A weekend workshop at the Historic DeLorenzo Farm in Duxbury, developed and maintained by Fowl Play Farm and Miss Bee Haven.

by Jessica Fox.

As we confront the troubling climatic events happening around the world, each catastrophe serves as a reminder of the fragility of our foundational systems—particularly our food system. This brings to mind a quote from Masanobu Fukuoka, founder of the “natural farming” movement: “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.” Through my work as a permaculturist and homesteader, I’ve come to realize that community is often overlooked and underutilized in many environmental efforts. The deeper I delve into permaculture, the clearer it becomes that building resilient communities through intentional design is essential for creating sustainable food systems and driving lasting change.

What is Permaculture?

“Permaculture” combines “permanent” and “agriculture.” The term, coined in the 1970s by Australian scholars Bill Mollison and David Holmgren, arose from their concerns over humanity’s increasing dependence on fossil fuels and detachment from nature. Inspired by their studies of natural systems and Aboriginal practices in Tasmania, they authored “Permaculture One: A Perennial Agriculture for Human Settlements” in 1978.

Although Mollison and Holmgren are known for popularizing permaculture, it’s crucial to recognize that these concepts aren’t new. Many of the principles are rooted in the knowledge and practices of Indigenous cultures that have long lived in harmony with nature.

Permaculture is based on three ethics—People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share—that guide decisions and designs, supported by twelve design principles.

Community-Centered Design

Permaculture goes beyond food; it’s about designing systems—both natural and social—that work in harmony. Communities rooted in permaculture principles cultivate vibrant, supportive environments for people and the planet. From neighborhood layouts to shared spaces, the foundation of these communities lies in shared values, where the well-being of individuals is interwoven with that of the collective.

Economic resilience is another benefit, as permaculture supports local production and businesses. Farmers’ markets, CSAs, and community gardens foster economic security and reduce reliance on global supply chains. Initiatives like bartering and resource-sharing reduce the need for individual ownership of every resource and instead promote collective use. Platforms such as the Buy Nothing Project and local lending libraries serve to exemplify this communal design approach.

In permaculture, self-reliance is often considered a myth. Community-reliance fosters interconnectedness, allowing people to thrive together by pooling skills, knowledge, and labor. Recent crises, from the pandemic to severe weather events like Hurricane Helene, have highlighted how community-reliance creates networks of mutual support that enhance collective well-being and adaptability.

Where to Learn More

Education is a key pillar of permaculture. Workshops, skill-sharing events, and community gatherings empower people with the knowledge, tools, and support to create a more resilient system. By building confidence and promoting skill development, permaculture strengthens not only individual capabilities but also community ties, making it easier to respond to challenges together.

As a co-founder and the primary steward of South Shore Permaculture, I’ve helped build an organization focused on ecological and community restoration through permaculture education. We offer hands-on learning, from afternoon workshops to our comprehensive Permaculture Design Course (PDC), a globally-recognized certification program ideal for anyone—from beginners to experienced farmers. If you’re interested in connecting with nature and our local community while learning sustainable practices, our next PDC begins in January 2025.

We recently hosted a weekend workshop at the Historic DeLorenzo Farm in Duxbury, developed and maintained by Fowl Play Farm and Miss Bee Haven. This event allowed participants to deepen their observation skills—one of the core elements of permaculture design—and to connect with the land and each other. The power of community was a major takeaway for many participants.

Local Actions, Global Impact

In today’s fast-paced world, permaculture offers a path to a more intentional and grounded way of life. While many of us in Southeastern Massachusetts are fortunate in resources, time and energy can still feel scarce. Permaculture teaches us that there is a way out of this cycle—through small, deliberate steps toward a community-centered lifestyle. It’s more than supporting local businesses or joining hands on a project; it’s about building a community that shows up for each other, sharing tasks, creating room for vulnerability, and drawing strength from one another.

People Care, Earth Care, and Fair Share

Permablitzes are a great example of this—community volunteer days where people come together to work on a project that improves someone’s landscape and quality of life. In return, participants gain hands-on skills, knowledge, and the chance to connect with like-minded people. We recently held a permablitz at Maribett Farm in Kingston, where community members pruned a large blueberry patch and in return received expert guidance and a delicious, home cooked meal. Ron and Connie Maribett have run this permaculture farm for over 35 years. While they are slowing down their active farming, their contributions to our community are invaluable.

During our first PDC, we witnessed connections made that continue to energize our region. For instance, Brett Sovick, the farmer behind Fowl Play Farm and one of our first students, has built lasting relationships that have brought him support, new customers, and even donated farm animals—all through connections made at South Shore Permaculture. In the grand scheme, these may seem like small interactions, but they weave together, like mycelium beneath the forest floor, forming the unseen network that builds community resilience.

Building a Resilient Future Together

As we navigate this moment in history, we are continually reminded of the importance of community. Local actions, no matter how small, have the potential to create ripple effects that contribute to global change. South Shore Permaculture is committed to nurturing ecological balance and community well-being, and our impact grows with each new person who joins our movement. If you’re ready to take meaningful steps in this direction, permaculture is your guidepost, and we’re here to work alongside you, building a more resilient future for our community and the world.

To learn more, visit: SouthShorePermaculture.com 
(sign up for the late January 2025 PDC and save $250 – see details here) 

OTHER RESOURCES:

Holmgren.com.au (Holmgren Design, permaculture vision and innovation)

NortheastPermaculture.org (Permaculture Association of the Northeast)

PermacultureNews.org (Permaculture Research Institute)

Permies.com (Permaculture and homesteading goofballs)

Pina.in (Permaculture Institute of North America)

Jessica Fox draws on two decades of diverse experience in regenerative agriculture, cultural anthropology, and gastronomy. She now serves as the primary steward of South Shore Permaculture.

This article posted January 2025

Photos provided by South Shore Pemaculture: