Applying the principles of permaculture in schoolyard projects reinforces values of resourcefulness, stewardship, and sustainability
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Permaculture in the Arava desert in Israel. Basic soil, water, and waste solutions, natural building, creative recycling, the green apprenticeship at kibbutz Lotan, ecovillage design, and alternative desert technology.
Permaculture dissertation 'A garden for the future'Leen Gorissen
We need to rethink the way in which we produce food. Permaculture designs edible systems in harmony with #nature instead of at the expense of nature. And the beauty of this approach is: everyone can do it!
Elements of Permaculture, class two: Design methodologies, reading the landscape, mapping flows of energetic materials, slope, zone, sector, design elements & design functions. Also indoor plumbing, crabs, etc.
Permaculture in the Arava desert in Israel. Basic soil, water, and waste solutions, natural building, creative recycling, the green apprenticeship at kibbutz Lotan, ecovillage design, and alternative desert technology.
Permaculture dissertation 'A garden for the future'Leen Gorissen
We need to rethink the way in which we produce food. Permaculture designs edible systems in harmony with #nature instead of at the expense of nature. And the beauty of this approach is: everyone can do it!
Elements of Permaculture, class two: Design methodologies, reading the landscape, mapping flows of energetic materials, slope, zone, sector, design elements & design functions. Also indoor plumbing, crabs, etc.
Introduction to Permaculture - FELC February 8th 2014Vince Kirchner
Basic of permaculture provided to a group of Master Gardeners, and environmentally aware citizens. Key concepts were presented with a discussion around each topic. This is a precursor to a full PDC class starting in April. www.greatlakespermaculture.com
A look inot the histroy of Permaculture adn its roots. Then a look into the state of the world very briefly. Following that an examination of each of the principles laid out by Bill Mollison in the book Introduction to Permaculture. Finally ending with a few pictures that provide looks into Permaculture Management techniques reflecting these design principles.
Introduction To Permaculture Weekend CourseKat Szuminska
An introduction to Permaculture Course first given at the Hawkesbury Earthcare Centre in April 2009
http://www.earthcare.org.au/intropermcourse by Penny & Karim http://caughtintheart.blogspot.com/
& Kat http://twitter.com/katska
The course is based on Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture" http://www.tagari.com/item.php?itemid=156
Let’s Start a School Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The Outdoor Permaculture Classroom: Edible Forest Gardens for Schools
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
"Deserts are the footprint of civilization", & this means that the most important work we have to do now as conscious human beings is to regenerate the soils that have been lost, & those that have been exploited & de-vitalized all over the planet, especially by agricultural activities.
Fertile soils are very important stores of carbon in the earth, & just with regenerating soils we could halt climate change stabilizing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
It is vital for sustainability that we regenerate & improve the fertility of soils also because they are the support of biodiversity, important stores of water & indeed the base of all land-dwelling life & any civilization. There are many techniques we can use, & many very inspiring examples of soils regeneration (& so of entire ecosystems) in the world. In this class we explore several of those.
At about the time humankind discovered agriculture, forests covered about 50% of the land area on planet Earth. Now they barely cover some 30%, & falling. This is now the single most urgent physical repairing of the environment we need to engage in, as forests are so vital for every aspect of life on Earth, safeguarding the vital cycles of air, water, earth, stabilizing the local & global climate, creating soil & habitats for a huge number of species, sustaining entire economies & our health.
Forests play a key vital role on many levels as they are so basic & even primal for humans. In this class we get intimately acquainted with Forests, their make-up, how they work & especially we learn how to design Forest Gardens: our future human habitat, if we are to survive & thrive as humans
Setting Up African Permaculture School Gardens
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The We Are All Farmers Permaculture Institute hosts a hands-on permaculture design certificate course of service to the Appalachian and Piedmont regions over five weekends Jan - May. This year's students produced designs pro bono for Friendship Gardens, a high school in Charlotte, NC. On June 21, 2014 We Are All Farmers Permaculture Design Certificate students will follow up their designs with installation of key elements in a 25+ person Permaculture Blast (free workshop) for the community.
