About Us

Table of Contents
Ia - Our Vision
Ib - Our Location
Ic - Our History
II - Permaculture Principles
III - Sector Design
IV - Zone Design

Our Vision
How can you escape the bills, the traffic, the stressful schedules, the unhealthy eating habits?  How can you have a positive impact on this planet, rather than a wasteful and destructive one?

Here at Permaculture Campgrounds, education is our goal.  As firm believers in learning by example, we invite anyone to visit us.  Experience an ecosystem that is harmonious with nature, yet its human occupants enjoy freedom, comfort and healthy food in abundance.  We also believe learning should be fun, so what better classroom setting than among nature itself, where we can hike, swim, grill freshly caught fish, play sports with friends and enjoy a sunset over the lake.  Welcome to Permaculture Campgrounds!

Why permaculture?
It's a matter of survival.  Humanity's current ways of living are unsustainable.  Their continuation will undoubtedly lead to collapse of both ecosystems and the human societies that depend on them.

Modern construction methods, for example, lack consideration for the environment.  More than half of residential energy consumption is spent on heating and cooling, costs that could be greatly reduced simply by alignment with sectors and proper placement of trees.  These costs to the consumer and the environment can even be completely eliminated, as our Visitors' Center demonstrates.

Modern industrial agriculture, as another example, demands imported fertilizer, machinery to till and sow, poisons to remove pests and weeds, and deforestation for space.  Not only do these waste labor and resources, but these harmful forces cause erosion, drought, pollution and extinction.

By contrast, permaculture encourages a balanced ecosystem, where most of those tasks are performed naturally.  Birds and predatory insects keep those "pests" in check.  A mature food forest does not suffer from "weeds" as all niches are already occupied.  Strong-rooted pioneer plants till for us.  Sowing is no longer needed when we prioritize perennial over annual species.  Nitrogen-fixing and nutrient-accumulating plants and an undisturbed soil biota provide all the nutrition needed.  Not only is permaculture sustainable and harmonious with nature, but it requires less labor and costs!

What about money?

Speaking of costs, they are minimal at Permaculture Campgrounds.  Energy use is reduced thanks to zone and sector design.  A healthy variety of fruits, veggies, grains and meats are all grown on site.  Stone, gravel, clay, timber and bamboo for construction and crafts are all available on site.  We are nearly self-sufficient.  Any external supplies or services necessary are afforded by produce sales, campsite fees and visitor donations, or acquired through bartering and labor-exchange with neighbors.

However, one major need for revenues was during the initial stages: purchasing the real estate, building earthworks and structures, installing plumbing and solar panels.  Such start-up costs were covered entirely by the personal savings of the founders, who also made sure all future costs could be covered by the Campgrounds' income.  Based on our moral principles, funding from any external powers was strictly avoided.  Permaculture Campgrounds is not indebted to any bankers, nor dependent on any government funding, nor subservient to any board of shareholders.

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Our Location
Permaculture Campgrounds is located in northeastern Tennessee, near the VA and NC borders, with Interstate Route 91 bordering our 20-acre premise on the west.  This mountainous, forested portion of Appalachia was selected because it's beautiful and ideal for camping.

Site Analysis
Topography - The site is tucked between mountain ridges that wrap around its northern and western borders.  The south-facing slope is ideal for catching sunlight for plant growth.  Upper slopes, as steep as 30°, have swales on contour that store and sink water, and two dams that gravity feed all water systems below.  All extra runoff accumulates in the large central lake.  Gradual slopes of 10° continue into the valley southeast of the property.

Geology
As a mountainous terrain, many areas are rocky, especially the upper slopes.  Removal requires extra labor on major construction projects.  Although rocks also provide a valuable resource in constructing dam walls, garden beds and other structures.  Beneath several feet of topsoil in many areas is plenty of gravel, providing another valuable resource in constructing foundations and roads.

Soils vary throughout the site but are mostly loam (40% sand, 40% silt and 20% clay), ideal for plant growth due to water and nutrient retention.  Drainage is sufficient and compaction is minimal in most areas.  Being a forested area, humus and nutrient content are sufficient.  pH levels are moderate throughout the site.

Some locations are heavily clay, providing a valuable resource for construction and crafts.

Flora
The site is mostly mature-growth forest, with over-story including various maple, oak, ash and birch species.  Evergreens include white pine and American holly.  Fruit and nut producing trees include walnut, cherry, mulberry and persimmon.

Edible shrubs and small trees include serviceberry, chokeberry, hazelnut, highbush blueberry, cranberry, paw paw and American plum.  Identified medicinal species include St. John's Wort, elderberry and purple coneflower.

