My guests for this episode are Derek Kanwischer, the Project Manager for the Office for Sustainability at Western Michigan University, and Joshua Shultz, the Permaculture Program Coordinator at Gibbs House. Our conversation today revolves around Gibbs House and the work of the Office of Sustainability at WMU to practice permaculture onsite, including research and implement, and create a demonstration model of sustainable practices.
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We also talk about student fellows that live and work at Gibbs house, including the research projects, as well as funding, and the involvement of the university. If you are interested in permaculture that involves education, policy, research, or demonstration, this is a show to listen to. What I liked about this conversation was the way in which universities can get involved to advance permaculture, without needing it to be a core part of the curriculum, but a place for students and others to research and explore in ways that connects with their academic study. Both sides win. I also wonder how programs like the one at Gibbs House and WMU can influence larger movements on college campuses regarding sustainability. Will these ideas gain traction? Is there a place for higher education and permaculture to mingle? Or should they remain separate? What are your thoughts on the intersection of academia and permaculture? Let me know. Leave a comment or get in touch.
Resources
Western Michigan University Office of Sustainability
Gibbs House
Cedar Creek Permaculture Farm (Joshua's Personal Site)
The Possibility Handbook Crowdfunding Campaign
Costa Rica PDC Drawing
Four Seasons Farm / Elliot Coleman
Jean Pain (Wikipedia)
Galen Brown
Galen Brown's Compost-Energy Systems
The Island School
Cape Eleuthera Institute