Introduction to Permaculture - FELC February 8th 2014Vince Kirchner
Basic of permaculture provided to a group of Master Gardeners, and environmentally aware citizens. Key concepts were presented with a discussion around each topic. This is a precursor to a full PDC class starting in April. www.greatlakespermaculture.com
A look inot the histroy of Permaculture adn its roots. Then a look into the state of the world very briefly. Following that an examination of each of the principles laid out by Bill Mollison in the book Introduction to Permaculture. Finally ending with a few pictures that provide looks into Permaculture Management techniques reflecting these design principles.
Introduction To Permaculture Weekend CourseKat Szuminska
An introduction to Permaculture Course first given at the Hawkesbury Earthcare Centre in April 2009
http://www.earthcare.org.au/intropermcourse by Penny & Karim http://caughtintheart.blogspot.com/
& Kat http://twitter.com/katska
The course is based on Bill Mollison's "Introduction to Permaculture" http://www.tagari.com/item.php?itemid=156
Let’s Start a School Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The Outdoor Permaculture Classroom: Edible Forest Gardens for Schools
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
"Deserts are the footprint of civilization", & this means that the most important work we have to do now as conscious human beings is to regenerate the soils that have been lost, & those that have been exploited & de-vitalized all over the planet, especially by agricultural activities.
Fertile soils are very important stores of carbon in the earth, & just with regenerating soils we could halt climate change stabilizing the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere.
It is vital for sustainability that we regenerate & improve the fertility of soils also because they are the support of biodiversity, important stores of water & indeed the base of all land-dwelling life & any civilization. There are many techniques we can use, & many very inspiring examples of soils regeneration (& so of entire ecosystems) in the world. In this class we explore several of those.
At about the time humankind discovered agriculture, forests covered about 50% of the land area on planet Earth. Now they barely cover some 30%, & falling. This is now the single most urgent physical repairing of the environment we need to engage in, as forests are so vital for every aspect of life on Earth, safeguarding the vital cycles of air, water, earth, stabilizing the local & global climate, creating soil & habitats for a huge number of species, sustaining entire economies & our health.
Forests play a key vital role on many levels as they are so basic & even primal for humans. In this class we get intimately acquainted with Forests, their make-up, how they work & especially we learn how to design Forest Gardens: our future human habitat, if we are to survive & thrive as humans
Setting Up African Permaculture School Gardens
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The We Are All Farmers Permaculture Institute hosts a hands-on permaculture design certificate course of service to the Appalachian and Piedmont regions over five weekends Jan - May. This year's students produced designs pro bono for Friendship Gardens, a high school in Charlotte, NC. On June 21, 2014 We Are All Farmers Permaculture Design Certificate students will follow up their designs with installation of key elements in a 25+ person Permaculture Blast (free workshop) for the community.
Basic presentation that can be used for schools interested in school gardens aimed for Qld Australia extensive national grants links,feel free to use and improve
A Permaculture School Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
School Gardening Guide - Composting in the School Garden ~ Massachusetts
|=> Farmers, gardeners, homeowners and schools all over Massachusetts are recycling food and yard wastes at the source, reducing the waste flow, protecting the environment and utilizing this valuable soil amendment. Adding a composting program to your school garden is also a way to teach first hand about soil science, decomposition and environmental sustainability. This guide provides an introduction to the science, how-to and options for school composting
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double your School Garden Food Production with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases School Garden Food Production by 250 Percent
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Composting in the School Garden
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
The final piece of D. Michael Edelstein's 3 part presentation on Ramapo College's pioneer Alternative Energy Center. Dedicated to Bill Makofske, who guided the 25 year development of the site and to the thousands of students who worked and learned there. And to achieving what we all worked for.
Primary School Permaculture
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
Permaculture Workshop, How to Recipes, Site DesignEdward Marshall
This is the presentation for a free two-day permaculture workshop 8 of our students and two We Are All Farmers Permaculture Institute folks conducted in the WV coalfields. Along with how to organize a workshop, this includes thinking about a site for permaculture design, ethics in permaculture, as well as how to recipes for key practices such as sheet mulch, composting, vermiculture, water catchment, and beautification.
