2. Sectors
• “The shaping of productive environments for people that work within
nature’s limits will be the central project of the next era of human
history.” – Peter Bane
• Sun - In effort to provide the best location for our bees to thrive, we
placed our beehives with the entrance facing in the direction of the
morning and afternoon sun.
• Wind – To protect the bees from the wind, we placed them behind a
large thicket of bushes. This natural windbreak protects the hives
from draft during all seasons.
• Wildlife - We notice the largest population of wildlife on the
northeast area of the homestead. Therefore, we keep our livestock
and gardens on the opposite side of the farm.
3. Permaculture Principles
• Two permaculture principles that I look forward to applying to my homestead site are
observing/interacting and integrating.
• Observe & Interact:
• Observing wind changes, animal tracks, wildlife, nature, and the
path of the sun has revealed important patterns that I can use to
design my homestead.
• Interacting with local farmers and neighbors, as well as researching
local records has revealed valuable information including the history
of the land, prior use of the land, environmental history, and zoning
issues.
• Integrate:
• Utilizing this principle, I will design my homestead with attention to
harmony, efficiency, and functional benefit. I will apply this principle
to the placement of trees, buildings, and livestock.
4. Water Analysis: Background
• Red Hook, NY receives an average of 48.6 inches in rainfall annually,
which is a bit more than the U.S average of 39.2 inches.
• Winter precipitation includes 51 inches of snowfall. The month with
the lowest average precipitation is February, with 2.48”. The month
with the highest precipitation is May, with an average of 4.38”.
http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USNY1204
• Our local watershed is the Saw Kill Watershed. (redhook.org)
• A recent soil analysis conducted in April, 2016, via Dutchess County
Cornell Cooperative revealed that our soil is loamy and well drained.
5. Water Analysis: Entrance &
Exits
• Water enters our site through precipitation and occasional flooding of
a neighboring pond. The site does not have a public water supply, as
it is part of a rural community. We receive the majority of our
household water supply from our well.
• Water exits our site as it infiltrates into the soil. Runoff from our site
flows west toward a neighboring wetland. We also have a drain that
runs under our driveway and toward the garden.
• The house does not yet have any gutters, as it is still under
construction. Please keep that in mind when looking at the base map.
6. Water Analysis: High & Low
Points
• The homestead is located in a meadow of
rolling hills; therefore, we have several low
areas that provide an opportunity to develop
small ponds for surface water storage.
• The highest points of our site are located at
the house, paddock, and a large patch of
trees that are in close proximity to the
driveway.
• Our property is a flag lot; therefore, it has
minimal exposure to pollution from the road.
9. Resources / Work Cited:
• “The Permaculture Handbook” by Peter Bane (Chapters 5,6 & 10)
• http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USNY1204
• redhook.org
10. Resources / Work Cited:
• “The Permaculture Handbook” by Peter Bane (Chapters 5,6 & 10)
• http://www.intellicast.com/Local/History.aspx?location=USNY1204
• redhook.org
