Jay Ford

Greetings Permies! We have a permaculture farm in Virginia named Shine and Rise: https://www.facebook.com/ShineandRise and this summer we will be expanding rapidly with plenty of exciting hands on opportunities for folks that want to learn about any or all of the following.

Geodesic Green house
Solar power pumps
Hugelkultur
Swale and Berms
Annual/ Perennial growing
Rammed earth tire construction
Goats...goats. goats
and lots more.


We would love to have folks who certainly want to learn but more importantly people who have something they want to try. Our site is completely off the grid utilizing thermal mass in building design, solar panels, and our backs to accomplish our goals and so there is no small amount of out of the box thinking. If you have a project with alternative energy you have been dreaming up, a new system for growing, a vision for a piece of public art, or simply want to be around like minded people than contact us at shineandrisecommunity@gmail.com and let us know what you are about.

If you would like to build a tiny house on property without owning it you can build one on my farm if you keep up the plants around you:) We have multiple tiny houses for people who are interested in living sustainably and are always happy to facilitate others dreams.

Welcome Looby!

I work in State Government in Virginia in we are looking for innovative policies or perhaps even relaxation of current policies that would encourage permaculture principles and more widely the locavore movement in our state. We would love to have you come for a visit and perhaps speak about your book and thoughts on how local governments can aid/hinder this process.

I would of course also love a copy of your book to share with others working toward the same goals here in the commonwealth.

Hope to meet you in person some time.

Jay C. Ford
jaycford@gmail.com