Rain Garden Curricular Sampler for Schools
`
For more information, Please see websites below:
`
Organic Edible Schoolyards & Gardening with Children
http://scribd.com/doc/239851214
`
Double Food Production from your School Garden with Organic Tech
http://scribd.com/doc/239851079
`
Free School Gardening Art Posters
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159`
`
Companion Planting Increases Food Production from School Gardens
http://scribd.com/doc/239851159
`
Healthy Foods Dramatically Improves Student Academic Success
http://scribd.com/doc/239851348
`
City Chickens for your Organic School Garden
http://scribd.com/doc/239850440
`
Simple Square Foot Gardening for Schools - Teacher Guide
http://scribd.com/doc/239851110
June 3, 2024 Anti-Semitism Letter Sent to MIT President Kornbluth and MIT Cor...Levi Shapiro
Letter from the Congress of the United States regarding Anti-Semitism sent June 3rd to MIT President Sally Kornbluth, MIT Corp Chair, Mark Gorenberg
Dear Dr. Kornbluth and Mr. Gorenberg,
The US House of Representatives is deeply concerned by ongoing and pervasive acts of antisemitic
harassment and intimidation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Failing to act decisively to ensure a safe learning environment for all students would be a grave dereliction of your responsibilities as President of MIT and Chair of the MIT Corporation.
This Congress will not stand idly by and allow an environment hostile to Jewish students to persist. The House believes that your institution is in violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, and the inability or
unwillingness to rectify this violation through action requires accountability.
Postsecondary education is a unique opportunity for students to learn and have their ideas and beliefs challenged. However, universities receiving hundreds of millions of federal funds annually have denied
students that opportunity and have been hijacked to become venues for the promotion of terrorism, antisemitic harassment and intimidation, unlawful encampments, and in some cases, assaults and riots.
The House of Representatives will not countenance the use of federal funds to indoctrinate students into hateful, antisemitic, anti-American supporters of terrorism. Investigations into campus antisemitism by the Committee on Education and the Workforce and the Committee on Ways and Means have been expanded into a Congress-wide probe across all relevant jurisdictions to address this national crisis. The undersigned Committees will conduct oversight into the use of federal funds at MIT and its learning environment under authorities granted to each Committee.
• The Committee on Education and the Workforce has been investigating your institution since December 7, 2023. The Committee has broad jurisdiction over postsecondary education, including its compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, campus safety concerns over disruptions to the learning environment, and the awarding of federal student aid under the Higher Education Act.
• The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is investigating the sources of funding and other support flowing to groups espousing pro-Hamas propaganda and engaged in antisemitic harassment and intimidation of students. The Committee on Oversight and Accountability is the principal oversight committee of the US House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate “any matter” at “any time” under House Rule X.
• The Committee on Ways and Means has been investigating several universities since November 15, 2023, when the Committee held a hearing entitled From Ivory Towers to Dark Corners: Investigating the Nexus Between Antisemitism, Tax-Exempt Universities, and Terror Financing. The Committee followed the hearing with letters to those institutions on January 10, 202
Executive Directors Chat Leveraging AI for Diversity, Equity, and InclusionTechSoup
Let’s explore the intersection of technology and equity in the final session of our DEI series. Discover how AI tools, like ChatGPT, can be used to support and enhance your nonprofit's DEI initiatives. Participants will gain insights into practical AI applications and get tips for leveraging technology to advance their DEI goals.
A Strategic Approach: GenAI in EducationPeter Windle
Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies such as Generative AI, Image Generators and Large Language Models have had a dramatic impact on teaching, learning and assessment over the past 18 months. The most immediate threat AI posed was to Academic Integrity with Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) focusing their efforts on combating the use of GenAI in assessment. Guidelines were developed for staff and students, policies put in place too. Innovative educators have forged paths in the use of Generative AI for teaching, learning and assessments leading to pockets of transformation springing up across HEIs, often with little or no top-down guidance, support or direction.
This Gasta posits a strategic approach to integrating AI into HEIs to prepare staff, students and the curriculum for an evolving world and workplace. We will highlight the advantages of working with these technologies beyond the realm of teaching, learning and assessment by considering prompt engineering skills, industry impact, curriculum changes, and the need for staff upskilling. In contrast, not engaging strategically with Generative AI poses risks, including falling behind peers, missed opportunities and failing to ensure our graduates remain employable. The rapid evolution of AI technologies necessitates a proactive and strategic approach if we are to remain relevant.
A review of the growth of the Israel Genealogy Research Association Database Collection for the last 12 months. Our collection is now passed the 3 million mark and still growing. See which archives have contributed the most. See the different types of records we have, and which years have had records added. You can also see what we have for the future.
