THE I N S T IT U T E F O R E N V IRO N M E N T AL AWARENESS
Vision for the Future Strategic Planning for
the Sustainability of Earthlands and the University of the Wild S P R I N G 2007
“The solutions to the present ecological and social crises must be radical and profound...” –Larry Buell, founder of Earthlands
About Earthlands For more than thirty years, Earthlands has been a destination for people who desire a reconnection to the earth, food for the spirit, and joyful community. The Program Center, which provides programs and services for educational, environmental, and personal growth opportunities, resides on over 200 wooded acres in rural Petersham, Massachusetts. “The Lodge� at Earthlands.
A Vision of the Future, 2010 The journey
to Earthlands may be a long one, as it is far from the fast pace of everyday concerns. Upon arriving, many transcend the outside world. A welcoming
path
well-integrated in the landscape, and grouped near a greenhouse. From the lodge building, or perhaps from somewhere in the field, the music of laughing, singing, and
leads through the forest, mingling
chanting mingles with bird song and
with spirits of the native Nipmuc
the rustling of wind through trees
people, and early European settlers. As
and meadow. Animals in the barnyard
the wood opens up into a vast clearing,
turn their faces toward the path, while
a medicine circle silently represents
various arrangements of crop plants
many past spiritual rituals at the south
create a rich and textured geometry.
end of the field, while at the north end
This is a lively place, suffused with
lies the jewel in the setting, the warm and homey Lodge building. In the distance, some
eccentric and
surprising structures appear through the trees—various yurts and cabins with solar panels, all
creative and visionary energy, and inspired by surrounding land of diverse
beauty
and
habitat.
There is much to learn here in this place, and much to
discover
one’s self.
within
Contents SECTION 1:
COMMUNITY OF EARTHLANDS
History/Recent Developments Vision and Mission Statements Summary SECTION 2:
12 14 16
18 20 22
INTEGRATION
Conservative Development Development as Curriculum Flexible Space Build a Solid Foundation
CONTEXT: BIO-REGIONAL
Inventory and Analysis Summary Trails & Transportation Watershed Conservation Land/Open Space Priority Habitat Farms & CSAs SECTION 7:
25 26 27 28
SECTION 8:
42
COMMUNITY/ PARTNERSHIPS
Community and Friends Potential Cultural Partners SECTION 9:
30 32 34 36 38 40
CONTEXT: TOWN
Petersham
RESIDENTIAL COMMUNITY
Overview Precedents Possible Scenarios SECTION 5:
6 8 10
UNIVERSITY OF THE WILD
Overview Precedents Possible Scenarios SECTION 4:
2 4 5
PROGRAM CENTER
Overview Precedents Possible Scenarios SECTION 3:
SECTION 6:
44 46
SITE SUITABILITY
Summary of 1997 CSLD student work Water & Waste Management Ecological Footprint Agriculture
52 54 56 57
SECTION 10:
CASE STUDY: AGAPE COMMUNITY
58
SECTION 11:
REFERENCES
60
SECTION 12:
WHO’S WHO AT EARTHLANDS
61
SECTION 13:
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
62
History and Recent Developments
In 1973, The Institute for
In 1993, the “Earthlands Intentional
Environmental Awareness, a
Community and Program Center”
In 2006, L
501(c)(3) non-profit educational
is created with sixteen founding
acres of lan
corporation is founded.
members at the Earthlands site.
permanent
In 1991, Earthlands and IEA
In 1997, a student team at the
In 2003, the community puts
In 200
founder Larry Buell authors
Conway School of Landscape
together a long-range strategic
increa
“Ten Personal and Community
Design develops a Land Use
plan, with the goal: “to empower
capaci
Principles of Earthlands” at
and Master Plan which includes
individuals and groups to become
reach,
Lake Baikal in Siberia, Russia.
site surveys and analyses,
ecological global citizens who
ecolog
Principles include Live in
and recommendations for
possess an ecocentric worldview.”
Community, Environmental Action,
implementation of sustainable
The plan includes a demonstration
and Spiritual Practice.
residential buildings and
site at Earthlands for sustainable
agricultural spaces.
technologies such as solar power, alternative transportation, and permaculture.
“Listening to the Heart, acting for the Earth” –Earthlands promotional brochure
2
“So many people have life-changing experiences here in this place.” – Pam McDonald, Earthlands Member
Expanded Program Center
In 2006, Larry Buell places 75 acres of land at Earthlands in permanent conservation.
Design to create a strategic s
In 2007, the IEA decides to
gic
increase its programming
wer
capacity, extend its educational
come
reach, and set an example of
o
ecologically sustainable living.
planning document to inform the
Environmental Awareness is set to acquire the Earthlands
In 2007, the IEA engages the Conway School of Landscape
Today, the Institute for
University of the Wild
development of three projects:
lodge, as well as outbuildings and selected acreage, from the North Quabbin Farm and Larry Buell, owner and originator, and oversee the
Residential Community
management of the three projects.
view.” ration nable ower, nd
3
To guide the implementation of the three projects and all future endeavors,
the IEA is revising its Mission and Vision Statements. Until the revisions are complete, the IEA will use the current statements:
Vision Statement(draft) The vision of The Institute for Environmental Awareness is the renewal of human consciousness and the interrelatedness of all life. Inspired and informed by Earth’s living natural systems we become responsible stewards of our communities, cultures, and our relationship to the living earth. In deepening our awareness and stewardship we bring about a
Ancient Knowledge Earth Wisdom
vibrant relationship of sacred harmony with the interconnectedness of the place we inhabit.
Mission Statement(existing) The mission of the Institute for Environmental Awareness is to promote and support living and learning in harmony with the Earth and all Life.
