff members by getting to know each other and taking time to show you care.
Do you have a favorite Wolf Ridge ELC memory?
During our summer farm camp, Farm, Feast, & Fire Camp, I really enjoyed cooking with the campers and introducing them to foods they hadn’t eaten before. It was especially fun to see them eating far more vegetables than they normally eat.
What do you like to do when you’re not on the farm?
My hobbies include reading, playing guitar, piano, and singing, writing songs and poetry, agate hunting, crafting, playing games, and spending time with my family.
Do you have a secret talent?
I was conversationally fluent in German in high school.
Is there a book and/or movie would you recommend others read?
I would recommend people read the book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver or “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood.
What’s a travel tip you recommend as people explore the world?
When traveling to new places, I really enjoy spending time in grocery stores to see how food habits change. I also recommend spending some unstructured time wandering around and trying to talk to some locals.
What is your favorite place at Wolf Ridge and why?
I love the spot at the top of the driveway where you can see Wolf Lake down in the valley nestled between Marshall and Mystical and framed by trees.
If you could visit with any conservationist/naturalist/environmentalist, living or dead, who would it be and what would you say?
I would love to talk to Wendell Berry and ask him for advice on how to start my own farm in such a way as to build a sustainable farm and food ethic in my community.
If you were a different being, what would you be?
I would be mycorrhizal fungi because they live in a supportive, mutual relationship with their plant and enrich their environment which is what I strive to do in my own life.