There are also beneficial herbs and ground covers including:
Phlox - perennial, attracts insects, decorative with beautiful pink/purple flowers
Plaintain - edible, nutrient accumulator
Hog-peanut - edible, nitrogen-fixing legume
Foamflower - attracts insects and birds
Maximillian Sunflowers - attract insects, windbreak, nutrient accumulator

Seasonal Sectors
[see post on sectors]


General Layout Map

*For more detailed maps and info on highlighted areas, see pages on Visitors' Center, Campsites, Production area and Recreation area.

Key Elements
1. High Pointe observation hut	Where we spent the first year observing and documenting nature, High Pointe is the origin of the site's design success.  Currently offers beautiful views of the Campgrounds and surrounding Appalachian Mountains.
2. Swales	These are a key to sustaining lush habitats and productive systems, and to demonstrating permaculture in practice.  Swales on contour with the mountain slope catch rainwater, preventing erosion and instead storing and sinking water (Principle #2).  Plant systems on or below the swales benefit immensely from this water source.
3. Dams	Collecting rainwater and overflow from swales, our two dams store the crucial resource needed for irrigation, livestock, wildlife, and, after filtration through natural wetlands systems, use for humans.
4. Hiking path	For exercise and enjoying nature, hike to High Pointe and along the northern ridges.
5. Waterfall pond	Overflow from the main dam creates a waterfall into a small pond below.  This creates a cool and beautiful place to relax in the days following rainfall.
6. Main parking lot	Parking for Visitor's Center and Production area.  All Lots are graded to allow rainwater runoff into nearby water systems.
7. Roadside parking lot	Invites passersby to sample our produce, visit the campgrounds and learn about permaculture.
8. Roadside market booths	A place for travelers to sample and purchase some of our delicious, organic produce.  Creates income for Permaculture Campgrounds.
9. Driveway	All roads are graded to divert runoff to swales or plant systems.  Gutters and french drains used in gravel parts to prevent puddling and mud.
10. Restrooms	Provides campers with modern composting toilets and solar-heated showers.  Cooled in summer by shade and vine cover, and warmed in the winter by windbreaks and sun absorption.
11. Lake	Benefits and functions of this 600 sq. ft. lake are numerous.  In terms of production, it provides a habitat for ducks, fish and aquatic plants, and irrigates crops.  For recreation, it facilitates swimming, diving, fishing and boating.  As for sectors, the lake has a cooling effect in summer, chanelling and moisturizing breezes.  In the winter, it reflects morning sunlight onto the Visitors' Center and warms the Recreation area.

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Our History
As an institution, Permaculture Campgrounds has been operational for over five years.  Our foundation date was March 1st, 2009, marked by the initial purchase of the property.  The project has progressed according to this timeline:

Year one (March 2009 - March 2010) - Observation

Key to the success of Permaculture Campgrounds was the initial observation stage (Principle #1).  With the hut at High Pointe as our base of operations, a full year was devoted to thoroughly understanding the terrain, watercourses, available resources, species and sectors of all seasons (see "Site Analysis" above).  Mapmaking assisted in this process, as did surveying the local community and researching in the library. 

Of utmost importance was to avoid any planning or problem-solving tendencies.  During this stage the mind must be completely free to observe and observe only, because as Toby Hemenway states, "each decision made too early will collapse the range of possibilities that remain."[1] An informed and efficient design can be implemented only after knowledge has been attained.

Year two (March 2010 - March 2011) - Implementation
With a year of accumulated knowledge at hand, it was time to layout a design and begin constructing its core elements.  These included major earthworks: swales were dug on contour, dams were built in two hillside crevices, and the lake (previously a small pond) was expanded and shaped.

It was also crucial to prepare production areas as soon as possible, both for the sake of obtaining a short term yield (Principle #3) and to establish the slower-growing trees and shrubs for future abundance.  By either chop-and-dropping native growth or by sheet-mulching, areas were cleared for the planting of food-producing trees and short-term support species.

Years three through five (March 2011 - Present) - Growth
With buildings built and trees planted, the most laborious tasks were behind us.  Now it was time to watch our project grow - in the ecological, social and financial senses.  With the food forests well-established, wildlife diversity began to appear (Principle #10) and natural cycles thrived.  With crop fields and greenhouses producing high organic yields, we also began generating income.

During this time we also began growing as a community and receiving our first visitors.  Thanks to WWOOFERs and natural building workshops, the Visitors' Center and many of the campsites were built.  In April of 2011, our first paying campers arrived.  They caught several trout from the lake, picked greens and tubers from the polyculture fields, and enjoyed a healthy meal.