4
New Technologies Solutions for the 21st Century
Summary “The land will speak to us and lead us to the right and perfect solution.”
IEA
–Bill Grover
An understanding of the regional and local context of the Earthlands site should inform the solutions to the problem of how each project will be designed, integrated, and developed, wholly or partially, on the
Program Center
Residential Community
site. A series of maps illustrates Earthlands’ rural location, its proximity to large blocks of conserved land, and its location within the Chicopee watershed, which drains into the Quabbin Reservoir.
ntury
Understanding the cultural context of Earthlands is also important, as the IEA will be developing partnerships within a network of regional organizations for the benefit of the three projects. Many of them are listed in the Potential Partners section. A set of objectives introduce each of the three projects, followed by examples of successful similar
The expansion of the
University of the Wild
An Earthlands Community
Program Center will
Land Trust will be created
improve facilities and
to model the holding of land
accommodate more
The University of the Wild
in conservation, and an
groups and guests.
will be an alternative two-
intentional ecological housing
year program designed as
development will be built to
a mentored, self-directed,
model a sustainable residential
higher education institution.
community.
organizations, then several possible configurations, or scenarios, as if each existed alone. Several scenarios are then explored, considering phasing and priorities, for cohesively integrating the development of the projects.
5
Program Center
The first of the three projects is the Program Center. It is through life-changing experiences in the programs that many people are drawn to the larger community at Earthlands.
The Earthlands Program Center conducts on-going public educational, environmental, and personal growth programs and services based at its program center, which itself embodies the principles of sustainability.
Programmatic Details
Examples of recent programs
Expanded facilities will accommodate
include Alisa Starkweather’s
separate groups, and a total of 50
women’s programs, Daughters of the Earth and Priestess Path; Sparrow Hart’s Mythic Warriors
overnight guests and staff. As many as 150 people may use the Program Center for day-long programs, or programs that include primitive camping. Programs may take place for
men’s program; Cathy Pedevillano
any length of time, and at any time of
and Bill Pfeiffer’s Shamanic-
the week or year.
based retreats and trainings; and Dave Jacke and Jono Neiger’s permaculture classes.
6
Lucinda Ramsey and Frank Deitle, Program Center Coordinators
Excerpt of Program Center Objectives 1
To provide a program center which supports self and environmental consciousness;
2
To be the best model of sustainable agriculture and appropriate energy technologies and methods;
3
To provide a physical site for living and learning in harmony with the earth and all life.
“We want to be able to host events and programming that represents the newest and oldest knowledge out there.� -Lucinda Ramsey, Program Center Coordinator
7
Program Center
Precedents PRECEDENT 1 Esalen Institute at Big Sur, California, is a communal retreat center offering more than 500 public workshops and seminars a year to assist personal growth and social change. A non-profit educational foundation, Esalen also has a research component for alternative practices, and residential work-study programs and internships.
Esalen Institute is a complex of many buildings, including the “Art Barn” (top) and the “Lodge” (bottom).
8
PRECEDENT 2 The Unitarian Universalist Rowe Conference Center in Rowe, Massachusetts, offers spiritual and educational programs, camps, conferences, and personal retreats with noted guests throughout the year. Two weekend programs often take place simultaneously. A wide variety of overnight accommodations are available for guests, ranging from dorm-style cabins without plumbing to a traditional full-service farm house. A centrally located, heated bathhouse serves the cabins.
Rowe Retreat and Conference Center’s heated bath house (above) and interior gathering space (right).
9
Program Center
Possible Scenarios SCENARIO 1 The existing Lodge, which has served as the Program Center for almost two decades, could be enlarged and retrofitted as a “green” building to accommodate several groups and necessary facilities. The existing Lodge building is very dear to many people who have been moved and inspired while attending Program Center activities over the years; many feel a deep affinity for the place. The location is private, and the view of the fields is important to many. However, if several groups were to share an enlarged Lodge building, they would require distinct boundaries to avoid conflict. In 2004, the "Lodge" at Black Rock Forest, in Cornwall, NY, was built to allow for extended stays by students and scientists. The Lodge sleep up to 48 people in 10 bedrooms, and has a large central public room that can hold 140 people. The ten bedrooms are divided evenly into two wings with two bathrooms in each. The Lodge includes a Clivus system—ten composting toilets and four large-capacity composters. The Lodge shares its geothermal heat pump system with the Black Rock Forest Center for Science and Education.
10
SCENARIO 2 A new “green” building, or grouping of buildings, could be constructed at Earthlands in a location that allows for access by large numbers of people, with gardens and outdoor sacred spaces. Earthwood Building School, West Chazy, New York is a
Interested Program Center attendees and staff
round, two-story, off-the-grid, cordwood masonry earth
members could assist in the design of a new
shelter with a 38’8” outside diameter and over 2,000
building, creating something ideal for their needs.
square feet of living space. This building and surrounding
Finding a new location should consider the most
outbuildings are all heated with less than three and a half
private and accessible place in relation to other
cords of wood per year.
activities at Earthlands.
One building for more than one group.
A grouping of buildings
11
University of the Wild
The second project the IEA is
Programmatic Details
developing is the University of
Beginning with twelve to twenty students and perhaps increasing to fifty in the
the Wild—a two-year program designed as a mentored, selfdirected, higher education institution to meet the needs
future, the University of the Wild will have two to six full-time resident instructors and six to ten part-time instructors. They are likely to need a classroom, individual study areas, a library, kitchen, restrooms, and internet access. The Institute of Environmental Awareness plans to welcome the first class of the University of the Wild in the Fall of 2007.
of the twenty-first century. The curriculum will be based on the best of current educational models
Excerpt of University of the Wild Objectives 1
Participate in mentored, self-directed and group activities and experiences to increase ecological understanding and social justice insights.