A workshop hosted by the South African Journal of Science aimed at postgraduate students and early career researchers with little or no experience in writing and publishing journal articles.
Acetabularia Information For Class 9 .docxvaibhavrinwa19
Acetabularia acetabulum is a single-celled green alga that in its vegetative state is morphologically differentiated into a basal rhizoid and an axially elongated stalk, which bears whorls of branching hairs. The single diploid nucleus resides in the rhizoid.
How to Make a Field invisible in Odoo 17Celine George
It is possible to hide or invisible some fields in odoo. Commonly using “invisible” attribute in the field definition to invisible the fields. This slide will show how to make a field invisible in odoo 17.
Model Attribute Check Company Auto PropertyCeline George
In Odoo, the multi-company feature allows you to manage multiple companies within a single Odoo database instance. Each company can have its own configurations while still sharing common resources such as products, customers, and suppliers.
Read| The latest issue of The Challenger is here! We are thrilled to announce that our school paper has qualified for the NATIONAL SCHOOLS PRESS CONFERENCE (NSPC) 2024. Thank you for your unwavering support and trust. Dive into the stories that made us stand out!
Safalta Digital marketing institute in Noida, provide complete applications that encompass a huge range of virtual advertising and marketing additives, which includes search engine optimization, virtual communication advertising, pay-per-click on marketing, content material advertising, internet analytics, and greater. These university courses are designed for students who possess a comprehensive understanding of virtual marketing strategies and attributes.Safalta Digital Marketing Institute in Noida is a first choice for young individuals or students who are looking to start their careers in the field of digital advertising. The institute gives specialized courses designed and certification.
for beginners, providing thorough training in areas such as SEO, digital communication marketing, and PPC training in Noida. After finishing the program, students receive the certifications recognised by top different universitie, setting a strong foundation for a successful career in digital marketing.
1. Photographs by Patrick Praetorius
A Permaculture School Garden
Applying the principles of permaculture in schoolyard projects reinforces values of
resourcefulness, stewardship, and sustainability
by Patrick Praetorius
T
HE GREAT LAW OF THE Iroquois Confederacy
states that “we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.” This law speaks
to the importance of considering how our actions affect the
natural world and in what condition we will leave the world
to our descendents. Proponents of permaculture are substantially motivated by the same goal. In today’s world of
depleted natural resources, species extinction, and other
widespread damage to the environment, we must look for
ways to lessen our impact on the Earth. Permaculture is a
design methodology that seeks to do this through the observation and mimicking of patterns and relationships found
in nature. It can be described as a way of living in harmony
with the rest of nature by designing landscapes and human
habitats based on principles of ecology. Lee Barnes, former
editor of Permaculture Connections writes, “Permaculture is
the use of ecology as the basis for designing integrated systems of food production, housing, appropriate technology,
and community development. Permaculture is built upon an
ethic of caring for the Earth and interacting with the environment in mutually beneficial ways.”
Whether applied to food production, land stewardship,
urban planning, or social and economic structures, permaculture is based on a set of principles for working in harmony
with natural systems. At Oak Grove School in Ojai, California, faculty and staff decided to follow those principles
Page 6
in their school gardening projects. They felt that if students
could experience permaculture practices first hand, they
would develop a greater awareness of the subtlety of nature
and learn the values of resourcefulness, stewardship, and
sustainability. Examples follow of the application of permaculture principles in the creation of Oak Grove School’s
gardens, pond, straw bale greenhouse, and seating area.
It is hoped that these ideas with inspire other educators to
incorporate principles of permaculture in their own schoolyard “greening” projects.
Principle 1: Work with nature, not
against it
Working with nature requires looking at what nature is
already doing successfully and planning components that
will work in conjunction with it. This takes careful observation, as nature’s ways are often subtle. In creating a permaculture garden, for example, important considerations are
the environmental conditions of the site and the selection
of plants. Consider the following: What is the weather like?
How much sunlight does the area receive? How’s the soil?
What will grow here? Rather than choosing plants you
would like to have and then trying to alter the conditions to
meet those preferences, look at the natural conditions and
select plants that are suited to that environment. Especially
interesting are native plants that have played fascinating
roles in the human civilization of an area.
