Who is Leisha?
I am the heart and hands behind Living Ground, a teacher, gardener, writer, and lifelong student of the soil and its unseen wisdom. My work weaves together a love for the land, a respect for microbes, and a deep belief in the power of self-reliance and connection to nature.
I am a published author of five books that explore the vital relationships between soil, plants, and people: Wild Plants, Live Blood Analysis for the Layperson, The Soil Microbiome, The Human Microbiome, and The Immune Garden. Each book reflects my passion for making complex ecological and biological ideas accessible, inspiring, and practical.
My journey has taken me through gardens, forests, kitchens, laboratories, and communities, always seeking to understand how we can live more harmoniously with the earth and with ourselves. At Living Ground, I share what I have learned and continue to learn in hopes of planting seeds of resilience, awareness, and gratitude in others.
Living Ground is a pioneering project in the lush landscapes of southern Ecuador, where we are building a self-reliance education center dedicated to sustainable living and holistic well-being.
At Living Ground, our land is a living expression of the transformative courses we teach. The project site is a vibrant ecosystem where theory becomes practice and ancient wisdom blends with modern innovation. Here you can experience the art of soil microbe farming firsthand as we craft microbe-rich compost to nourish our abundant market gardens and flourishing food forests. These living laboratories stand as proof of the power of regenerative practices and the profound impact they have on both our environment and our sustenance.
Ground nurtures and fortifies a deep communion with the web of life, weaving holistic insights and practical tools to inspire and nourish an integrated appreciation for the delicate beauty of our shared ecology. Through our comprehensive courses on soils, gardens, the human microbiome, foods and herbs as medicine, and the terrain theory of life, we empower individuals to embrace self-reliance and harmonious living.
Our Project Site in Southern Ecuador serves as a living manifestation of these principles, allowing students and tourists to visit and stay for hands-on experiential learning. We are also committed to working with local Ecuadorians, raising them as leaders in this Project and in their country.
Our motto: Choosing life, in, on, and for all living things.
Our Mission
Our mission is to empower individuals to forge a deeper connection with nature, cultivate self-reliance, and embrace a harmonious coexistence with the intricate web of life that surrounds us. At Living Ground, we are guided by a deep reverence for nature and a commitment to sustainable living.
Our Values
At Living Ground, we are guided by a deep reverence for nature and a commitment to sustainable living. Our values are rooted in fostering harmony between humanity and the environment, empowering individuals to cultivate self-reliance, and embracing a holistic approach to personal and planetary well-being.