2
Live and learn a range of ecological values, content, and methods necessary to obtain Global Ecological Citizenry status.
3
Participate in a self-directed “Planet Walk-About” to gain an authentic sense of a unique global bioregion.
and environmental research. The University of the Wild is an alternative higher education degree curriculum and learning community that fosters the “Global Ecological Citizenry” —at the heart of social transformation.
12
Curriculum Schematic Students Students
U of W Curriculum On Site
U of W On Site
Year Two Spring Semester
Year One Fall Semester Year One Spring Semester
Personal and Planetary Integration & Action
Planet "Walk-About" Module 6
Module 8 Personal and Planetary
Selected Global Bioregion designed to experience “Sense of
Integration & Action
Residency Learning Pre-Residency Module 1
Community at Earthlands Module 3
The Self and the Universe Module 2
Ecological Living & the Learning Community
The Self As a Learner
Module 4 Personal and Ecological
(1 & 2 Completed before coming to residency)
Place� and applied Deep Ecology
Reflection, Integration Council, and Action Plan
Self-Development Module 5 Global Ecological Citizenry Skills & Abilities
Year Two Fall Semester Earth Service & Outreach Module 7 International site for work-study and service
13
University of the Wild
Precedents PRECEDENT 1 The John T. Lyle Center for Regenerative Studies at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona is a demonstration and research facility with residential, agricultural, and educational components. The mission is to advance the study of regenerative and sustainable practices.
Center for Regenerative Studies, CA State Polytechnic University
14
PRECEDENT 2 The School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, has a mission to "prepare students to be interculturally effective leaders, professionals, and citizens. In so doing, SIT fosters a worldwide network of individuals and organizations committed to responsible global citizenship." To fulfill this mission, SIT manages field-based academic study abroad programs for undergraduates, and degree and certificate programs for graduates and professionals. In the program in Intercultural Management, students work all around the world on issues of sustainability and social justice. Over 25,000 students to date have participated in the Study Abroad programs. SIT is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and
School for International Training
Colleges, Inc.
15
University of the Wild
Possible Scenarios What will the University look like? Should it have its own new building, or perhaps occupy the lodge building? SCENARIO 1 The University could share the lodge building with the Program Center, or occupy a new “green� building at Earthlands. A new building designed specifically for the University and incorporating green technologies could be ideal for its specific needs, and would support the curriculum as a model of sustainability. It would, however, require time and expense to construct, and the numbers of students and specific programmatic needs may also change over time, which could result in its obsolescence. If students need access to the internet, it may be complicated to arrange on the Earthlands site, which is off the grid, and students may also be somewhat isolated from amenities and resources.
16
SCENARIO 2 The University could be located in an available building in a nearby town, such as Athol, Massachusetts, which could be retrofitted as a “green� classroom and dormitory. This scenario may result in less impact to the Earthlands site, while providing access to more cultural, educational, and social resources, and contributing to the economy of a town. However, there may be issues about clean-up of toxic materials, and code issues in an older building, and this option would require transportation to Earthlands for programs and activities that will take place there. Students would also not be submersed in the Earthlands experience.
Athol, Massachusetts
17
Residential Community The third project is a residential
Programmatic Details
community. In order to attract
Twelve to fifty students and two to six instructors will require housing while they
and retain talented, smart, and dedicated people to Earthlands, this housing should be attractive
attend/teach at the University of the Wild, unless the University is based at the Lodge, which currently has overnight facilities. If a new Program Center building is constructed, accommodations will be required for overnight program participants. The number of people required for supportive staff on-site is undetermined at this time, but many of them will also require housing.
and comfortable, as well as ecologically sustainable.
18
The residential community will incorporate state-of-the-art green technologies, organic farming, and community space.
Excerpt of Residential Community Objectives 1
To offer to the public “State of the Art� ecological land-use and sustainable community development in the form of the eco-village model for education and research.
2
To support and encourage community living.
3
To require long-term sustainability and productivity of the land based upon ecological principles and practices.
Whiskey Barrel Houses at Findhorn, Scotland
19
Residential Community
Precedents PRECEDENT 1 The Fields Neighborhood ecopark in East Troy, Wisconsin, consists of clustered condominiums with common community gardens and a day-care and community center.
Condominiums at Fields Neighborhood
PRECEDENT 2 The ecovillage at Findhorn in Scotland has 55 ecologically-benign buildings, a CSA farm system, and a Living Machine biological sewage treatment plant.
Ecovillage at Findhorn
20
PRECEDENT 3 The Warren Wilson College ecodorm in Asheville, North Carolina, features energy-efficient design and sustainable resource use. It houses thirty-six students.
Warren Wilson College Ecodorm
21
Residential Community
Possible Scenarios What form will the residences take? How can individual space be provided, while decreasing the footprint as much as possible? How will the community be structured?
SCENARIO 1 Instructors and support staff have their own houses and yards, while sharing a common house and garden. Students live in temporary buildings they construct themselves on the site, sharing a common building with showers, toilets, and kitchen. While this may be preferable for many people, the potentially wide dispersal of buildings requires a relatively large footprint.
22
Yurts can provide housing year-round.
SCENARIO 2 A community house and gardens are the center of life in a mixed-use housing village. Students live in an ecodorm, and instructors and support staff in detached houses and condominiums. Mixed housing within the residential community provides flexibility in terms of cost and lifestyle, and the dorm and condominium may have a smaller footprint than many detached buildings.
Trudeslund Community, Denmark
23
Integration People at Earthlands will need separation and connection.