GREEN TEACHER 78
2. The climate of
Ojai is mostly dry and
sunny, and we planted
herbs, squash, beans,
peas, citrus trees, and
many other species of
plants that thrive easily
in these conditions. The
Chumash Indians, who
have occupied the area
for centuries, used many
of these plants for food
and medicine. In keeping with the principle of
working with nature, we
also chose as a garden
site an area with a gentle
south-facing slope so that
we could take advantage
of maximum sunlight and
natural soil drainage.
but also save money and
resources. For example,
a greenhouse might be
built as an extension of
an existing structure,
with the two buildings
sharing a wall (one less
wall to build and pay
for!). We plan to grow
grapevines up fruit trees.
This will save the money,
materials, time, and labor
needed to build trellises.
Working with nature: native and other drought-tolerant plants on a
south-facing slope.
Principle 3: Seek
energy efficiency
and use natural
materials
In permaculture, we seek
energy efficiency (which is also economic efficiency) as
much as possible. In addition, we seek to use natural materiPrinciple 2: Get the most gain from the
als whenever possible. These two goals reflect the fundamental motivation for permaculture: the need to live in harmony
least effort
with nature. In keeping with this principle, we decided to
The first step in successful permaculture is a well thoughtbuild a straw bale greenhouse at Oak Grove. Straw bale conout design. This principle could be paraphrased “Think
struction is affordable, and therefore realistic for widespread
twice, lift once!” — a variation on the carpenter’s rule of
use; the materials are renewable and environmentally benign;
“Measure twice, cut once.” Anyone who has ever worked a
and it produces a well-insulated, energy-efficient structure.
farm or garden can apSince the climate in Ojai
preciate the importance
is generally mild throughof getting as much work
out the year, we chose
as possible out of every
a passive rather than an
action. In designing a
active climate control
garden, for example,
system, which meant
consider how much care
that we had no need for a
a plant needs and how
cooling or heating system.
often its leaves or fruits
This required careful
will be harvested. Plants
design to take advantage
that will be attended to
of winter light and to
most often should be
limit summer heat, as
planted in the most acwell as to ensure good air
cessible locations, while
circulation. To provide
those with slower growth
heat in winter, we have
patterns or fewer needs
considered having chickcan be planted further
ens roost in the greenaway. Consider whether
house! To reduce summer
one garden building
heat, the glazed windows
might serve more than
Getting the most from the least effort: a straw bale greenhouse doubles can be shaded during the
one purpose. For exas a classroom and workshop where students raise seedlings and
hottest time of day.
ample, a greenhouse
study plant biology.
Another example of
can make an excellent
efficient design at Oak Grove is an automatic drip irrigation
classroom. Are inexpensive materials available and close
system. The system required an initial investment of money
at hand? In building a straw bale greenhouse, we needed to
and labor, but these inputs are more than balanced by savcoat the walls with layers of mud; at the same time, we knew
ings in water and in time spent watering. A drip irrigation
that we wanted a pond in the garden. We decided to dig soil
system keeps the soil moist rather than flooding it, and so
from an area about 5 meters (15 feet) south of the greenprevents erosion. By setting the system on a timer, we enhouse site, so that while obtaining dirt for the greenhouse
sure that water isn’t wasted in accidental overflows. A timer
walls we were also excavating for a pond.
also makes it convenient for the garden to be watered in the
The goal of getting the most gain from the least effort
early morning, when loss through evaporation is minimal.
often gives rise to creative ideas that not only reduce work
GREEN TEACHER 78
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3. Left: Students working on an irrigation system in the forest garden. Right: Meandering edges and varying depths create a diversity
of pond habitats, while aquatic plants oxygenate the water and provide cover for mosquito fish and frogs.
Principle 4: Make use of the edge effect
photosynthesis, the food chain, and the water cycle — and
students are fascinated by the microbial life of the pond.
