Regenerative Community Design

Description

Permaculture Canada is at the forefront of regenerative community design projects. These projects are aimed at providing food for large groups of people. Although, they are also usedd for demonstrating regenerative agriculture and other permaculture practices. Our CEO, Lindsay Brandon, has managed and designed over 20 of these large scale demonstration facilities, from site visit through to landscape installation phases. These have served the needs for many stewards in activities ranging from community food banks to resort/retreat centers and small intentional communities. Permaculture Canada has participated in the design, consultation and installation phases of these projects. Additionally, our regenerative design work spans across the US, Canada, Africa and Asia, ranging in size from a few acres to many hundreds of acres.

What is included in a Regenerative Community Design

A regenerative community demonstration model can also include each or all of the following elements:

• Food forest(s) that include a wide array of perennial trees, shrubs and other plants. These can be used to fulfill the dietary and natural medicinal needs of the community; and also support the regeneration of the soil, water and environment.
• Annual plantings to complement the perennials for dietary needs
• The integration of livestock within the property. For example, chickens, ducks, goats, hogs and cattle.
• Multiple methods and processes for the capture, treatment, storage and use of water on the property. For example, rainwater collection, greywater treatment and re-use, ponds/dams, streams, swales, springs)
• Well defined and laid out paths and roads. These enable ease and efficiency of access to all other features of the property
• Structures that support the operation of the property or for housing
• Using a wide array of climate/location appropriate construction methods (e.g. hempcrete, strawbale, rammed earth, mudbrick etc.)
• An education center to host courses and skills training programs
• Soil testing, consultation, and remediation
• An array of commercial enterprises that provide income for the demonstration site and for the community