Some Program Center groups may want to be completely left alone, and other groups will welcome students. Active agriculture may need to be kept at a distance. People in the residential community will want some measure of peace and quiet. University students will need a place of their own to focus, study, and work together. Sometimes several activities will be sharing the woods, or the fields, and each will need space. Distance,
University of the Wild
Program Center
forest, and thoughtful site planning may help to buffer groups from each other, while a clear set of pathways may help to connect them. Signs, communication, and negotiation will be necessary if all three projects are implemented at Earthlands.
Residential Community Each group of people will require separation and connection.
24
Conservative Development Integration 1
Y E A R
Y E A R
2
1
The common house of the residential community is built to temporarily house students, instructors and support staff.
The new Program Center or University building is constructed
Students use the Lodge during the week; Program Center attendees on the weekend
The first residential housing is built
3
Y E A R
e will require ction.
25
Development as Curriculum Integration 2
Preliminary housing is built for support staff, students, and instructors
Students help design a new Program Center or University building as a class project
Students help build residential housing as a class project
26
Students help construct the new building as a class project
Students help design residential housing as a class project
Flexible Spaces Integration 3
University of the Wild
One of the principles of
Program Center
sustainability is “flexible space.� If the Lodge were enlarged, the university and the program center could share it permanently. If there is a time when no students are on site, student housing
Student Housing
could be used by program center groups. These arrangements would require meticulous scheduling.
Guest Housing 27
Build a Solid Foundation Integration 3
As resources become available,
$ Buy the land
Program Center
each new component strengthens, and does not compromise, the resources and attention of what has come before. This way, the projects of the IEA are developed organically, and on a solid foundation.
$ Build staff housing
28
U of W couses offered through the Program Center
$ New green buildings
Clockwise from upper left: kids at the annual Earthstory event, building a sweat lodge, group gathered for an outdoor program.
29
Earthlands Regional Location
2 Orange
Greenfield 2
Athol
Erving
Gardner
32
2 101
122 Conway Deerfield
EARTHLANDS
Petersham
Fitchburg
E AST
STR
EE
Leominster
2
T
63 Shutesbury Barre
9
91
Amherst
Quabbin Reservoir
290 Rutland
Hardwick
9
Northampton
495 9
North Brookfied
Worcester
9
131
Holyoke Auburn
90
Springfield 30
Sturbridge
Miles 0
2.5
5
7. 5
10
Context: Bio-Regional Inventory & Analysis Earthlands is intrinsically woven
How will expanding facilities affect water
1800s. Woodsmen and farmers radically
into the fabric of the bio-region.
downstream? How can University of the
altered the landscape, clearing trees,
Wild students benefit from a very rural
pasturing sheep, building homes and
location? Where is Petersham and how
miles of stone walls. Since that time, the
can a person get there? What makes the
demise of wool mills in the area and the
area around Earthlands special?
creation of the Quabbin Reservoir in the
This is the landscape that defines Earthlands' place in the world. Understanding the bio-regional
1930s again changed the character of the
context can help the IEA make
Petersham is located in west-central
landscape. Relics of the North Quabbin
decisions when developing a
Massachusetts, approximately one and
Region’s past are evident in abandoned
a half hours west of Boston and 45
stone foundations and walls throughout
minutes east of Greenfield.
the mature mixed hard- and soft-wood
plan for Earthlands’ future.
forests and in the historic buildings of
It answers questions about Earthlands’ relationship with its surroundings.
95
Dominated by the majestic Quabbin
small New England towns.
Reservoir, the area is known as the North Quabbin Region. It is somewhat isolated
Complex and rich with habitat for both
from heavily populated areas and rural in
plants and animals, the region is a vital
character with rolling hills of woodlands,
link in supporting an even larger land-
wetlands, small towns and patches of
scape ecology.
agriculture. Travelling to Earthlands is the first step The region was inhabited by the Nipmuck
to appreciating the unique character of
Indians for thousands of years before
the region.
European settled here in the 1700s and
es
31
Trails & Transportation
na
dn oc k
2
e t-
Mo
GARDNER
EARTHLANDS
R ive r V
a l le
PETERSHAM
yR
Legend
T ra il
Midstate Mass Central
RAIL TRAILS
Quabbin Reservoir
202
North Central Pathway
BARRE
Ware River Valley Rail Trail Major Roads AMHERST
ROAD
nt ra as s
nt
r l BELCHERTOWN
32
Ce
9
a
WARE
M
10
rd
w
HOLDEN OAKHAM
s ta te
7. 5
o et
Ha
RUTLAND
k ic
Mid
5
e sC M as
Miles 2.5
l/ W
ar
Roads
0
HUBBARDSTON
ai l
Metacomet-Monadnock
LONG TRAILS
W a re
Metaco m
TEMPLETON PHILLIPSTON
Trails & Transportation The location of Earthlands makes it a destination. Earthlands’ remote location
Roads
provides an ideal respite from the
Route 2 connects Petersham to I-91
frenetic pace of modern culture and urban life for its residents and Program Center participants.
Alternative Transportation Options
to the west and Boston to the east. This is the only major roadway serving
BIO-DIESEL VAN
Petersham.
Thinking about future transportation issues and sustainable transportation
Public Transportation
options, Earthlands should consider a
However, the distance from
Getting to and from Earthlands in
vehicle for connecting residents with
amenities compels people to rely
Petersham via public transportation is
public transportation services, as well as
not presently possible. Public bus access
transporting people for off-site field trips.
on gas-powered vehicles.
is available along Route 2 through the FRTA and MRTA service called “LINK.”
RAIL-TRAILS
The service connects Greenfield and
The Ware River Rail-Trail, 2.5 miles
Gardner with points in between.
east from Earthlands, can provide connections by bicycle to other
DEN
Commuter rail service is available to
communities in the region. The Mass-
Greater Boston from Fitchburg, and
Central Rail-Trail, approximately eight
interstate train and bus service is
miles south of Earthlands, links to
accessible from Amherst. Both Fitchburg
additional public transit options.
and Amherst are a 40-minute drive from Petersham.