In ecology, the “edge effect” is the tendency for boundary
areas where two ecosystems come
Principle 5: Plan for
together to have a greater diversity
beneficial relationships
of plants and animals than either of
Permaculture is based on a set of
the adjacent ecosystems. Making use
It is not enough to have a diversity of
principles for working in harmony
of the edge effect in designing natulife in the garden. Stability occurs
with natural systems.
ral areas promotes the biodiversity
only when these diverse organisms
that is necessary for a self-sustaining
have beneficial relationships. Under
system. One way to take advantage
these circumstances, a balance can
of the edge effect in a schoolyard is to create a pond. A pond
emerge such that different elements both enhance and reguinvites an abundance of life, from the smallest microbes and
late each other. With this in mind, we are creating a forest
insects to fish, amphibians, and birds. All of these organgarden. The garden consists of a variety of plants — trees,
isms contribute to the garden, whether by reducing pests,
vines, small shrubs, and herbaceous annuals and perennials
nourishing the soil through their waste, or pollinating plants.
— grown together so that they serve the needs, and accept
Encouraging such diversity is thus a means of ensuring that
the products, of one another. Trees create shady microclielements in the garden make functional connections that are
mates for plants that enjoy partial shade. They also provide
mutually beneficial.
habitat for predators that keep rodent populations in check.
At Oak Grove, we created a pond with an amorphous
Nitrogen-fixing annuals grow between rows of fruit trees,
shape rather than one that is geometrically perfect. With
increasing the fertility of the soil. Umbelliferous plants such
many points jutting out and coves going in, the edge of the
as carrot, dill, and fennel host insect predators, and marigolds
pond is a varied and hospitable environment where life can
naturally repel certain types of nematodes. Perennials are used
flourish. Similarly, the variety of depths in the pond invites
to create natural borders and pathways, as well as to provide
a diversity of plant and animal species to co-exist. The pond
food. We use native species as much as possible, not only beis also a great outdoor science project. It provides a living
cause they grow more easily than non-natives do, but also to
demonstration of several different natural processes —
contribute to the natural self-regulation of the environment.
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GREEN TEACHER 78
4. Turn problems into solutions:
‘Weeds’ and overzealous aquatic
plants are harvested and placed
around fruit trees as mulch.
Principle 6:
Take advantage
of cyclic
opportunity
Closely related to principle #5, the principle
of cyclic opportunity
states that cyclic events
increase the yield of a
system by retaining energy
and nutrients within the
system. In a typical garden
where lawn trimmings, branches, and other excess plant material are neatly bagged up and hauled
away, all of the nutrients and energy in
those materials are removed from the system.
The eventual result: barren soil that cannot support
plant growth without the application of chemical fertilizers. Similarly, when pesticides are used to control insects,
many natural cycles are interrupted. Pollination and plant
yields are reduced because beneficial insects are eliminated
along with pest species; and animals that eat insects become
scarce, so that when the pests return (as is inevitable) there
are fewer natural predators to help keep them in check. The
result: further reductions in yield and increased need for
pesticides. In both of these examples, disruptions of natural cycles
result in a loss of nutrients and
energy from the system and
a greater need for inputs
from outside the system.
In contrast, when energy
and nutrients are cycled
locally, the result is a
resilient, self-sustaining
natural web. In the Oak
Grove School garden,
plants produce food
for humans, and food
scraps and other excess
plant materials go to the
compost bin. In the compost bin, the plants’ energy is
used by decomposing organisms that break down the plants
into reusable elements while producing their own rich wastes. The nutrient-rich compost is returned to the soil
where it nourishes plant growth and supports a
diversity of beneficial soil organisms. The pond is a habitat for frogs and other animals that eat herbivorous “pest”
insects, and is a source of nutrient-rich water for irrigating
crops. By taking advantage of natural cycles such as these,
permaculture seeks to create “closed loops” of nutrients and
energy in the garden, thereby reducing reliance on outside
sources and lessening the burden placed on outside sources
for waste disposal.
Building a Straw Bale Greenhouse
A straw bale greenhouse needs
“good boots and a good hat.”
The foundation is made of cement blocks fitted with rebar.
The straw bales are then poked
down on to the rebar, staggered,
in the pattern of a brick wall. Then
the straw bales are wrapped with
chicken wire, which helps the
mud stick to the walls. Before
mudding, a timber frame is built
around the walls to add stability
to the structure.
Mudding the walls is labor
intensive, but it is simple enough
that everyone can get involved.
We had children as young as five
slathering it on! At least three layers of mud (soil with added sand and cement) should be applied
to new structures, and, over the years, it is a good idea to occasionally add a new layer. The process takes time and is ongoing,
but the payoff is that the building is very well insulated and will
last until you knock it down (and if you do knock it down, the
remnants are harmless to the environment).
