Sisters Alex and Tasha Sawatzky’s knowledge of and growing appreciation for the land they lived on was tangible and real, so how could they tell the stories of the species they were coming to know and love, while also countering the dread of our modern world? They decided to start Minnow, a magazine about ecology, conservation and all sorts of species we share a home with.

This magazine project has become a bit of a community space for the sisters and others to write of their own knowledge and care for the land, inviting in readers to deepen their own sense of connection and community with the other-than-human world. There are articles cover the gamut of interesting and sometimes threatened species in the Great Lakes region, including Redside Dace, Piping Plover, Hart’s Tongue Fern, and the lovely Chimney Swift.

With two issues launched, and a third underway, Minnow has become a bit of a deal amidst friends of mine who are intimately involved with the land. I had to do an interview to learn more. And big thanks to Nava for bridging the gap.

To learn more :
Minnow Magazine instagram page
Minnow Magazine website with ordering info
Minnow Magazine mailing list