Discovery:
We start with an initial “discovery” interview to assess needs, develop the scope & scale, study existing materials, visually survey the landscape, establish ground work and collect baseline information. This is where we decide if we are a good fit for each other and if the project is a win-win for all parties.
Initial Site Assessment:
This is our boots on the ground assessment. We feel out the project, collect visual assets (photos, videos and drone footage), document measurements, and observe the overall “state of the ecology” for the entire site. This phase can include initial soil testing, contour/slope information and gathering baseline data including existing feedback loop information for the property. At this stage, special attention is given to water flow, erosion or sediment load issues and overall land contour projections and current state of biomass volume and biodiversity estimates.
Sparks Preserve — Before & after areal photographs of the stone block conservation terrace.
Watershed protection
Watershed protection is a tangible, downhill result of all of our projects. When we protect our watersheds we protect human drinking water supplies, wildlife habitat and out natural fishery systems which we treat and honor as national treasures.
Data Collection:
An important element of data collection is an initial detailed satellite contour map of the property. This establishes all of our baseline information for water flow in the current system. Also pertinent to data collection is the current state of bio diversity. A rough assessment of flora, fauna, microbes and fungal health are all considered. When we improve biodiversity and build biomass we increase resilience for human and wildlife habitats alike.
In this phase a list of wants and needs are established both from the client’s perspective and our own including things like dams, ponds, retaining walls, utility access, vehicular drives, human and wildlife traffic flows as well as human habitation, barns and other infrastructure plans. In the phase we explore existing problems and where we want to create new flows or build new, regenerative systems to replace th exhaustive and unsustainable models. The ultimate goal is to replace, redesign and exponentially improve degrading systems with regenerative systems. Built systems that work with not against nature. All roads lead to explosive abundance.
Sparks Preserve — Contour map we created prior to creating the design map for the Sparks Preserve.
Design:
Our objective is to replace all exhaustive, open loop systems, and erosive processes with closed loop and regenerative systems. After a full assessment, extensive observation and analysis we create a site design map with flow map overlays establishing plans to install these systems. This is complete, all-encompassing design that will serve as the road map to regeneration and is used as our team’s primary communication tool. Elevations for specific parts of the site may also be included as extensions of the design map, detailing further specifics.
Gautier Homestead — Design Map
Gautier Homestead — Design Map for fenced area in more detail
Sparks Preserve — Interactive flow map with layer control for on-screen, “before and after” presentation.
Zwart Homestead — Elevation drawing for stainless steal rainwater collection system. This was used to submit to an HOA board for approval.
Project Planning:
Preparation meeting opportunity is where we create projects that are truly special. We prepare and thoroughly manage all aspects of every project according to our clients needs. We leave no stone unturned and make sure to leave every aspect in capable hands. Great project planning produces proactive, community and leadership communication—which leads to efficient systems installation ultimately maximizing ROI.
Sparks Preserve — On site preparation & planning. We pride ourselves on using expert visual assets to communicate most effectively with the design-build & installation teams.
Community:
A permablitz is a community organized build mob that gets a lot of work done in a very short period of time. Community activation & organization can be key in getting many permaculture designed landscapes installed. We specialize in managing and running these crews no matter the size. We have found an “audience” hungry for knowledge and the work extremely rewarding. Attendees take full advantage of the inherent educational opportunities a permablitz provides.
Zanzenburg Farms — One of our partners, Kirby Fry of Earth Repair Corps, instructs the “finish” team at the Boxcar Farms installation and permablitz.
Zanzenburg Farms — We believe that a tribe is made up of diversity in it’s population and mirrors the biodiversity that we aim to create in our permaculture systems. Starting them young is also one of our inherent beliefs and mantras.
Installation:
In order to execute installation of our designs, we offer contractor services & project management.
Festival Beach Food Forest — We often use specialized farming implements like this Magna Grecia Hoe to break up soils when tuning berms
Boxcar Farms — “Curb appeal” is a priority. Fine tuning berms and swells by hand after heavy equipment earth working is an important element of beautifying and creating a landscape that is more efficient to maintain.
Boxcar Farms — In this photo, a volunteer team of over one hundred people installed a 12-acre micro-farm system in two days.
Sparks Preserve — We consider installing earthworks an opportunity to create a work of art as well as a thriving and productive ecological system.
Sparks Preserve — Every project is a blank canvas and often times we collaborate, coordinate, and most importantly conduct several teams to install these systems. Oftentimes this requires the efficient use of heavy equipment. We only hire the best and work with those who understand our holistic mantra.
Sparks Preserve — We literally “cover all of our tracks” — with mulch — and/or replant any disturbance we make. The mantra we practice: 100% cover, 100% of the time. Keeping job sites clean and safe during construction is a top priority. Actively spreading mulch significantly reduces muddy situations and hazardous conditions that also slow down builds.
Observation, Documentation,
& Management:
We professionally document all of our projects with professional photos and video to verify our success and to help create training materials for future field managers, ranch managers, field hands and interns. We also make good use of these communications assets in our written management plans. It takes a village to manage permaculture projects and creating a great management plan is an important part of our process. Maintenance programs are offered and ongoing consultations are encouraged on your road to explosive abundance.
Sparks Preserve — Walking the site with stakeholders is a very important part of our boots on the ground observations.
EIEIO Farms — Project partner Pete Van Dyke of Drought Proof Texas observes a berm and swell designed to head flood waters “off at the pass” uphill from the food forest and food production areas.
Testimonials
Clients love us
You should have seen our swales performing perfectly last night. All but one have soaked in now. Straight into the earth. 😀 Our rainwater is staying in our yard instead of flowing down the street!
We could not have built this system without your vision and the hard work of you team” “A lot of people are claiming credit for the build but you and your team did all the work…thank you!
“Enough already Woody! You have gone above and way beyond the call of duty! You can go home now… THANK YOU!”