Today we’d like to introduce you to Jean Larson.
Hi Jean, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Prairie Star Care Farm is truly a labor of love rooted in over a century of family history. We are situated on our family homestead, Larson Hemsgård, in rural Minnesota—a property our family has stewarded since 1878 and that is officially recognized by the State of Minnesota as a Century Farm.
What began as a dream to give back has evolved into a reality where we offer restorative destination programming. Our mission is to share the ‘blessings of the land’ by providing a place where visitors can be enriched through evidence-informed, nature-based recreation, innovative education, and community engagement. It’s taken a great deal of hard work and dedication to get here, but seeing the land become a place of healing and connection for others makes the entire journey worth it
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To make this nonprofit a reality is really the culmination of 44 years of lived experience—from my career and travels to the personal lessons I’ve gathered along the way. The turning point came in 2023; while my father was in hospice, he gave me the final encouragement I needed to stop waiting and officially start the process towards becoming Prairie Star Care Farm.
I was fortunate to connect with a pro-bono legal program that guided me through the complexities of the 501(c)(3) filing, which felt like divine intervention given how daunting the paperwork can be. Once we secured our EIN and official status, we hit the ground running and immediately began planning our first event.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’ve spent over 30 years at the intersection of healthcare and nature-based science. My professional journey with the University of Minnesota began in 1992, where I developed Nature-Based Therapeutic Services (NBT)—a unique partnership between the Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. In this role, I bridge the gap between integrative medicine and environmental science through research, clinical programming, and outreach.
Academically, I hold a Ph.D. in Education with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation and a minor in Integrative Medicine. I’m also a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist and a Registered Horticultural Therapist. My clinical expertise is further backed by a certificate in Disability Services and Administration, specifically focused on serving neurodivergent and developmental disabilities.
Beyond my administrative and research roles, I’m deeply committed to education. I teach eight graduate courses ranging from Therapeutic Horticulture to Equine-Facilitated Interventions. My work has allowed me to consult and share research internationally in places like Japan, Norway, Sweden, and Israel, but my true north is my family’s farm, Larson Hemsgård, and our nonprofit, Prairie Star Care Farm, where I live out the very principles of nature-based healing that I teach.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Minnesota is that our progressive values are deeply rooted in the land itself. We live in a state that leads the way in protecting diversity and human rights, but we also hold a sacred, shared belief that access to healthy, beautiful nature is a fundamental right for every person.
As a steward of a farm that has been in my family since 1878, I see this connection every day. Minnesota is becoming a national leader in regenerative agriculture—a movement that prioritizes soil health and ecosystem restoration as a way of belonging to the land rather than just using it. This leadership is enriched by our willingness to learn from diverse cultural experiences, from the sustainable traditions of the Dakota and Ojibwe to the vital contributions of Hmong American farmers. By blending innovative science with ancestral wisdom, we ensure that the blessings of the land remain vibrant, inclusive, and accessible for future generations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.prairiestarcarefarm.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prairie_star_care_farm/
- LinkedIn: https://linktr.ee/prairie_star_care_farm