WALKING TRAILS
Possibilities exist for developing walking trails in Petersham through current and future open space, which could connect
te
the Earthlands site with Petersham’s village center (2.5 miles) and other open space destinations.
33
Watershed
Moccasin Brook EARTHLANDS
East Branch of the Swift River
Quabbin Reservoir Legend Streams, Brooks, Rivers, Lakes Major Roads Chicopee Watershed Boundary Miles 0
34
1
2
3
4
Watershed Water on the Earthlands site flows to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Earthlands site sits northwest of the
Management of water on the Earthlands
Moccasin Brook, which runs into the
site will affect the watershed and the
East Branch of the Swift River, which
Quabbin Reservoir.
in turn flows southwest to the Quabbin Reservoir. The Reservoir is the primary
The presence of the Quabbin Reservoir
water supply for the City of Boston. The
has affected the region in many ways.
Earthlands site lies just north of the
The Quabbin is an immense physical
center of the Chicopee watershed, which
barrier between Petersham and the
is the largest of the 27 major drainage
region’s more populated and culturally
basins in Massachusetts.
active towns to the west. This emphasizes the feeling at Earthlands of peaceful
Environmental standards are enforced
respite far away from busy, densely
by the U.S. Environmental Protection
populated places.
Agency, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and others
The need to protect the Quabbin water supply has heavily influenced land conservation within the Chicopee Watershed area. Sixty-thousand acres of land associated with the reservoir are conserved by the state.
35
Conservation Land
EARTHLANDS
Legend Major Roads
Quabbin Reservoir
Roads Conserved Areas Phillipston Wildlife Management Area
0
36
0.5
1
1.5
2
Miles 2.5
Conservation Land/Open Space Earthlands ties into a landscape rich with conserved forestland. The North Quabbin Region, distin-
Audubon, Miller’s River Environmental
is an asset to Earthlands' future plans.
guished by its unique rural character
Center, Mount Grace Land Conservation
Preserved areas in the Swift River Valley
of mixed hardwood forests, lies at the
Trust, Harvard Forest, and others have
surrounding Earthlands offer diverse
southernmost portion of the north-south
conserved a substantial amount of land
opportunities for outdoor learning
Quabbin-to-Cardigan Corridor (Q2C).
in the North Quabbin Region.
including Native American culture, land-
Over 100 miles long, the Q2C is one of
use history, forestry, and agriculture.
the largest remaining tracts of contig-
Within Petersham, numerous organiza-
uous forest in central New England.
tions and individuals have successfully
The Earthlands property forms a critical
protected in perpetuity over 40% of the
link between the 3,300-acre Phillipston
The unusually high amount of conserva-
town’s open space, with a commitment
Wildlife Management Area, managed by
tion land in the region can be attributed
to place more land in Petersham into
the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries
to water quality protection, government
conservation in the future. One of the
and Wildlife, and a corridor of conserva-
resource conservation, and the conser-
Petersham Master Plan’s stated goals is to:
tion land along the East Branch of the
vation efforts of individuals and non-
“Protect a significant portion of
Swift River connecting to the conserved
profit organizations. The North Quabbin
Petersham’s remaining unprotected
open space adjacent to the Quabbin
Regional Landscape Partnership has
open space in order to preserve the
Reservoir. Since the creation of Earth-
been working since 1997, attracting
Town’s rural character, protect its
lands, 175 acres of the original land has
grant funding for conservation projects
natural resources, and minimize
been placed in conservation. The final
between the Quabbin Reservoir and the
development in inappropriate areas.”
parcel was preserved in 2006.
New Hampshire border. Its objective,
Not only are the natural resources and
like that of the Quabbin-to-Cardigan
rural character being conserved, but the
Corridor, is conservation at a regional
cultural history rooted in the landscape
landscape-scale. Organizations like the
of the region is being preserved as well.
Trustees of Reservations, Massachusetts
The integrity of Petersham’s landscape
37
Priority Habitat
* * * * * ** * *** * ** **
*
*
*
** *** ** ** * * * ***** * * * ** * * * * * * * * *** ** * ** **** * * * EARTHLANDS * * ** **** ** *** ** * * * * * * * * * **** * *** * * *** * ***** *** ** * * ** **** * *** * * * * * * *** ** ** * * ** * * ***** * **** * * * * * * **
* *
* *
*
Legend Streams,Brooks,Rivers,Lakes
*
NHESP Estimated Habitats of Rare Wildlife NHESP Certified Vernal Pools
Quabbin Reservoir
Earthlands Major Roads Roads
0
38
1
2
*** * 3
Miles 4
*
* ** *
* *
* *
* *
* **
Priority Habitat Earthlands provides opportunities to study and live in harmony with nature.
* ** * *** ***** * ** * * * ** * ** * **
Earthlands
caddisflies. Wetlands along the East
Spruce-fir boreal swamps in Petersham
A seventy-five-acre wooded parcel along
Branch of the Swift River, which flows to
support a high diversity of species,
the Moccasin Brook represents the first
the Quabbin Reservoir, provide habitat
well-buffered by extensive forests, and
property protected in perpetuity under
for American bitterns. The Quabbin is
the unfragmented landscape of Harvard
the Quabbin Corridor Forest Legacy
the largest and deepest water body in
Forest and Petersham State Forest
Project, with the Mount Grace Land
Massachusetts and supports fish and
supports diverse and rare species of
Conservation Trust. In conservation with
aquatic insects uncommon in the state.
moths, butterflies, dragonflies, and
Massachusetts Department of Fish and
The Quabbin area hosts the highest
damselflies, as well as bog vegetation.
