OUR STORY
A regenerative family farm built on care for the land, a commitment to learning, and the belief that the simplest things matter most.
MEET THE FOUNDERS
Erica and Sam met at DePauw University in 2009 and quickly discovered they shared a sense of adventure and a willingness to chase a life that felt meaningful, even when it didn’t look conventional.
After getting married, they built a tiny house on wheels and spent a year traveling more than 25,000 miles across North America with their dog, Auggie.
They lived the nomad life, built a house in Alaska, explored national parks, escaped forest fires, and learned how to live with less while experiencing more.
That spirit of adventure never really left.
Erica holds a master’s degree in exercise physiology from Indiana University and is a registered Yoga Medicine Therapeutic Specialist. She spent years teaching yoga around the world before settling into her most important role yet: full-time mom.
She grew up on a cattle farm in Kentucky and always dreamed of being a flower farmer, even though her education pointed her in a completely different direction. She’s the big-picture dreamer, the creative force, and the one who doesn’t blink when it comes time to order thousands of peony roots that won’t bloom for three years. Patience might not be her strength, but vision definitely is.
MEET ERICA
MEET Sam
Sam wears a lot of hats — roofer, ultra-marathon runner, tech guy, number cruncher, bill payer, and now farmer. He’s the steady presence that keeps Wildmere grounded and moving forward, making sure the dreams also make sense on paper.
He’s also the co-founder of the nonprofit Universal Cares, which supports individuals and businesses in need throughout the community. Giving back is a core part of their family’s values, which is why 5% of Wildmere’s profits are donated to Universal Cares.
The Hard Seasons That Shaped Us
Like most meaningful journeys, this one hasn’t been without its challenges.
Their two boys, Grayson and Callahan, were both born with rare genetic conditions that required open-heart surgeries in their first year of life. Their strength, resilience, and joy continue to shape the way Erica and Sam approach life, work, and community. Fingers crossed there are only one or two more surgeries ahead.
In 2024, the family experienced another major turning point when a house fire destroyed their entire home. In the aftermath, instead of rebuilding the same life, they chose to start fresh. That decision led them to a farm, a slower pace, and the beginning of Wildmere.
why we built wildmere…
Wildmere exists to connect people to the land and to each other.
Erica and Sam are building a farm that feels welcoming, educational, and deeply rooted in care — for the soil, the environment, their family, and their community. They use regenerative growing practices that prioritize soil health, respect natural ecosystems, and aim to leave the land better than they found it.
They raise bees and free-range chickens to support biodiversity and provide for the community. Their team is treated like family, and it’s not uncommon for employees to be lovingly “bombarded” by two curious boys who consider the farm their playground.
Most of all, Wildmere is a place of learning — and that learning never stops.
17 rows of blueberries
12 rows of blackberries
800 strawberry plants
6,500 peony plants across 22 varieties
32 free-range chickens
2 beehives
Transitioning to using as little plastic as possible
All food products treated only with organic ingredients
Living ground cover used instead of landscape fabric
Annual trick-or-treat trail every Halloween
Coming soon: 20 rose arches in raised beds
A Few Fun Facts from the Farm
OUR GROWING PRACTICES
At Wildmere, everything begins with how we treat the land. Our practices reflect a long-term mindset, respect for the environment, and a commitment to growing things as safely and intentionally as possible.
Soil first.
Healthy soil grows healthy plants. We build long-term fertility through compost, mulch, cover crops, minimal disturbance, and protecting soil biology for years to come.
Minimal plastic.
We are transitioning to using as little plastic as possible because living soil matters more than convenience.
No weird stuff.
We avoid harmful chemicals that could hurt our kids, our bees, or the land. All food products are treated only with organic ingredients. Low-impact treatments are used sparingly and thoughtfully.
Greenhouse boost.
Our heated greenhouses extend our growing season and give our community bright, warm spaces to learn and grow.
Bees, chickens, and biodiversity.
We raise bees and free-range chickens that contribute to pest control, pollination, and overall ecosystem health. Everyone has a job here — even if the chickens don’t always follow the plan.
Living ground cover.
Instead of using landscape fabric, we use living ground cover to protect soil health, reduce erosion, and keep the farm thriving.
Always learning.
We’re not perfect farmers. Every season teaches us something new, and we’re grateful for every success, failure, and “well, that didn’t go how we expected.”
EXPLORE WILDMERE
Wildmere is a regenerative farm, a gathering place, a learning space, a home, and a long-term vision all at once. We grow food, flowers, and community through the branches of our brand:
Join Us on the Journey
We’re building Wildmere one season at a time — with hope, hard work, and a whole lot of heart. We’d love for you to follow along, learn with us, and become part of our growing community.
