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Read here about the project we designed for two large community-based water systems in Quechua pueblos near Otavalo, N. Ecuador. These indigenous people had the forward-thinking vision to plan for water security for 30 years into the future. These two water juntas serve 16 communities and approximately 40,000 members. The water boards are still discussing their options. We are proud to be part of this conversation. Abstract, one page.ABSTRACT-english Full ProposalSumak Yaku proposal.WordPress Our proposal involved training local people to train members of the community in these Water Retention Landscaping methods so that a large percentage of the membership [[read more]]

Water Retention Landscaping: Otavalo Quechua Community

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Create water security for yourself and/or your family with a sensible 3-prong approach. observing~designing~installing We can coach you for a  DIY (do-it-yourself) system  or have us design and install a system for you. Our Rehydrate<<>>Reforest Vilcabamba video can give you a good idea of the potential benefits. If you are planning for stabilizing your land, creating a Food Forest, protecting your home, garden or pasture, it is always important to have a Water Security Plan in place. Contact: ziaparker@zoho.com or call 098 988 7085

Water Security Planning

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We need to recognize that developing a love-bond with the Earth is part of developing into a happy, balanced, healthy human being.   In the 1950’s, psychologist Ashley Montague did research to establish that human touch is an actual need for healthy human development. His research showed that infants that don’t experience loving human touch have developmental problems. This work had a very important influence on Western culture at a time when white men in white coats in the profession of Western medicine had virtually usurped women’s choices in relation to breastfeeding, childbirth and infant care. Now, over 50 years [[read more]]

Bond With Nature

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Zia Parker, MA, CAP, CMT www.vidaverde.info    ziaparker@zoho.com    Skype: ziaparker **FOR HOLISTIC BODY THERAPY, scroll down.** ENVIRONMENTAL / SUSTAINABILITY / PERMACULTURE WORK & TRAINING: Initiator, Yupaichani Network, Five projects in Vilcabamba that serve the people and serve the Earth. see http://vidaverde.info/yupaichaini-network/ Designer, Finca Vida Verde Permaculture, Vilcabamba, Loja, S Ecuador, Sept.2012-present. Initiation of Water Retention Landscaping model on one acre at 5,500 ft. altitude subtropical zone. Designer and contractor for two Earthbag homes & gardens, including composting toilet, greywater, berm/swale, terracing, food forests. Providing the Permaculture Design Certificate Course annually from 2013 through to the present with participants [[read more]]

Resume, Zia Parker

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Here are some possibilities for further involvement with our projects in Ecuador. A brief description follows. Please write if you are seriously interested. ~~Cabana Resident Interns/Partners–Our second Earthbag structure ever, the Rasta Muffin Hut is available to be cared for, loved up and lived in. We envision a strong and informed young couple joining our endeavors. The Cabana & all our garden veggies you can eat in exchange for $150./mo & and 20 hrs/week work in the gardens x two people. One month minimum. 3 months, better. In this internship program, Roshni and Zia provide a one-on-one coaching session [[read more]]

Further involvement with our work in Ecuador

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The benefits of mycelium are huge. Briefly, the root-like structure of the mycelium can multiply the circulation of a plant by 1,000 times. It also provides protection against non-beneficial fungi, virus and bacteria, and breaks down soil nutrients, making them accessible to plants. For more This is a method for propagating indigenous strains of mycorrhyzal mycelium. Mycelium is very abundant in primary forests. Take a small amount of soil from a primary forest, or any woodland setting that has not been disturbed for several years (2-3 liters would do it) I always like to tune in to the forest, [[read more]]

Mycelium, advantages & propagation

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Aston Fitness
Aston-Patterning® is a comprehensive body therapy method. It blends movement education, structural bodywork, exercise design, and ergonomics. It is a method that helps one get the most from one’s body, at whatever level of capacity. It is effective for a range of structural problems arising from accident, injury or disease; as well as performance improvement for athletes, dancers and musicians. In nature, we see that each form is unique, each individual rock, each tree, has its own individual shape and means of deriving balance. Yet, our cultural conditioning leads us to a rather rigid “ideal” when we think of [[read more]]

Aston Patterning ~~ Holistic Body Therapy

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"Mingas" are a tradition throughout South America. They are community work parties, and many things get done with mingas. Here some friends from the Vilcabamba international commuity are responding to the San Jose fire, that burned most of this mountain, by planting swales and vetiver, and trees. For more info on this minga, read the post "Our response to the San Jose fire". Click on pics to embiggen.

Minga After The San Jose Fire

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The thing about nematodes, and most members of the soil-food web, is that they have many beneficial aspects, as well as some nasty or yucky ones. Nematodes mineralize soil. They do this in various ways, but primarily by eating and digesting fungus and bacteria which contain nitrogen, and other minerals. The nematodes waste products make the minerals available to plants. There are over 20,0000 species of known nematodes. Some can be seen with the naked eye. They look like a human hair that has movement. The largest known nematode can grow to 30 feet long, and lives in the [[read more]]

Nematodes

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Our students are farmers, homesteaders, teachers, architects, entrepreneurs, engineers, parents, and just people who want to be informed about regenerative practices who are looking to apply permaculture in their own lives so they can learn to live in harmony with the Earth, meet people, learn hands on skills, and resources. Yes, some students are looking to become professional PC designers or PC teachers. Nuestros estudiantes son campesinos, maestros, arquitectos, empresarios, ingenieros, padres y madres… que buscan aplicar permacultura en sus propias vidas para mejorar su armonia con la Madre Tierra, conocer a gente nuevo, aprender de manos en habilidades [[read more]]

Who is this course for? ¿Para quien es este curso?

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