Nolan Monaghan
Agriculturalist | Plant Nerd | Global Citizen
Welcome to Headwaters Ecology! I am Nolan Monaghan, a perennial agroecologist, researcher, and writer based in St. Louis, on the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
It is my firm conviction that cultivating sustainable production systems around deep-rooted perennial plants can rejuvenate our lands and waters while furnishing rural communities with meaningful and prosperous livelihoods. Following this mission, my life’s work is to propagate these practices and benefits across as many acres as possible.
I cut my teeth in perennial agriculture as an intern at The Land Institute, contributing to soil ecology, plant breeding, and pollinator research. I refined my expertise at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry, studying how tree, grain, and forage crop polycultures interact to boost yields and enhance nutrient and carbon cycling. Through this work, I became highly skilled in designing and establishing perennial production systems, including alley crops, conservation buffers, windbreaks, and forest farms.
Complementing my agronomic and ecological background, I have a substantial track record in the agricultural social sciences and international development. I have led and consulted on projects analyzing the international tropical fruit trade, evaluating seed production training programs, and driving strategic planning. My portfolio includes work with the Food and Agriculture Organization, the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa, the German Center for Organic Farming, and Tsinghua University. Additionally, my past role as a Director for the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) equipped me with the leadership and strategic planning skills necessary to guide complex agrarian projects.
Today, I work primarily as a freelance writer and strategist. My writing has been featured in publications like Offrange and the Organic Broadcaster, and I publish regularly on my blog, also called Headwaters.
Please explore the sidebar to view my writing and services. Do not hesitate to reach out if you are interested in a collaboration or want to learn more about my work.
Thank you for visiting!