Here are some details on the things I in vision happening on this 60 acre place. I have now organized it into 4 development phases totaling 14 years:
Harmony Springs Permaculture Ecovillage
Phase 1: It will be 5 years. First I am in the process of adding shelving, two workbenches and a large table saw table in the barn turning it into the Woodwork Shop. Next I am organizing all tools and supplies. (Some previous tenants have left this place in a mess, now that its my turn, there will be a place for everything and everything in its place.) Then we(help) will learn how to plan out workshops for people to attend who are interested in having hands-on experiences and learning how to do permaculture projects. We may also develop a internship program. Then we will advertise the 7 RV rental spaces on various permaculture websites, so that people who are traveling around can come and stay and just relax and hang out down at the pond or participate in the workshops. Next the tractor will be repaired. The rubber bits for the hydraulics need to be replaced. Then the swales are to be dug. Lots of them all over the property. Currently there is an electric pump at the spring. We will build and install a RAM pump, which runs 24/7 and needs no electricity. Then trees and other plantings are to be planted along the swales once the water flow from the spring has put enough water in the swales or the winter rains have come, which ever comes first. Then there are two areas (one, called the Wellness Garden, is at the future Wellness Center site, the other is the Community Garden, which is at the future Community Center site,) which are designated as production gardens. These areas will be fenced off and planted with all the plants that we eat and sell. Next we will build a 14 X 20 green house next to the garden shed out of old windows I have been collecting. Then we will flatten out and gravel an area near the road which we will call the parking lot. Then we will create a "Market Stand" at the parking lot site, to sell the produce we have grown. There are also plans to build a large Labyrinth. The money raised from the workshops, rentals and market stand will be saved (after expenses) until there is enough to pay for a permit and re-zoning issue that has recently come to my attention. This may take 5 years.
Phase 2: 4 years. Re-zone the property and permit what needs to be permitted. Build a Garden Center, a Country Market and a Bookstore Cafe at the parking lot site. These building projects will all be alternative buildings. There will also be a Metal Shop, a Building Supply Warehouse, and a Electric Recycling Shop, all near the existing Woodwork Shop. We will continue to plant more trees and other plants all over the place. There will also be a beach put in at one end of the pond and a small cabin will be built there which we will call the Beach House. We will complete the unfinished apartment in the Woodwork Shop. We will also build a small cabin at the top corner of the property. These will be for rentals or people who wish to stay and work. There will need to be people to run the market, cafe, and garden center. And people to garden, and on and on.
Phase 3: 3 years. By this time the goal is to have enough funds to pay off the mortgage of this place and then to build a grand Wellness Center at the other corner at the top of the property. Then we will develop and implement the programs and services and outdoor garden area .
Phase 4: 2 years. Renovate the main house (The house I now live in with my paralyzed father [I moved here from Victoria, BC, in 2003 to be his caregiver after he became paralyzed in an auto accident]) and turn it into a Community Center. The Community Center programs will include helping youth and others who need help to grow and become better people.
Whew! Lots of plans. I have a detailed plan as to how this will all play out. I in vision that this will be a place which will show that one can live in a supportive community and be independent, resilient, and be off grid and off fossil fuels.