Game, it expands the Phillipston Wildlife
density of breeding common loons and
Management Area.
bald eagles in southern New England. Petersham also represents one of the
Petersham
largest undeveloped areas of habitat in
Roughly half the land in Petersham, or
central Massachusetts for a variety of
about 18,500 acres, is in conservation.
forest birds. Continued conservation
Numerous wetlands are dispersed
efforts would do well to expand and connect
throughout the area, supporting rare
these large blocks of conserved land.
Source: Guiding Land Conservation for Biodiversity in Massachusetts, 2001, produced by Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
dragonfly and damselfly species.
* **
Wood, spotted, and Eastern box turtle,
According to Lynn Harper with the Massachusetts
four-toed, spring, and blue-spotted
Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program,
salamander, water shrew, and Southern
intentionally retaining wooded corridors along the
bog lemming populations occur in
streams at Earthlands will represent the best plan for
riparian habitats, as do rare mussels
supporting rare species in the area. This habitat is
and sensitive aquatic insects such as
required for rare species such as the harpoon clubtail dragonfly, which is endangered in Massachusetts, the wood turtle, and the American bittern, the last of which often benefit from habitat created by by beaver dams.
American Bittern
39
Farms & CSAs
ERVING ORANGE ATHOL
6
7
GARDNER
WENDELL TEMPLETON PHILLIPSTON NEW SALEM
EARTHLANDS SHUTESBURY
PETERSHAM
HUBBARDSTON
3 BARRE
4 PELHAM
Quabbin Reservoir
Legend
HARDWICK
Farm/CSA location Miles 0
40
2.5
5
5 New England Small Farms Institute
WARE
21
Farms & CSAs Within ten miles of Earthlands, local produce flourishes.
1
Barre Farmers Market
Misty Brook Farm
A CSA (community supported
Barre Common
3689 Greenwich Road
agriculture) is a farm where members
Barre, MA
Hardwick, MA
buy shares of the season’s produce in
Saturdays/Seasonal
Organic vegetables, milk,
advance and receive weekly produce.
5
eggs, and meat 2
Caledonia Farm CSA
To supplement food grown on site at Old Page Farm
Earthland, farms in the Petersham area
Barre, MA
307 Kelton Street
are significant local food sources and
Organic vegetables, pasture
Gardner, MA
potential partners in establishing a
chickens and eggs
Organic vegetables, fruit,
regional barter system.
167 Grogan Road
6
and meat 3
Green Market Farm 710 Daniel Shays Highway
7
Red Apple Farm
New Salem, MA
455 Highland Avenue
Organic vegetables, fruit, bakery
Phillipston, MA Vegetables, fruit, berries
4
Many Hands Organic Farm CSA 411 Sheldon Road Barre, MA Organic vegetables, fruit, herbs and meat
41
Petersham Village
Earthlands Petersham Village Center
Earthlands ‌
2.5 MILES
42
Petersham A classic New England town.
Petersham is a classic, small New
Most basic services are not available in
up to six dwellings. To control growth,
England town. The town centers around
Petersham. There are no gas stations,
the town issues six building permits per
a village green surrounded by stately
major grocery stores, restaurants, or
year on a first-come, first-serve basis for
historic homes, the general store, the
banks, though the small and charming
eligible applications. Special Permitting
library, churches, and the Nichewaug
Petersham General Store in the village
(Section 11.2.d) may be granted by the
Inn, a large historic building complex
center provides a meeting place for eating
Board of Appeals for unusual situations
which is currently unused.
and drinking coffee as well as a selection
that do not comply with current bylaws.
of grocery items like local baked bread,
Although Earthlands’ plans involve
milk, dry goods, and wine.
multiple uses, which is prohibited, all are
Not far from the village center, Petersham’s rural character becomes
in service of the educational institution,
immediately apparent. Conservation
the IEA, and are complimentary to each
land with public-access trails, mature
In its Master Plan, Petersham encourages
woodlands, wetlands, working farms and
low-impact business development that
widely spaced houses flow along the mild
meshes with the rural character of
Board of Health
hills and valleys of Petersham.
the town and integrates the natural
Building permits for new dwelling
resources of the area. Examples of
units are issued only after the Board
this include small farms, forestry, and
of Health has issued a Disposal Works
zone in the village center preserves its
ecotourism, the latter two of which
Construction Permit and a Private Well
long-established character while the
represent an opportunity for Earthlands.
Permit. The Board of Health requires the
A short, narrow “Historic District”
Minimum Standards for the Disposal
rest of Petersham is zoned ResidentialAgricultural.
other.
Bylaws
of Sanitary Sewage in Unsewered
Bylaws for Petersham include allowances
Areas Title 5 (310 CMR 15.000) State
for expanding existing structures and
Environmental Code, Massachusetts
construction of multi-unit buildings with
Department of Environmental Protection.
43
Earthlands Community and Friends Feedback about the future vision of Earthlands Jeffrey Weisberg, former Lodge caretaker, on creating models of sustainability:
Bill Grover, IEA Board Member, on the uniqueness of and opportunities at Earthlands:
Cathy Pedevillano, Shamanic Healer, on the meaning of a true model of sustainability:
“If you are going to be state of the art...
“As the vision unfolds, the energy
“To me, this means that you walk your
you have to be incredibly adept at
at Earthlands will enter human
talk, that you live as lightly as possible
consciousness at a cosmic level where
on the Earth. Be energy efficient, support
every place on Earth is honored as
local economies, be in tune with the
sacred. At that point Earthlands,
land and the needs of the land, strive to
the place, will emerge as one of
create harmony and balance in all areas
many profoundly important sites for
of operation, work as a team, have a
renewal of community through ritual
focused vision, don’t overextend, allow
and celebration. It will be a place of
growth to happen in an organic and
pilgrimage much as it is with many of the
gradual way.”
implementing strategies of sustainability into practice.... What you do (should be) in excellent condition and a model for those that come to learn by it. It should be fun too.”
