HANDS-ON PERMACULTURE PROJECTS & EDUCATION
Permaculture is a design philosophy and practical approach that works with nature’s patterns and natural rhythms to create systems that are abundant, regenerative, & resilient. At its core are 3 ethics:
Earth Care ~ regenerating the land and ecosystems we depend on
People Care ~ meeting human needs and nurturing community wellbeing
Fair Share ~ equitable distribution of resources, giving back to the Earth and each other
You can learn more about the 12 Permaculture Principles here.
A hugelkultur garden project we did in November, 2021, in Southern RI, led by Pato and Scotty Guzman.
At the Convergence, we’ll practice permaculture as a way to give back to the place hosting us. We’re especially excited to be supporting the MOFGA Common Ground Fairgrounds—a site and event that has a huge impact on the bioregion through the annual Common Ground Fair.
Our projects will leave lasting improvements for the land and for the community that gathers here. This work also has personal roots as our co-founder, Scotty, has been involved with the Fair for years - helping lead composting and recycling efforts that reduce waste and build soil.
Over the course of the weekend, you can join us for interactive, land-based workshops that teach valuable skills while making a tangible difference on the site:
These hands-on projects will move forward based on the number of people excited to join in. If you’re curious, willing to learn, and ready to get your hands dirty, we’ll match you with a crew!
💧 Building a Pond
Learn how ponds store water, support biodiversity, and create microclimates—then help design and dig one.
🌱 Making a Hügelkultur Garden
Build a raised garden bed from logs, branches, and organic matter that will decompose over time, improving soil fertility and moisture retention.
🌾 Scything: An Ancient Grass-Mowing Technique
Discover the rhythm and efficiency of scything - a quiet, fossil-fuel-free way to cut grass, while learning proper form and blade care.
🔥 Turning Pine Slash into Biochar
Help clean up pine debris and transform it into biochar—a carbon-rich soil amendment that locks carbon in the ground and improves soil health.
🪧 Plant & Tree Signage + Scavenger Hunt Map
Create educational signs for the site’s plants and trees, paired with a scavenger hunt map to inspire exploration for all ages.
🪵 Garden Bench
We’ll work together to build a sturdy garden bench using stacked logs.
🍇 Building a Grape Arbor
Join in constructing a wooden arbor designed for grapevines to climb and thrive—adding beauty, shade, and future harvests to the site.
🏡 Starting a Demonstration Root Cellar (Hempcrete Build)
Be part of the first phase of building a small root cellar using hempcrete—a sustainable, breathable material that provides natural cold storage. Learn foundational techniques while helping lay the groundwork for a structure that will one day keep produce fresh through the seasons.
💡 No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands in the soil.