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HUSP, an acronym for "Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas," represents an advanced, nature-centric agricultural system envisioned by Paul Wheaton. It goes beyond contemporary permaculture, envisioning a future where food production systems have undergone centuries of optimization, inspired by traditional Indigenous practices that existed before European colonization. HUSP posits a hypothetical United States of Pocahontas (USP), where agriculture prioritizes harmony with nature, rejecting environmentally harmful practices like plowing and the use of petroleum-based fertilizers and pesticides. This system would not only produce abundant, nutritious food, but also lead to improved human health and a thriving health tourism industry within the USP. Achieving HUSP in the real world necessitates collaborative experimentation and knowledge exchange between permaculture, biodynamic farming, and native plant cultivation practitioners. This would involve a 2,000-acre plot divided into smaller sections, where experts can develop and refine HUSP principles, fostering innovation and leading to a future where food production systems are deeply integrated with natural ecosystems. Crucially, this project requires a supportive environment with minimal government regulation to encourage creativity and accelerate progress toward a truly sustainable agricultural future.
One Mason bee can pollinate 200 times more flowers than one honey bee. Unlike honey bees, Mason bees are native to North America.
The distinction between "woodland" and "forest" is subtle but significant within the context of permaculture, particularly in Paul Wheaton's approach to Wofati design. While "forest" implies a focus on traditional forestry practices, often associated with monoculture and resource extraction, "woodland" evokes a more holistic and interconnected ecosystem. Woodland management, as exemplified in Ben Law's books The Woodland Way and The Woodland Year, emphasizes sustainable practices that prioritize biodiversity, ecological balance, and human integration with the natural world. A woodland is seen as a space where humans are active participants, nurturing and benefiting from the ecosystem's abundance, similar to the Native American land management practices that inspire the HUSP (Horticulture of the United States of Pocahontas) concept. In contrast, a forest, within this framework, is often viewed as a resource to be exploited, a perspective that aligns with the concerns raised about conifer monocultures and their detrimental impact on biodiversity and soil health. Therefore, "woodland," as used in the context of Wofati, signifies a conscious shift towards a more harmonious and sustainable relationship between humans and the natural world. This distinction underscores the importance of terminology in shaping our understanding and approach to land management within the permaculture movement.
The willow feeder system, developed by permaculture expert Paul Wheaton, offers a "freaky-cheap" and sustainable alternative to conventional septic systems and sewage treatment plants. This system employs a unique method of managing human waste, transforming it into a nutrient-rich fertilizer known as "willow candy." Unlike composting toilets, which rely on decomposition, willow feeders utilize sealed garbage cans to create a dry environment that mummifies the waste, effectively eliminating pathogens while conserving valuable carbon and nitrogen. A small amount of sawdust is added to each can, primarily for aesthetics. After aging for two years in these sealed containers, the resulting pathogen-free "willow candy" is ready to be applied as fertilizer. However, not all plants can handle the high nutrient content of this unique fertilizer. "Poop beasts", such as willow, cottonwood, poplar, and bamboo trees, thrive on "willow candy" and readily absorb its nutrients. The willow feeder system exemplifies permaculture principles by turning human waste into a valuable resource, fostering sustainable gardening practices and minimizing environmental impact. Paul Wheaton, a prominent figure in the permaculture community, has implemented the willow feeder system at his property, Wheaton Labs, and actively promotes it through his online platforms, including permies.com. He often refers to waste as a "feed" for another system, encouraging a shift in perspective towards a more holistic view of resource management.
The berm shed is more than just a simple storage structure; its construction incorporates advanced techniques that prioritize sustainability, durability, and integration with the natural environment. Earthworks play a crucial role, as careful shaping of the landscape is required to create the berm that covers a portion of the shed's sloping roof. This berm acts as a natural insulator and thermal mass, helping to regulate temperature inside the structure. The "attic" cell design, as discussed in source, involves a specific configuration at the termination ends of the berm shed, further enhancing its thermal efficiency. Round wood timber framing, a technique using logs instead of dimensional lumber, is often employed, lending structural strength and a rustic aesthetic. A key consideration is the long-term durability of the wood in contact with soil. Source emphasizes the importance of peeling the bark from posts before burial to reduce the probability of rot, highlighting the evolution of construction techniques for increased longevity. Additionally, using gravel in post holes, as described in source, helps with drainage and further protects the wood from moisture. These advanced concepts, when combined, result in a berm shed that is not only functional and visually appealing but also a testament to sustainable building practices deeply rooted in permaculture principles.