Before joining theMOTHER EARTH NEWS staff, Heidi lived in northeast Washington in a log house on 80 acres of ponderosa pine and grassy meadows. The experiences of heating with wood, managing a quarter-mile gravel driveway, and keeping horses and cattle inside the fence line has helped Heidi in her interactions with readers.

Heidi lives in an historic neighborhood in Topeka, Kan. Her small yard is being transformed into an urban homestead, complete with gorgeous raised beds and numerous flower beds.