Lorrie Klosterman, IEA clerk and Board member, on the Lodge building: “A strong appeal of the current location is its viewshed: the food gardens, fields, tree-lined edges, rescued sheep, soaring
44
current programs that enjoy returning members, and is especially true of the
birds and roaming turkeys and deer,
Earthstory event that happens every
sunsets, and night sky.... This view
year. A sacred place of celebration at a
gives a sense of physical, emotional, and
cosmic level.... The land is the sacred
spiritual spaciousness that is priceless....
element of Earthlands. We should not be
It’s virtually impossible to sleep on the
afraid of creating a new program facility.
second floor...the rooms aren’t really
It will be the intention with which we
separated.... The entry to the bathrooms
design and site a new program center
and shower might best be at the end of
that is critical to the success of this choice.
a room rather than in the middle of the
The land will speak to us and guide us to
most popular space.”
the right and perfect solution.”
Bill Pfeiffer and Cathy Pedevillano, Earthlands Neighbors (Bill is the President of Sacred Earth Network), on the development of the projects: “Thinking of how to thrive in a more... expensive fossil fuel environment is a great challenge. Putting emphasis on food growing on the land is part of it. However there is no pretense of
Dave Jacke, Native Harvest Designs, on developing the site at Earthlands:
transparency and positive intention are
Davis Hawkowl, Organizer of Earthstory '05 and '06, on what it means to be a sustainable institution:
held in the highest regard. We also think
“The criteria on which it is judged is its
location. There is little going on anywhere
investing in quality equipment, buildings,
success, that it proves over time to be
nearby. Also, the big long driveway to
and people is a model for success and
actually sustainable. It also needs to be
the Lodge is problematic. If you develop
sustainability....
innovative. For something to stand out in
all along that road, what context is
We suggest starting with clear,
the field, it has to showcase something
created along the way? Every jewel needs
measurable, tangible steps, building
not already available—social, teaching,
its setting... although, if buildings are
on each other and creating enthusiasm
building, economic systems—and a ‘skill
clustered near the lodge, it won't be
and energy, will help attract the right
set’—good teachers, staff, and builders.”
the same experience.... There should
sustainability being some absolute state achieved somewhere off in the future, but a dynamic developmental process where
“One of the challenges is the remote
resources and people to make the vision
be clustering to minimize disturbance,
a reality.”
although the University of the Wild and the Program Center need separation....”
45
Cultural Partners
BRATTLEBORO,VT
School for International Training
KEENE, NH
Antioch University New England 15 M ILE S
ORANGE GREENFIELD
Dean's Beans North Quabbin Woods The Farm School 7.5 M Walnut Hill Tracking ILE & Nature Center S Millers River Environmental Center
Greenfields Market Co-op
Greenfield Community College
Seeds of Solidarity
Woolman Hill Center
Harvard Forest Polus Center PETERSHAM
Insight Meditation Center
Sirius
UMASS Amherst Amherst College
Cultural Neighbor University/College 0
2.5
5
Food Farm AMHERST Bank Hampshire Smith College College
Miles 7.5
Quabbin Reservoir
Anna Maria College
New England Small Farms Institute
Agape Assumption College WORCESTER
Mount Holyoke College
46
Sacred Earth Network Heart of the Shaman
EARTHLANDS
Tenemos
Legend
Mt.Wachusett Community College
Worcester State College
Potential Cultural Partners Many like-minded organizations are in the vicinity of Earthlands.
Sharing resources such as students,
Program at Greenfield Community
Polus Center
instructors, programs, funding, ideas,
College and facilities to fifteen to twenty
“The Polus Center for Social and Economic
and space with like-minded, established
private and non-profit organizations who
Development supports community-based
organizations will be key to the success
conduct programs at the Program Center.
of Earthlands’ future projects.
opportunities for people with disabilities and
Earthlands also co-sponsors off-site
other vulnerable groups.”
Institutions which may one day provide
events, like the Annual Spring North
Petersham, MA
a degree to students of the University
Quabbin Earth Festival in Petersham,
of the Wild include University Without
and the North Quabbin Woods Project in
Walls at UMass Amherst and Antioch
Orange, Massachusetts.
University in Keene, New Hampshire. For the benefit of the international component of the curriculum of the University of the Wild, Gaia University and the School for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont, have experience and expertise. Yestermorrow in Warren,
Sacred Earth Network With a mission to “build a balanced and sustainable culture...(and to) connect with the earth and remember indigenous wisdom.” Petersham, MA Bill Pfeiffer, Executive Director (978) 724-0120 www.sacredearthnetwork.org
Vermont, may be an excellent facility llege
programs that promote social and economic
to teach students of the University of the Wild green building techniques and alternative transportation technologies. Earthlands currently provides programs for students of the Human Ecology
Michael Lundquist, Chief Executive Officer (978) 724-3342 www.poluscenter.org Miller’s River Environmental Center A “community resource providing a working environment for collaboration between governmental and non-governmental agencies and citizens (with) a strong emphasis on the education and training of area citizens to enhance their appreciation for, connection with, and stewardship of the rich natural resources of the region.”
