We believe in returning to the simple life.
We value safe, healthy housing (that does not require a life-time of debt); fresh, nutrient-rich food (with recognizable ingredients); and believe that if we help nature, nature will help us.
We value safe, healthy housing (that does not require a life-time of debt); fresh, nutrient-rich food (with recognizable ingredients); and believe that if we help nature, nature will help us.
Last summer we were fortunate enough to purchase a picturesque 30 acres atop a mountain in east Tennessee . It has an amazing a 180 degree view which allows us to watch the sunrise over the distant Appalachian Mountains and the sunset beyond the Sequatchie Valley.
South-Facing Slope
Our property is on a mostly south facing slope which shows excellent promise for home-grown food. We plan to create a food forest. By mixing native nitrogen fixing trees and nutrient accumulating bushes with fruit trees or other harvest-able crops, the soil will gradually improve without bringing in expensive energy-intensive fertilizer.
Erosion
This property was recently logged (before our purchase). It has sandy soil, so erosion is major problem. Parts of the fields are barren from water washing away nutrients and soil. Deep ruts are forming from rainwater runoff. The soil becomes extremely dry during periods without rain. There is a pond on the property which holds water and remains full even during dry periods. We'd like to create more ponds and swells to catch and hold water so that water (and nutrients) can sink into the soil and create better growing conditions for plants. The plants will then stabilize the soil.
Energy Independence
We have several options for becoming energy independent. The south facing slope is ideal for solar panels. Windmills are an option since we usually have some sort of wind (ranging from a light breeze to quite strong). Water flows on the property six months out of the year. If we were to create more ponds we believe we would have a year round creek instead of a seasonal creek. The drop of creek is ideal for a micro hydro-generator.
Long Term Goals
We foresee many problems with modern society and we believe creating permanent
agriculture systems is an important solution to the many problems.
Our goal is to create a sustainable waste-free system that once established is permanent, perpetual and unstoppable. This system would grow a surplus of food for our family, friends, local community and give a portion back to nature and the local wildlife living within the newly created habitats.
agriculture systems is an important solution to the many problems.
Our goal is to create a sustainable waste-free system that once established is permanent, perpetual and unstoppable. This system would grow a surplus of food for our family, friends, local community and give a portion back to nature and the local wildlife living within the newly created habitats.