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Community Education
A list of community programs on Permaculture & Gardening topics that we offer can be found on the Community Programs page.
Each year the Permaculture & Gardening group hosts guest speakers and Share and Learn discussions on a variety of topics. What topics would you be most interested in attending? Click here to share your ideas!
Community Gardens
Are you thinking about participating at a community garden, starting a community garden, want to get ideas or take a tour? Visit our Community Gardens page to view community gardens in Waukesha County.
What is Permaculture
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Permaculture is a sustainable design philosophy that emphasizes the relationship and interconnectedness of all natural things. Through permaculture design we seek to maximize the transfer of natural energy through water, living soil, trees, & seed to establish a productive environment for growing food, building and maintaining shelter, wisely using resources, and holistically living in a sustainable way.
In permaculture design, natural patterns and characteristics of nature specific to a site and location are identified, observed, and used to develop sustainable closed loop systems, which are labor and energy efficient, productive, diverse, and resilient. Incorporating permaculture principles and design into an environment is an ongoing process. As the environment grows and develops, so do the opportunities for increased synergy among functional elements and energy flows.
Principles of permaculture design are actively being applied to home and farm environments in urban, suburban and rural locations.
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Characteristics of Permaculture Design
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Uses observation and replication of the interconnectedness of nature and ecosystems as a model for designing small scale systems
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Emphasizes replication of natural productive phenomena such as flow of water and wind, slope and edge
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Uses perennial plant species as efficient stores of energy and food production
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Utilizes the transfer of energy through ecosystems
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Seeks to maximize the power of useful work
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Values renewable resources
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Values the knowledge of indigenous peoples and traditional cultures
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Is about taking personal responsibility for our own existence and that of our children
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Municipal Generated Solid WasteReducing solid waste in municipal properties can lead to significant cost savings through more effective use of raw materials and decreased hauling and disposal fees. The most effective way to reduce waste is to create a Resource, Waste and Materials Management Plan using the results of a waste audit. Types of solid waste within a building include trash, recyclables, organics, e-waste, and hazardous waste. Best Practices
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Community Generated WasteReducing solid waste generated in the community can lead to significant cost savings through decreased hauling and disposal fees. The most effective way to reduce waste is through Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM), a comprehensive waste prevention, recycling, composting, and disposal program for communities. An effective ISWM system considers how to prevent, recycle, and manage solid waste in ways that most effectively protect human health and the environment. Best Practices
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Community EngagementCommunity engagement is a critical component of successfully implementing new programs in a community. When residents and businesses understand the benefits of introducing new programs, projects, or practices into the community and the financial and community benefits that can result they are more inclined to participate and adjust. Best Practices
Permaculture & Gardening Group
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Who We Are: Residents of the Waukesha County area who enjoy gardening and learning more about how we can incorporate permaculture ideas into our landscape, gardens, homes and lifestyle.
What We Do: As a group, we seek to learn from others, share ideas and food, tour locations, host discussions and build community.
For Information Contact us at perma@waukeshacountygreenteam.org
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Join Us at Our Next Meeting: Check Upcoming Events below. Email us at perma@waukeshacountygreenteam.org for information.