Charlie Brennan is a regenerative designer, educator, and land steward with decades of experience in gardening, farming, conservation, Permaculture, and social ecology. He co-directs Garden Juju Collective, an international ecological landscaping and education firm, and co-designed and directs Gateway Farm Hub, a regenerative organic farm in southeastern Michigan. Charlie has worked with schools, universities, and a wide range of organizations to implement whole-systems design and regenerative practices. He holds a PhD focused on applied sustainability and specializes in education, project design, and sustainable implementation. His work blends practical skills with visionary systems thinking to support thriving communities and restored ecosystems.

TSN Conference 2026

January 23rd, 2026 (Friday) // 3:10 pm – 4:10 pm // Red Cedar Room // Rewilding Soil: Regenerative Landcare Practices for Ecosystem Health // As land stewards face growing challenges from soil degradation, habitat loss, and climate instability, regenerative practices offer a hopeful, grounded path forward. Garden Juju Collective shares a hands-on, place-based approach to landcare that centers soil as the living foundation of ecological resilience. When harmful interventions cease, living systems can self-heal—and humans, as part of ecology, can accelerate this process. Drawing on work in Australia, England, and Michigan, this session explores methods to rebuild soil structure and fertility, restore biodiversity, and foster resilient ecosystems—from small urban plots to large farms. Participants will learn regenerative techniques including soil rejuvenation, low-disturbance cultivation, and dynamic mulching. The session invites a deeper relationship between people, place, and soil. Geared toward landowners, educators, and practitioners, this presentation supports a shift beyond sustainability toward regeneration.