Stories from the Heart of the Land

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We're all dependent on the land, although some people feel that connection more keenly than others. In this hour, we hear from people planting stones for posterity and gathering peace from emptiness, people who commit to a patch of land, invest their energy and hope for a harvest — but not necessarily in any way you'd expect.

Wild Crafting

Vermont
For more than 25 years, Nova Kim and Les Hook have made a living by foraging the woods of Northern Vermont. Produced by Emily Botein.

Graun em i Laif

Papua New Guinea
After a rootless childhood and a hopscotch youth, Skye Rohde settles down in Papua New Guinea and discovers what it’s like to belong to the land. Produced by Skye Rohde.

Stone by Stone

Lake District, United Kingdom
For 20 years, rain or shine, Andrew Loudon has been building stone walls in the Lake District. Produced by Kim Normanton.

Faith in Fishermen

Stonington, Maine
These things are clear about Maine fishermen: They keep secrets. And they distrust scientists. Unless, of course, you’re Ted Ames, who is both fisherman and scientist. Produced by Neenah Ellis.

Desert Blooms

Arizona
Charles Bowden on the ecstasy of Selenicereus plerantus, which offers its bloom on just one night — the hottest and blackest of the year. Produced by Jeff Rice.

Elbow Room

Alaska, China and Mongolia
How much land does a person need? Elizabeth Arnold, who lives in Alaska, goes in search of even more wide-open space — and ends up with a case of claustrophobia in Outer Mongolia. Produced by Elizabeth Arnold.