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