Looking forward
The Permaculture Campgrounds has been an incredible learning experience for all involved so far.  Many obstacles have been overcome (or side-stepped) over the years.  Some species of plants have died off to be replaced by others; some haven't been as productive as expected.  Tractors have been stuck in the mud.  A drunk guy almost drowned once.  In all instances we have documented and accepted feedback (Principle #4 & #12).  For example, the success rate and productivity of all plant species are cataloged in our library, our tractor driver's skills have improved, and there is now a life-preserver near the swimming area.

In the coming years we hope to not simply sustain, but expand and improve our ecosystem and our community.  For the latter, we plan on more outreach to nearby communities such as educational workshops, festivals and market days.

Future infrastructure and production plans include bee colonies, rabbit hutches, a yoga studio, a tannery and a brewery.

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[1] Toby Hemenway, Gaia's Garden (Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2009); p. 50

Permaculture Principles

The wisdom of Permaculture can be easily expressed through David Holmgren's Twelve Principles.  Whether planning a garden, a house, a community or even our daily lives, these design principles help us maximize efficiency and harmony with nature.

First, each principle has a brief description in the words of the experts themselves.  Following that is a list of each principle's application here at Permaculture Campgrounds.

The Twelve Principles of Permaculture
1 Observe and interact	A harmonious relationship between nature and people... is not generated in isolation, but through continuous and reciprocal interaction with the subject.[1] For our campgrounds, this principle is the source of knowledge and the determinant of success. Before planting or building, a full year was devoted to observing. During which, the High Pointe observation post at the peak was the first and only structure.
2 Catch and store energy	...We have limited time to catch and store energy before seasonal or episodic abundance dissipates.[2] Water catchment tanks, dams and swales store rainfall. Sun circles and greenhouses catch solar energy for production. Buildings (see Visitors' Center) use passive solar heating and summer cooling. Solar panels store solar energy for electricity. Our roadside "free food" catches the interest of passersby.
3 Obtain a yield	Systems that most effectively obtain a yield, and use it most effectively to meet the needs of survival, tend to prevail over other alternatives.[3] Production area was established prior to campsites and Visitors' Center. Requesting fees from campers produces financial yield. All visitors are encouraged to pick and eat anything they like!
4 Apply self-regulation and accept feedback	Place elements in such a way that each serves the needs, and accepts the products, of other elements.[4] Every event we can detect is a result of a preceding event, and gives rise to subsequent events.[5] Plant guilds and food forests intended as self-regulating systems. Plants and soils constantly monitored for pests, mineral imbalances, pH levels and other adverse effects. Advice on local conditions and native species sought from Department of Forestry and other relevant authorities.
5 Use renewable resources and services	...Minimize our consumptive demand on resources, and emphasise the harmonious interaction between humans and nature.[6] Solar energy is used for heating structures, drying edibles and clothing, powering via photo-voltaic cells and growing plants. Timber from properly managed fuel forest is used for heating and cooking. 'Renewable' life is prioritized, such as perennial rather than annual species and the breeding of livestock. 'Renewable' labor is utilized such as Wwoofers and workshops.
6 Produce no waste	In nature, there is no such thing as waste.  Everything is food for something else, connected in life and death to many other species.[7] Kitchen scraps removed plants are composted. Paper and cardboard are used for mulch. Animal manures fertilize the soil. Greywater systems devoted to flushing toilets and irrigating non-edible plants. Blackwater systems fertilize outlying forests.
7 Design, from patterns to details	Complex systems... evolve from simple ones, so finding the appropriate pattern for that design is more important than understanding all the details.[8] All design details derived from initial zone and sector analyses. Earthworks and water catchment precede any other construction or planting. Suitable plant habitats (herb spirals, keyhole beds) designed prior to any species selection.
8 Integrate rather than segregate	It is not the number of things...it is the number of beneficial connections between them.[9] Livestock integrated with food forests encourage symbiotic relationships (e.g. chickens remove pests and fertilize fruit tree, fruit tree feeds and shelters chickens). Companion planting combine beneficial functions (insect attractors, nitrogen-fixers, deep-root accumulators, mulch producers, pest repellers, etc.). Community cooking and recreation areas integrate visitors, which builds relationships and maximizes happiness.
9 Use small and slow solutions	We cannot order complex functions. They must evolve of themselves.[10] The golden rule is to develop the nearest area first, get it under control, and then expand the perimeter.[11] All production initiatives begin as small trials with successes expanded upon. Campgrounds themselves are a small solution to a sustainable life, being self-sufficient and not dependent on external macroeconomic and geopolitical factors.  As an illustration of this principle, in the Visitors' Center is a donation jar next to the suggestion box.  As enough money is accumulated it will be spent solving the most pressing concern.
10 Use and value diversity	Stupidity is an attempt to iron out all differences, and not to use or value them creatively.[12] All plant guilds, food forests and other productive systems designed for maximum species diversity. Diversity as a planting policy protects against total, "all-eggs-in-one-basket," failure. Plant yields, in turn, attract a diversity of insect and wildlife species. Welcoming of visitors creates human diversity and enriches community.
11 Use edges and value the margins	We can use the naturally-occuring turbulence, trade and accumulations [of edges] to work for us.[13]  Shape of pond maximizes water/land edge. Shape of keyhole beds and herb spiral maximizes garden edge (and minimizes path space). The roadside market and parking lot (the 'edge' between campground and rest of society) encourages trade with and accumulation of visitors.
12 Creatively use and respond to change	We cannot know a fraction of what exists.[14] Nature carries the instruction book for a sustainable world - it is up to us to read it and preserve it.[5] All species (successes, failures, conditions) are cataloged in the library. Complete records of production, finance, etc. are documented. Visitors are encouraged to voice concerns or share expertise.

