Anatomy of Nature

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This week we have constructed a group lesson that will aid us in grasping a deeper understanding of what permaculture is. We will also learn about Permablitzing in preparation for upcoming Silva Permablitz projects.   The primary focus group will include all students, 4 years of age and older. This group will engage students in discussion while sharing resources; While our younger students focus on imaginative and sensory play.  

A food forest, also called a forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Food forests are three dimensional designs, with life extending in all directions – up, down, and out.

Save Soil, is a global movement bringing together people and leaders to restore soil health. The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has reported that, unless we rapidly change how we manage our soils, 90% of it could become degraded by 2050, which will result in a global food crisis. The Save Soil movement aims to increase organic content in soil to a minimum of 3-6%. To effect this change we need to advocate for policies across all nations towards soil restoration and raise awareness of this imminent crisis among 3.5 billion people to garner their support. 

After learning about soil we will test soil. 

Solid waste creation in the United States has risen in recent years. In fact, did you know that yard and food waste accounts for about 30% of all materials disposed of in America’s landfills? Many of these materials can be easily composted. Vermicomposting is a fun, easy way to get rid of excess kitchen scraps while reducing your impact on the planet.

After learning about worms you will make a family compost bin. 

We may typically picture a mushroom as only the above ground part of a fungus, but much of the vegetative parts actually lie underground. The above-ground part of the mushroom is called the fruiting body, while the root system of the mushroom is called the mycelium.

After learning about mushrooms and the below ground network we will inoculate substrate.

Recycling food and other organic waste into compost provides a range of environmental benefits, including improving soil health, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, recycling nutrients, and mitigating the impact of droughts.

After learning about composting we will make a compost tea. 

Ever wonder why you feel better when you are around trees? Ever heard of forest bathing? In 1982, the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries created the term shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” or “absorbing the forest atmosphere.” The practice encourages people to simply spend time in nature — no actual bathing required.