13 January 2010

Permaculture is coming to Deer Park.

This is an introductory blog for the new permaculture and landscaping projects happening at Deer Park.

I began my training at a permaculture education center and eco-village in Northern Thailand, the Panya Project. After intensive training and living with the community for eight months, at the request of the Director Prashant Varma, I have taken on the role of the resident permaculture designer. My role is to help bring permaculture and it's over arching vision to the deer park community.

So what exactly is Permaculture? Permaculture is a design system for human settlements that mimics the relationships found in natural ecologies. It is a way of reframing ones relationship to the land they already live on by learning how to harness the natural resources that are readily available. The goal is then to help make the settlement more sustainable while rejuvenating the land in the same process.

By working with the Deer Park staff and local community members we have a vision of bringing the principals of permaculture and organic gardening into action. The vision is to have Deer Park as a place for learning, but also to be an embodiment of our own principals we are teaching through workshops and outreach programs. These principals being: ecological awareness, sustainability, a living healthy model for local communities, and also a haven for local flora and fauna.

This is an exciting time for Deer Park with lots of change happening. Over the next few months we are implementing a sacred grove in the front “parking” lot. With the help of long time resident of the Kangra valley, and exponent of Mud House building and nature design, Didi Contractor, this project will help transform the once parking into a real park. Giving Deer Park a natural feel to its rightful name.

I will be bringing monthly updates on the project to this blog. Any feedback or insights are welcome. I am also grateful to share my skills in such a thriving community as Deer Park.

May all beings be happy,

Martha Asselin

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