[1] David Holmgren, Essence of Permaculture: A Summary (Holmgren Design); p. 9
[2] Holmgren, p. 11
[3] Holmgren, p. 11
[4] Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designers' Manual (Tasmania: Tagari Publications, 1980); p. 69
[5] Mollison, p. 81
[6] Holmgren, p. 14
[7] Toby Hemenway, Gaia's Garden (Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing, 2009); p. 29
[8] Holmgren, p. 16
[9]  Mollison, p. 32
[10] Mollison, p.57-58
[11] Mollison, p. 53
[12] Mollison, p. 80
[13] Mollison, p.78
[14] Mollison, p. 58
[15] Hemenway, p. 67

Zones

"We do not have endless time or energy, and the things we use most, or which need us most often, should be close to hand."[1]

This design method, according to Bill Mollison, is known as zoning.  Zoning helps us consider a tree, a chicken or a pond in terms of our relationship to it rather than as a lone object.  Through zoning we place the most frequently visited objects closest, discouraging neglect and ensuring more efficient use of our time and energy.  This furthers the permaculture Principles of obtaining a yield (#3) and reducing waste (#6).  Furthermore, proper placement of  communal functions helps build social bonds.  

Most importantly, zoning (and sectors) provide a foundation for design, from which "other good things naturally follow as an unplanned result."[2]

ZONE 1 - Visitors' Center

Houses permaculture education exhibits, a library and meeting areas, making it the heart of the project and the community.   All visitors should check in here prior to setting up camp. 

ZONE 2   (Most frequent visitation)

- Production area 

Provides the community with agricultural produce and livestock.  May require daily labor, as well as daily harvesting for fresh, organic meals.  Also generates income when goods from production area are sold at the roadside market located nearby.

- Recreation area 

Central to the social aspects of Permaculture Campgrounds.  Swimming holes, beach, bonfire pit, watersports, horseshoes, the gym and the athletic field all provide fun and exercise for the community.  Area also includes dining hall and oven for community meals.

ZONE 3  (Less frequent visitation)

- Campsites 

Intended mainly for sleeping and the occasional privacy if desired (most visitors spend the bulk of their days elsewhere) campsites are reserved for zone 3.   For the sake of views most campsites are located along the central slope or above the southeastern valley.

- Water systems 

The upper dams and swales are only visited for occasional maintenance.  And a large portion of the lake is only visited for solitary recreation. 

- Food forests

A succession of fruit, nut and legume trees interspersed, shrubs, vines and ground-cover crops provide a secondary food source.  Fully developed forests require little to no maintenance, only occasional harvesting. (see Production area for more details) 

ZONE 4 - (Rare visitation)

- Fuel forests 

Native hardwood species such as oak and sugar maple provide fuel.  Requires no maintenance and very infrequent harvesting.  

- High Pointe observation deck

A secluded perch to relax and enjoy the views. Reachable only after a hike to the mountaintop. 

- Wildlife

A diversity of mammals can be found in Appalachia, including coyotes, boars and bears.  Best left alone without human interference. 

ZONE 5 - (No visitation)

- Beyond the property

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[1]Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designers' Manual (Tasmania: Tagari Publications, 1980); p. 49-50
[2] Ibid, p.55

Sectors

Placement in Sectors is another important method of permaculture design.  Sectors are the forces of nature that enter and affect our system, such as sun, wind and rain.  These can be "both destructive and beneficial energies," according to Bill Mollison, for which "we need to erect shields, deflectors or collectors."[1]  By understanding these energies and designing our system accordingly, we reduce energy consumption and maximize production in a manner more ethical and harmonious with nature. 

