I would love to build A perennial permaculture food forest with farm stand. The farm stand will serve as a food shelf, it will be self serve and have a donation box. It will be a place for everyone who wants to learn and participate in growing food. This project will serve us and future generations in all surrounding towns: Manchester, Winhall, Londonderry, Stratton, etc.

    WHAT IS A PERENNIAL FOOD FOREST? Project food forest defines it as, https://projectfoodforest.org/what-is-a-food-forest/ A food forest, also called a forest garden, is a diverse planting of edible plants that attempts to mimic the ecosystems and patterns found in nature. Food forests are three dimensional designs, with life extending in all directions – up, down, and out.

    THE PLAN:
    1. To purchase land in Manchester Vermont. ( I have a property selected and am negotiating to purchase)
    2. Make a master plan and design for said land utilizing and inviting the community to partake in every stage.
    3. Install hundreds of: PERENNIALS..Asian pears, peaches, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, strawberries milkweed, rhubarb, asparagus, catnip etc. ANNUALS… Butternut squash, tomatoes, leeks, Brussels, cosmos, sunflowers, etc.
    4. Install infrastructure, greenhouse, germination chamber, root cellar etc. For growing, storing, germinating and processing food.

    CREDENTIALS:‍‍‍‍ I have 18 years of hands on carpentry and construction experience. I have 10 years of farming and gardening experience. I currently own and operate a small donation only farm stand in Winhall Vermont called Sapsicle Farms . I have a state of Vermont agricultural nursery license. My vegetables and fruit were certified USDA and NOFA organic in 2019.

    WHAT THIS COULD LOOK LIKE:……… AS SOMEONE WALKING THROUGH IT LIKE A PARK   Imagine a flat winding path that leads you from cherry trees to blueberries. A maze with each bend bringing more food bearing trees and plants. Flowers and sculpture. The air fragrant with organic earth. Your eyes filled with colors of flowers, tastes of nature erupting in your mouth as pick fruit as you walk along. Smalls signs dot the path identifying plants and there food. Each food you try is like you’ve never eaten it before, amazing! The freshness the experience!………….. AS THE VOLUNTEER Imagine the revitalization of putting baby plants into a rich earth and watching them grow. Pruning limbs, raking,  taking a moment to yourself to enjoy. To stand back at the end of your task with a sense of accomplishment. To know your part of something greater than ourselves that helps feed those who can and those who cannot equally………….. AS THE PERSON STOPPING AT THE FARM STAND………Imagine walking up to a farm stand and not worrying if you have any money on you. The relief, being able to get fresh organic produce for you and your family no matter your situation. 

    THE BUDGET: $75,000.
    $50,000. allotted to purchase suitable land between 5-10 acres. ( I have found land and am negotiating)
    $10,000. actual seed, bare root plants and fruit trees. Organic fertilizer, amendments, potting soil etc.
    $10,000. infrastructure: greenhouse, signs,
    $5,000. property taxes, insurance.

    END GOAL: I would like this to be a working model for everyone to see, touch and experience. To inspire one to grow in every town. To help add food security, self sustainability to our communities during uncertain times. Please help make my dream a reality! THANK YOU!!!! 

    Pictures are an example of concept. They are all projects that I have successfully, designed, built, installed and completed.