Web Features
The editor provides a refresher on our theme and suggests some new Zone Zero guidelines to help keep permaculturalists in the game for the long haul.
While expert at understanding ecological connections, permaculturalists often founder in relating with one another. Applying permaculture principles to group dynamics can help us work together more effectively.
Lost Valley Educational Center avoids collapse and reinvigorates itself by applying a new approach to governance combining the best of diverse models.
Drawing on its long association with permaculture, The Farm in Tennessee institutes on-the-ground projects designed to provide resilience in times of climate change.
Degraded slopes, crumbling logs, plenty of trench-digging, seven blueberry plants, and an unanticipated drought combine to teach some important lessons.
An organic farming volunteer learns surprising new lessons from his Argentinian hosts—such as how to relax, how to enjoy practical labor, and how to contribute more sustainably by putting personal work first.
An innovative approach to collective community gardens nurtures a culture of giving while allowing participants to feed both themselves and those in need.
On Hawaii’s Big Island, La’akea Community explores sustainability through myriad experiments—from keeping wild pet pigs in the garden to eating 100 percent locally to mowing with sheep.
After a painful period stranded in “permaculture heaven,” an Earthaven founder finds her community finally moving back towards balance with its eco-spiritual roots.
Also in This Issue (Print Version Only)
· LESSONS IN BUILDING RESILIENT NEIGHBORHOODS: Reflections on the PROUT Institute Community SEED Program
Ryan Dubas
Thanks to cooperation among neighbors, a quiet neighborhood in Eugene, Oregon becomes a hub of permaculture activity and education.
· ECOOLVILLAGES COMIC
Biochar offers a practical way of combating desertification and drought, increasing soil fertility, strengthening local communities, and cooling our planet.
· THE FUTURE OF WATER: Halting desertification, restoring ecosystems, and nourishing communities
Jeff Anderson
Working with permaculturalist Sepp Holzer, Tamera Peace Research Center in Portugal dramatically increases the water in its landscape, restoring soil fertility and demonstrating techniques with worldwide application.
· PERMACULTURE ON LOW TO NO BUDGET
By following basic principles, taking advantage of money-saving ideas, and involving the local community, we can start functional permaculture landscapes with little or no money.
· NATURE’S FRIENDS WAIT FOR HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP
Rev. Marjani Dele
After encountering protracted resistance from neighbors, efforts to establish permaculture in south central Virginia eventually prove the wisdom of patience and the “two-year rule.”
· CULTIVATING HOPE: Using Permaculture to Feed the Orphaned Children in Kenya
Victor Omondi
A Youth Ecovillage Network nourishes and teaches the disadvantaged through permaculture.
· FARMING WITH HORSES...NOT TRACTORS
Bernd Riechelmann
A La’akea member reminisces about growing up on a farm in northern Germany.
· PERMACULTURE AS A TOOL FOR ECOLOGICAL COMMUNITY DESIGN
Ethan Hirsch-Tauber
A veteran of educational programs at Auroville in India and Sirius Community in Massachusetts applies permaculture principles to the creation of dynamic, regenerative communities.
· UMASS AMHERST PERMACULTURE: Leading by Example
Ryan Harb
By enlisting a supportive community, a student follows his heart to create a pioneering demonstration of permaculture in action.
Voices
· LETTERS: Musings on Diversity
· PUBLISHER'S NOTE: CHANGEACULTURE
· COMMUNITY LIVING WORLDWIDE: TASMAN VILLAGE, AUSTRALIA
Bill Metcalf
· CULTIVATING THE NEIGHBORHOOD: CREATING FAMILY WHERE WE ARE NOW
Zane Hamm
· CREATING COOPERATIVE CULTURE: REUNION UNDER THE REDWOODS
· REVIEWS: THE GROWING EDGE, ADDITIONAL PERMACULTURE RESOURCES, AND HERBAL MEDICINE FROM THE HEART OF THE EARTH
