Natural Farming

I have around 4 acres of land (about half of it is prairie and woodland) and this year I have decided to covert a good chunk of the lawn into a food forest. I'm quite new to permaculture, or even growing plants for that matter, but am very determined to start growing food in a way that's sustainable. I am located on the prairies of southern Manitoba. The climate here is very dry in the summer and extremely cold in the winter. We have a well-draining, clay soil that has remained undisturbed for a long time. Lots of wild food here too: saskatoons, raspberries, nannyberries, chokecherries, and hazelnuts.

I have about a half acre of land that is still just lawn and would like to turn it into something productive. I'm quite busy this year but would love to start planning the future of this area. I've recently read The One Straw Revolution and am very fascinated by Fukuoka's techniques. I would love to turn this area into something similar to his citrus orchards, but would obviously have to use completely different plants and a very different method that is suited for my climate. Being someone who just recently started growing food, I have know idea where to start and would love to here any suggestions.

Also, if you have tried natural farming in the past or are doing it right now please share your experiences.

Some great natural farming information:
Culturalhealingandlife - Natural Farming Section.