What is Ozark Fibershed?

Ozark Fibershed is an affiliate of Fibershed, a non-profit organization that develops regional fiber systems that build ecosystem and community health. The Fibershed community envisions the emergence of an international system of regional textile communities that enliven connection and ownership of ‘soil-to-soil’ textile processes. These diverse textile cultures are designed to build soil carbon stocks on the working landscapes on which they depend, while directly enhancing the strength of regional economies. Both fiber and food systems now face a drastically changing climate, and must utilize the best of time-honored knowledge and available science for their long-term ability to thrive.

What is Ozark Fibershed doing now?

We’re getting back to the blood and bone, number-in-your-phone connections between members of our regional fiber community.

The inaugural project of the Ozark Fibershed is to build a directory that serves to connect community members along the fiber supply chain, from wool producers to knitters, and all things in between. We believe that the conversation around environmental sustainability must include not only the food we eat and the fuel we use but the fibers that we grow. Our eventual hope it to see the production of a textile situated in place, as native to these hills as white tailed deer or chinquapin oak.

This directory is a material iteration of what has long existed in the minds of Ozark fiber folk— namely, a network of skill and supply that forms the backbone of our local fiber economy.

What is the future of Ozark Fibershed?

We imagine a future where Ozark fiber finds a function and a loving home right here in the Ozarks. In order for that to become a scalable reality, we will need greater fiber processing resources, craft skills education, a clear line of communication between each member of the supply chain, and consumer education, among other things. With the support and guidance of our stakeholders, we plan to tackle these hurdles with great care and intention, one step at a time.

How can I get involved with Ozark Fibershed?

Sign up for the directory! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook! Check out our fiber events calendar! As we lay the foundation of our programming, we want to stay connected with our regional fiber folks to inform our work.