Who is WMGG
West Michigan Growers Group formed in 2012 when a few young, sustainable farmers from different corners of West Michigan were eager for a reason to gather. Though we farmers have grown and evolved, the structure of WMGG hasn’t changed much in the past ten years; we gather monthly to share openly: a potluck meal, resources and new farming practices, believing that the success of one sustainable farmer contributes to the success of us all. In 2018 we became an official 501c3 nonprofit to ensure that the group continues to support West MI farmers into the future.
Meet the West Michigan Growers Group board!
SAMANTHA OTTO
Samantha Otto is the Executive Director for the West Michigan Growers Group. She is the owner, operator and farmer of the Woven Trifecta:
Woven Wellness, nature based wellness services focused around the idea that food is medicine, The Woven Farmstead, a 1 acre urban farm supporting the work of Woven Wellness with fresh produce and educational space, as well as nourishing the surrounding communities, and The Woven Woman, a social platform supporting the ideals and promoting the work of the Trifecta.
MIKE EDWARDSON
Mike Edwardson is Treasurer for the West Michigan Growers Group. He is the Farm Manager, Farm-based Education Director, and Properties Manager for Plainsong Farm. Mike spends his time toggling between pulling carrots, planting trees, and learning with students about the joys and necessities of good food and the great outdoors. He has a Master’s degree from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and serves as the Youth Ministry director for Courtland-Oakfield UMC outside his time at Plainsong. Mike is an avid trail runner and loves spending time with his partner, Bethany, and two girls - Everest and Magnolia.
GARRETT ZIEGLER
Garrett Ziegler serves alongside the West Michigan Growers Group board in an advisory capacity. He is a Community Food Systems Educator who serves both Extension Districts 5 & 7 and covers the following counties: Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Lake, Mason. He has expertise in assisting local institutions (schools, hospitals, colleges/universities, long-term care facilities) source and serve more locally produced food.
LIZ ZISSER
Elizabeth Visser is the Secretary for the West Michigan Growers Group. She also manages the Blandford Nature Center Farm. The Blandford Farm runs vegetable, flower and herb CSA share programs, and aims to expand educational programming that empowers the community to become more connected to the source of their food.
LEAH SIENKOWSKI
Leah Sienkowski helps the West Michigan Growers Group with all things marketing. Head herdswoman of Dreamgoats, Leah grew up playing in the woods of Ada, and she is delighted to have found her way back--a playful herd of goats by her side. She is excited about storytelling, microbes, and making dairy cool again.
MIKAYLA ROWDEN
Mikayla Rowden serves on the West Michigan Growers Group board, and helps coordinate marketing and social media. Mikayla is the Farmer/Owner of Stillwind Farm. She has been farming in West Michigan for 5 seasons now, learning the intricacties of natural vegetable growing & the intersections of the agriculture industry, social justice/mutual aid, community, & generosity.
LUIS CHEN
Luis Chen is a valued member of the West Michigan Growers Group board and the driving force behind Wormies. Wormies is a composting business specializing in vermicomposting (composting with worms) serving the city of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Beginning in 2017 with the collective effort of family, friends and volunteers, wormeis offers a variety of products and services. At the core of their operation is the production of castings (worm poop!) for farm and garden use.