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April 2025 Permaculture Newsletter

What has always drawn me to Permaculture is its ability to provide real solutions to many of the world’s pressing problems. In a world often dominated by bad news, Permaculture stands as a beacon of hope — a tangible path toward positive change.

Last month, during Permaculture Week, we witnessed an incredible wave of action across the globe. Communities came together, taking meaningful steps to regenerate landscapes, build resilience, and empower others. Seeing people unite to create lasting impact is nothing short of inspiring.

We’ll be hearing from some of these changemakers during our upcoming Permaculture Summit in May, where they’ll share how their work is transforming their communities.

But the question I always ask myself is:
How can I take action today?

So, for the rest of this newsletter, we’ll explore practical ways you can begin making a difference right now. Whether big or small, every step matters — let’s get started.

🔥 Start Implementing Fire Suppression Strategies Now!

If you live in a fire-prone region, now is the time to take proactive steps to protect your land. One of the best ways to reduce wildfire risk and improve soil health is by converting fire-prone debris into biochar using a biochar kiln. This strategy not only mitigates fire hazards but also enhances soil fertility and locks carbon into the ground for centuries to millenia.

Why Biochar is a Game-Changer

Biochar is a carbon-rich material created by heating organic waste (like woody debris, branches, and brush) in a low-oxygen environment through a process called pyrolysis. This process stabilizes carbon, preventing it from returning to the atmosphere while improving soil health.

✅ Fire Mitigation: Reduces combustible materials and lowers wildfire risk.
✅ Soil Regeneration: Enhances water retention, boosts microbial activity, and increases soil fertility.
✅ Carbon Sequestration: Locks carbon into the soil, helping mitigate climate change.

Did you know?
Studies show that biochar can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil by up to 50% and improve crop yields by as much as 25% in degraded soils.

Why Use a Biochar Kiln?

A biochar kiln allows you to convert organic material into biochar efficiently and responsibly. These kilns optimize the pyrolysis process, ensuring more carbon is locked into the biochar rather than released into the atmosphere.

Benefits of Using a Biochar Kiln:

🔥 High Efficiency: Converts a high percentage of biomass into stable biochar.
🌱 Sustainable Waste Management: Turns fire-prone debris into a valuable soil amendment.
⚡️ Energy Capture Potential: Some kilns can even capture heat or gases for additional uses.

By using a biochar kiln, you’re turning waste into a resource, aligning with Permaculture principles of minimizing waste and maximizing yields.

Turn Biochar Knowledge into $5,000!

Here’s the exciting part — this year’s Permaculture Design Contest is focused on biochar!

If you spend time creating and applying biochar this season, you’ll have the opportunity to incorporate that experience into a Permaculture design that could win you $5,000. The contest happens in late summer, so start experimenting now and build a project that showcases the power of biochar.

🔥 Need a Biochar Kiln? We Can Help!

If you’re ready to create biochar but need a quality kiln, reach out to our Philanthropy Coordinator, Gloria Floro. She specializes in custom-made biochar kilns and can ship them across the country to help you get started. Plus, mention PINA at checkout and 15% of the proceeds well be set aside to help our cause.

Get Your Kiln Today!

Donate To PINA Today

Take Action Now!

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Take Your Gardening Skills to New Heights This Season!

I don’t know about you, but the weather where I am is perfect for getting that summer garden going. There’s nothing quite like enjoying freshly harvested fruits, vegetables, and even home-raised meats right from your own backyard.

Every year, I challenge myself to improve my garden just a little more. Sometimes that means experimenting with a new plant variety, installing a better composting system, or introducing animals to enhance soil fertility. In other years, I focus on refining the techniques I’ve already learned by refreshing my knowledge and seeking new insights from experts.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning from some amazing teachers whose tips and techniques have transformed me into a confident and capable gardener. The Permaculture Institute of North America (PINA) encourages this exact mindset — the idea that continuous learning and skill-building is essential for every Permaculture practitioner.

If you’re ready to take your gardening skills to the next level, we’re excited to highlight an exceptional opportunity to learn from Marisha Auerbach, a seasoned Permaculture educator with over two decades of experience in ecological design and food production.

Her “Grow Your Own Produce” Workshop Series provides a comprehensive, month-by-month guide to maintaining a productive and abundant garden all year long.