Seasonal Sectors
Our campgrounds are located in the temperate climate of Central Appalachia, at 36.5°N latitude near the Virginia/Tennessee border.  Temperatures average 85-64°F during summer months and 27-47° during winter.  Summer highs and winter lows in the surrounding area can reach 99° and -20°, respectively.

However, these extremes are mitigated at our facilities.  Enjoy comfortable year-round temperatures (without wasteful air-conditioners or heaters) thanks to careful permaculture design and the harnessing of seasonal sectors such as sun angles and winds.

Summer Sun
Sector description - With the sun overhead, reaching an angle of 76.5° on the summer solstice (June 21st), summers can be scorching hot.
Design aspects - Deflect this sector and maximize shade.  All campsites are covered by large deciduous trees.  Our community cooking area, public restrooms, and patio and courtyard of the Visitors' Center are all covered by trellised roofs with thick deciduous vines.  Roofs and heat-sensitive trees are covered with white material to deflect sunlight.  The summer sun is also a beneficial sector. It's a source of energy from our solar panels, a source for sunbathing on our lakeside beach, not to mention growth for all plant life [see more under "winter sun" design aspects].

Summer Winds
Sector description - Southeasterly winds blow steadily throughout the summer.
Design aspects - Harness this sector for maximum cooling effect.  Winds pick up speed and moisture across the lake, cooling the production area and Visitors' Center.  Likewise, spray from the fountain pond southeast of the Visitors' Center adds cool moisture to the winds.  Trees for privacy screens and winter windbreaks are carefully positioned to not impede, and in fact funnel, summer winds.

This combination of refreshing breezes and shaded areas help keep visitors cool throughout the hottest days of summer.


Winter Sun
Sector description - In this temperate climate, winters are cold and the sun is low and weak, as low as 30.5° on the winter solstice (December 22nd).
Design aspects - Absorb this sector for maximum heating energy.  Buildings designed to deflect summer sunlight also absorb winter sunlight.  This is achieved through the angles of roof overhangs and the loss of leaves by deciduous trees [see Visitors' Center diagrams for more detail].  Furthermore, south-facing patios or courtyards have white flooring to reflect more sunlight onto the structure.  Interior surfaces receiving sunlight or any exterior walls are black to absorb and radiate heat.  In the production area, greenhouses are aligned east to west to receive more sunlight along their lengths, and keyhole garden beds are arched southwards as "suntraps."

Winter Winds
Sector description - Occasional northerly winds blow down the mountainside during winter.
Design aspects - Block this sector.  All structures, campsites, and vulnerable plant systems have windbreaks of sturdy evergreens on their northern side.  Structures are also well insulated on their northern walls.

A combination of blocking winds and absorbing sunlight help maintain comfortable warmth even in the dead of winter.

Other Sectors

Rainfall
Sector description -  This region of Appalachia receives 45" of annual precipitation on average.  Due to the sloping, mountainous terrain, much of the water provided by the rainfall sector would otherwise runoff into local river systems, if it weren't for certain design aspects.
Design aspects - Capture and store as much of this sector as possible.  Water tanks store rainwater from roofs.  Swales on contour stop and sink rainwater from the mountain slopes.  Overflow from the swales fill the two upper dams, which in turn provide water to irrigation systems, livestock, bathrooms and fountains.  All flat surfaces such as parking lots, roads and the athletic field are graded to direct rainfall into nearby swales or plant systems.

View
Sector description - To the south and southeast are lovely views of the Appalachian Valley.
Design aspects - Campsites along the southern edge of the main grounds, as well as on the upper ridges, have clearings to their south for unobstructed views.  The High Pointe observatory at the peak offers breathtaking views of the property, the valley and the mountain range beyond.

Traffic
Sector description - Interstate Route 91 passes along the property's western edge.
Design aspects - Noise, pollution and lack of privacy are minor concerns, reduced by treelines.  However, passersby are afforded some views of the beautiful permaculture forests and lake below.  As a source of attracting visitors, this sector is a great asset.  From our roadside parking lot, they can sample and purchase fresh organic produce from our market stands, or head into the nearby food forests and pick their own.  Also, Rt. 19 provides access, with our main entrance to the Visitors' Center and a quick path to the production area.

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[1] Bill Mollison, Permaculture: A Designers' Manual (Tasmania: Tagari Publications, 1980); p. 54-55