One of the worlds top permaculture demonstration sites – in the making.
Permaculture is an approach to land management and design based on what is observed in flourishing natural ecosystems.
It can turn desert into oasis, bringing life back to the land for thousands of years after we’re gone.
It encompasses regenerative agriculture, earthworks, community living, and every way humans interact with the environment and each other.
Here’s our plan to live carbon negative, and give more than we take…
A network of dozens of ponds will hold over 100 million litres of water
In this desert alpine climate the majority of the water comes during only 4 months of the year, in the form of snow.
This will store it for year-round use and gravity feed gardens, orchard and one of the largest off-grid wildfire defence systems.
The water will build up subterraneanly to replenish aquifers and help bring seasonal springs back to life.
The ponds will be home to new aquatic ecosystems and food sources that grow 30x faster than land animals.
Growing stone fruits that would otherwise be impossible to grow here
This is made possible by the sun that will reflect off the ponds surface creating dozens of microclimates.
A passive solar greenhouse with an added geothermal system will produce leafy greens in -30 degree winters, or even grow bananas (yes, in BC, Canada).
Cows, sheep, goats, and chickens, properly grazed mimicking wild behaviours, will manage the pasture and regenerate the soil.
This year you’ll be able to stroll the rolling hills picking beyond organic heritage produce.
To defend from wildfire, the ponds will provide more pressure than a fire hydrant
At a good elevation they will gravity feed sprinkler systems along the most vulnerable sides of the land.
A new biodegradable fire suppressant that’s water soluble and made from mung beans will be tested in combination with the sprinklers.
Using traditional Indigenous methods like back-burning pasture area stimulates healthy regrowth and eliminates fuel for a wildfire.
Firebreaks will border the perimeter of Azhen’s 160 acre lot with a V-ditch to stop brush fire.
These breaks also act as a natural travel system for grazing animals to access other areas of the land.
Join a permaculture workshop and come learn!
We host 1-2 annual permaculture workshops.
Get both hands-on experience and theory so you can feel confident implementing these methods at home, for your farm, or for planning your future homestead.
We plan to release a Permaculture Design Program in 2023.
Permaculture is becoming a Red Seal Trade in the coming years. It will integrate into society in every way under the pressures of a changing climate.