Besides keeping the inside dry, the roof should also channel
water away from the building. We
chose a slanted shed roof made
of clear, corrugated fiberglass so
that water would flow toward a
rain catchment system into barrels and into a French drain, which
diverts water into the pond.
While a project like this can
be expensive, it is often possible
to scrounge free materials from
local construction companies
and businesses. Families, too, are
usually more than happy to donate supplies left over from home
renovations. If the cost of glass is
prohibitive, consider asking for donations from a local glass company
and then designing and building
your greenhouse to fit it. You will likely find that many principles of
permaculture make good economic sense. For example, the natural
materials used in building a straw bale greenhouse are not only
biodegradable but also cheap (straw) or free (mud). Making use
of materials that are at hand locally not only saves money, but
also conserves the resources that would otherwise be required to
produce, package, and ship new materials.
GREEN TEACHER 78
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5. Left: Outdoor seating area made of natural materials. Right: Young students show off their lettuce harvest.
Principle 7: See
problems as potential
solutions
talk, play, observe, meditate, and
work in a pleasant environment.
When energy and nutrients are
Since we are a school, we felt it
cycled locally, the result is a resilient,
was important to create an outdoor
self-sustaining natural web.
classroom that would fit into the
This principle is more about our
natural surroundings and be an
attitude toward our work than
inviting space.
about the work itself. If we look
We chose a spot under a tree
upon each resource in the garden as offering either an
on one end of the garden with a good view. Rather than
advantage or a disadvantage, depending on the use we make
building up, we went down. We dug out an area that is about
of it, then our challenge lies in discovering the potential
60 cm (2 feet) deep at the back end, but, since it is on a
benefits of each resource. We bemoan the insects and weeds
slope, levels out to about 20 cm (8 inches) at the front, creatas the “enemies” of our garden, but they serve a purpose
ing a horseshoe shape. The back end is lined with dirt-filled
too. Insects provide food for small animals, and their wastes
grain bags covered with plaster. These are layered like coils
and remains nourish the soil. At Oak Grove, we pick soft
on a clay pot to create a circular seating area for resting and
weeds before they go to seed and use them as mulch around
instruction. The front end opens to the garden. This outdoor
other plants, thereby making them part of the cycle. We
classroom illustrates several principles of permaculture.
have planted lawn chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile) in
First, by building into the ground, we worked with nature,
open areas to inhibit the growth of less controllable weeds.
not against it, in the sense that we created a smaller visual
Similarly, weed-barrier plants such as lemongrass, comfrey,
impact on the landscape. Second, we used natural materials,
and arrowroot can be planted around the edges of a garden
thereby limiting the environmental impact of the project in
to stop the spread of invasive grasses (when they get too big,
both the production and eventual disposal of those materials.
cut them back and use them for mulching).
Third, by taking advantage of the natural slope, we got the
The task in permaculture is to design components so
most gain from the least effort. In essence, half the work
that the garden can flourish even with the challenges posed
was done for us.
by insects, weeds, and other “enemies.” By selecting a
The principles of permaculture are closely interrelated
diversity of plant species and placing them in such a way
and all are based on the idea that we human beings need to
that each serves the needs and accepts the products of others,
change how we interact with our environment. Our ecologiwe work with nature to create a strong and resilient system.
cal footprint grows bigger every day, and much of what we
Permaculture challenges our traditional measure of what a
call progress is harmful to the environment. When we use
healthy garden looks like: neat, well weeded rows of segrethe principles of permaculture as the basis for design decigated species. To take advantage of the balance of nature,
sions, we act and progress with nature. Doing so reminds us
we must mimic her, and that means overlapping and overthat we, too, are part of nature, and since we cannot survive
growing plant species, and allowing natural cycles, including
outside of it, it behooves us to act in harmony with it.
death and decomposition, to be fully present.
Principle 8: Take care of people
Our needs for food, shelter, education, work, play, and social
interactions must be met if we are to be healthy. Therefore,
our permaculture garden is more than a food production
area. It is a welcoming place where people can gather to
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Patrick Praetorius is an educator, writer, and permaculture
enthusiast living in Ojai, California.
Resource
Mollison, Bill. Introduction to Permaculture. Australia: Tagari Publications,
1991.
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