Visitors' Center

Welcome to the Visitors' Center!  The apostrophe in Visitors' denotes possessive and plural, meaning the Center, like Mother Earth, belongs to all of us.  Here at Permaculture Campgrounds, we firmly believe that all necessities can be provided in abundance by Mother Earth, as long as we understand her.  Therefore, in line with our vision, permaculture education is the primary objective of this Center.

Educational Tools

• Exhibitions - Interactive displays, diagrams, and artwork in the main hall help educate visitors on the ways of permaculture.  Exhibits include a mini model of swales, diagrams of plant guilds, soil biota, zone and sector design, as well as a mural of Permaculture Principles.
• Aquaponics - This micro-ecological system demonstrates the harmonious cycles of nature, central to permaculture.  The fish excrete fertilizer for the plants, who in turn purify the water and produce feed for the fish.  This symbiotic relationship produces zero waste and high yields.
• Herb Spirals - A showcase of permaculture design, a variety of herbs find niches among the spirals' varying microclimates.  Its yields are high for such an easily accessible and space-saving design, inspired by patterns found in nature.  Several large herb spirals line the pathway to the production area.  
• Flower Beds - Roses fill the hall with a beautiful scent; stalks of Aloe Vera are applied to the skin of sun-burnt visitors; hummingbirds drawn by Red Columbine thrill onlookers.  A diversity of species growing in the courtyard illustrate some benefits of an integrated relationship with nature, encouraging a greater understanding and appreciation.
• Solar Power -  Free, clean and unlimited power from the sun is the perfect embodiment of a renewable resource.  Solar panels serve all onsite electrical needs, including lighting, appliances and pumps.  This renewable energy, combined with reduced energy consumption (see sector design below), is the key to a sustainable future!  

Energy Efficiency through Sector Design

Top view

Side view

Summer Cooling Elements
A - Patio has a vine-covered, trellised roof acting as a shadehouse
B - Fountain with (solar-powered) jets adds cool moisture to winds
C - Windows are large and numerous, allowing cross-breeze
D - Earthtube draws in cool, underground currents
E - Deciduous trees provide summer shade
F - Angled roof also provides summer shade
G - Below ground rooms such as the library and bathroom are insulated from summer heat

Winter Warming Elements
1 - Patio doubles as greenhouse, with retractable walls
2 - Windows are large and south-facing, allowing sunlight
3 - White gravel reflects more sunlight into structure
4 - Dark stone interior absorbs sunlight and radiates heat
5 - Ground insulation prevents heat loss
6 - Evergreen windbreaks block northerly winter winds
* [not pictured] - Structure located on 'thermal belt' of mountainside, below the windswept peak and above the cold, damp valley.