Here’s what makes this series so valuable:

🌱 Seasonal Guidance: Each month, Marisha dives into what’s needed to keep your garden thriving — from seasonal planting schedules to pest management and soil-building strategies.

🌱 Holistic Approach: Workshops cover a wide range of topics, including crop rotation, seed saving, composting, and even designing integrated systems that incorporate animals for enhanced fertility.

🌱 Accessible Anywhere: These workshops are available online, making it easy for you to learn from Marisha’s expertise no matter where you’re located.

Did you know?
Participants report that these workshops not only increase their yields but also help them reduce garden inputs and build long-term soil fertility. The techniques Marisha shares align perfectly with Permaculture principles, emphasizing sustainable, regenerative systems that support a thriving ecosystem.

With the growing season just around the corner, this is the ideal moment to refresh your skills and introduce new techniques into your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener looking to refine your approach or a beginner eager to establish a thriving food system, Marisha’s workshop series offers the knowledge and tools you need to succeed.

BE FEATURED IN THE NEWSLETTER

Members, we want to highlight your work in our newsletter. Please email a project you’re proud of to communications@pina.in.

PINA invites you to share content for a future edition of our newsletter!

See an article or news item you think we should feature? Contact us to let us know.

Calling All Permaculture Enthusiasts in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast Regions!

Are you passionate about Permaculture and ready to help shape its future in your region? We’re inviting practitioners, educators, and community leaders to contribute their insights and experience to guide the direction of Permaculture in the Great Lakes, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions of the US and Canada.

This is an incredible opportunity to collaborate, share ideas, and build a stronger Permaculture network in your area. Your input can help foster growth, strengthen connections, and influence future initiatives.

Join Us Here

Miguel Elliott’s “Cobin” Project: Rebuilding Lahaina, One Earthen Structure at a Time

When the devastating 2023 wildfires tore through Lahaina, Maui, claiming over 102 lives and reducing much of the historic town to ashes, Miguel Elliott felt called to action.

Founder of Living Earth Structures, Miguel had spent years perfecting the art of creating sustainable earthen ovens, benches, and small huts using locally sourced, natural materials. After witnessing the devastation, he packed up his expertise and headed to Maui to make a difference.

“I just finished building the first cob house in Lahaina, right in the middle of the burn zone,” Miguel shared recently. This “cobin” — a structure made of recycled pallets, earthen cob, adobe plaster, and finished with a protective lime coating — stood as a symbol of resilience and regeneration.

Not only do cobins keep excavated clay out of landfills, but they also offer affordable, fire-resistant, and well-insulated housing solutions. Cobins absorb heat during the day and release it at night, making them energy-efficient and ideal for tropical climates.

As Miguel continues his mission to rebuild Lahaina, he’s not just restoring homes — he’s inspiring a movement toward sustainable, community-driven living. Cobba dobba do!

What’s New on the PcX?

Wanna hang out at a block party JUST for permaculturists like YOU?! Then come on over for a PcX-specific block party…💃🕺

Wednesday, April 9 – 7pm et

Bring an idea or two to share. Bring your own beer, wine, herbal tea, and snacks! Open house style, people come and go as you can.

Thinking about zone 0 and 00, how do we support each other as a community, beyond sharing the nuts and bolts of our permaculture work?

What else is on your mind? Come hang out with us as we party on the digital block!

This is our 2nd Block Party. We’ve learned some things, got some great feedback, and are trying a new day and time for #2.

This event is ONLY for PcX Members, so swing on by and say “hi” 👋

Join Here

Welcome to our Newest Allied Organization

We’re thrilled to welcome Earth Love Gardens as PINA’s newest Allied Organization!

Based in Boulder, Colorado, Earth Love Gardens is a landscape design firm that envisions a world of joy, community, and environmental harmony.

They follow their hearts in making the most eco-friendly choices for the Earth and humanity, striving to reduce waste and foster deeper connections through love and delicious, locally sourced food.

Earth Love Gardens actively supports local organizations and offers their services not only in the Boulder and Denver areas but also remotely to communities nationwide.

Their mission is to create a world that feels like heaven on Earth, one garden at a time.

Learn More