Consulting for Communities
“Alone we can do so little;
together we can do so much.”
– Helen Keller
Our communities can only be protected from the impacts of climate change if we work together. While sustainable business practices and eco-friendly landscaping are important, we need to do more to truly thrive.
Many communities prioritize stormwater systems, parking lots, and neatly trimmed lawns with limited urban wildlife - but it's time to rethink our approach. Instead of valuing minimalism, we champion urban biodiversity, protecting the land and creatures that share it with us.
Each community has unique challenges, but they all revolve around basic needs like food, water, and shelter. To tackle issues like rainwater management, wildfire prevention, local food security, and economic resilience, we need a collaborative approach beyond conventional urban planning.
By uniting traditional urban planners with experts in sustainable land management, we can develop new strategies for community success that foster harmony with the natural world.
You Might be Wondering...
How can your services support our community's existing sustainability goals?
We tailor our services by integrating permaculture principles into existing urban and suburban infrastructure and planning. By working with natural systems that promote biodiversity, soil health, and water management, we help transform underutilized spaces into productive, resilient landscapes to significantly reduce stormwater runoff, enhance appeal, and support local wildlife - all without needing to redesign existing civic infrastructure from the ground up.
Can you provide successful examples for such initiatives?
Beacon Food Forest in Seattle is one of the largest urban food forests in the United States, integrating permaculture design with urban planning to create a productive, resilient landscape within a densely populated area.
Portland’s Green Streets Initiative manages stormwater through natural systems integrated with the urban environment using bioswales, rain gardens, and permeable pavements to reduce runoff, filter pollutants, and help cool the city.
Philadelphia’s Green City Clean Waters initiative is a leading example of urban stormwater management through green infrastructure including rain gardens, green roofs, permeable pavement, and tree planting.
The Edible Schoolyard project is based in Berkeley, MI and focuses on integrating garden and kitchen education into the school curriculum, and has influenced many similar projects across the country, promoting sustainable agriculture and food education.
Toronto’s Green Roof Bylaw mandates green roofs on new commercial, institutional, and residential buildings. This policy has led to the creation of numerous green roofs that manage stormwater, reduce the urban heat island effect, and contribute to biodiversity.
What benefits can our community expect from implementing your recommendations around long-term environmental impact, cost savings, and social resilience?
Implementing permaculture-based recommendations can lead to significant long-term environmental benefits, including improved soil health, enhanced water retention, and increased biodiversity. These changes reduce the need for external inputs like irrigation, fertilizers and pesticides, leading to both cost and material savings. Additionally, by creating landscapes that are productive and diverse, we help build resilience - fostering community engagement and providing spaces that enhance local food security, decrease soil erosion from wind and rain, and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Is your approach specific to Vancouver Island, or do you support communities in other climates?"
Every project is tailored to the surrounding region, with adaptable methodology to meet the needs of your community. We work to understand your area's unique climate, soil, biodiversity, and existing infrastructure, then collaborate with local experts to design in harmony with these factors. Whether dealing with urban spaces, suburban landscapes, or rural watersheds, our goal is to develop solutions that are resilient, productive, and inclusive.
How do you involve local stakeholders in the planning and implementation process?
Engaging local stakeholders is critical to success. We collaborate in hosting community workshops and forums, gathering input, and understanding regional priorities. Throughout the planning and implementation phases, we maintain open lines of communication, provide updates and incorporate ongoing feedback. We also create online articles and educational materials to empower residents and organizations, ensuring long-term success and community buy-in.
– Arthur Ashe
“We are the leaders we've been looking for.”
– Grace Lee Boggs
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
Ready to Chat?
Community projects can take many forms, and require education and buy-in from its citizens and leaders alike. If you'd like to chat about nature-based resilience and how it can benefit your area, please reach out below, and let's start a conversation.