Insight Meditation Center Offering “meditation retreats rooted in the Theravada Buddhist teachings of ethics, concentration and wisdom.” Barre, MA (978) 355-4378 www.insightmeditationcenter.org
Athol, MA Dave Small, Executive Director (978) 248-9491 www.millersriver.net
47
Cultural Partners
Agape Community
Audubon Expedition Institute
Dynamy
An activist pacifist Catholic retreat and
“College and graduate students travel
Dynamy's mission is to “challenge, support,
residential community, utilizing green
throughout North America and Canada learning
and empower young people to discover their
technologies.
from the people and places at the forefront of
purpose in life and to practice their values
Ware, MA
today’s most pressing environmental and social
through internship, programs and mentoring.”
Brayton and Suzanne Stanley
issues.”
Worcester, MA
(413) 967-9369
Belfast, Maine
Jim Zuberbuhler, Executive Director
www.agape.org
Lily Fessenden
(508) 755-2571
(207) 338-5859 x10
www.dynamy.org
Antioch University New England,
www.aei-auduboncollege.org
Department of Environmental Studies
48
EarthAction
Provides a “transdisciplinary approach to
The Conway School of Landscape Design
“EarthAction’s goal is to mobilize growing
environmental learning.”
With a mission to “explore, develop, practice,
numbers of people around the world to press
Keene, NH
and teach design of the land that is ecologically
their governments (or sometimes corporations)
Steve Chase, Director of Environmental
and socially sustainable.”
for stronger action to solve global problems.”
Advocacy Program
Conway, MA
Amherst, MA
(603)357-3122
Paul Hellmund, Director
Lois Barber
www.antiochne.edu
(413)369-4044
(413) 549-8118
www.csld.edu
www.earthaction.org
East Quabbin Land Trust
Gaia University
Harvard Forest
“Exists to conserve the natural, historical,
“Widescale human learning and unlearning
3000 acres of land, research facilities, and the
agricultural, and recreational character of (the)
are the keys to making the transition from
Fisher Museum.
region.”
our current eco-destructive culture to a fresh,
Petersham, MA
Hardwick, MA
designed culture that is eco-constructive
(978) 724-3302
Rick Romano
and socially just.” Students earn credits for
harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu
(413) 477-8229
Bachelors and Masters Degrees, Certificates
www.eqlt.org
and Diplomas.
Hitchcock Center for the Environment
www.gaiauniversity.org
“Offering natural history programs for people
The Farm School
of all ages and backgrounds, and training
“A family farm for the coming generations
Greenfield Community College,
educators to be more effective science
where people experience first hand what it
Human Ecology Program
teachers.”
means to be stewards of the earth.”
“Promotes the development of basic literacy
Amherst, MA
Athol MA
in evolution from the birth of the universe to
Julie Johnson, Executive Director
Ben Holm
contemporary life on earth,” including “basic
(413) 256-6006
(978) 249-2656
characteristics of ecosystems and ecological
www.hitchcockcenter.org
www.farmschool.org
problems.” Greenfield, MA Angel Russek (413) 775-1000 www.gcc.mass.edu
49
Cultural Partners
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust
Pine Street Co-Housing
School for International Training
A conservation organization with the mission to
A “small, eight-home intergenerational
Featuring a program in intercultural
“address the rapid, unorganized development
community that emphasizes resource
management that focuses on issues of
of productive farm and forestland in north
efficiency, environmental preservation and a
sustainability and social justice.
central and western Massachusetts.”
deep sense of community.”
Brattleboro, VT
Athol, MA
Amherst, MA
Jennifer Travis
Pam Kimball-Smith
David Kastor
(802) 258-3246
(978) 248-2043
(413) 549-4119
www.sit.edu
www.mountgrace.org Rowe Camp and Conference Center
Seeds of Solidarity Education Center, Inc.
Omega Institute
Rowe, MA
“Provides people of all ages with the inspiration
“Through innovative educational experiences
“Offers an exceptional array of outstanding
and practical tools to use renewable energy
that awaken the best in the human spirit,
teachers and workshops in a small, intimate
and grow food in their communities.”
Omega provides hope and healing for
forum.”
Orange, MA
individuals and society.”
Doug Wilson, Director and Founder
Deb Habib
Rhinebeck, NY
(413) 339-4954
(978) 544-9023
(845) 266-4444
www.rowecenter.org
www.seedsofsolidarity.edu
www.eomega.org
50
Sirius Community
The Trustees of Reservations
Williams College,
Consists of an ecovillage, a non-profit
A conservation organization with a mission
Center for Environmental Studies
educational center, and an intentional
“To preserve, for public use and enjoyment,
Williamstown, MA
community.
properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and
(413) 597-2346
Shutesbury, MA
ecological value in Massachusetts.”
www.williams.edu/CES
Bruce Davidson
Leominster, MA
(413) 259-1255
(978) 840-4446
Woolman Hill
www.siriuscommunity.org
www.thetrustees.org
“Rustic facilities offer a peaceful atmosphere for conferences, workshops, meetings, family
Sustainability Institute
University of Vermont,
gatherings, individual retreats, and other
Focuses on “understanding the root causes
Environmental Program
events.”
of unsustainable behavior in complex
Burlington, VT
Deerfield, MA
systems...to help move human society toward
(802) 656-4055
(413) 774-3431
sustainability.” The staff includes biologists,
www.uvm.edu/~envprog
www.woolmanhill.org
modelers, and facilitators.
University Without Walls (UMass)
Yestermorrow Design/Build School
Hartland, VT
Offering “adult learners the opportunity to earn
Yestermorrow Design/Build School inspires
(802) 436-1277
a UMass UWW degree that builds on credit
people to create a better, more sustainable
www.sustainabilityinstitute.org
granted for prior coursework and experience.”
world by providing hands-on education that
Amherst, MA
integrates design and craft as a creative,
(413) 545-1378
interactive process.
www.uww.umass.edu
Warren, VT
writers, social scientists, system dynamics
(802) 496-5545 www.yestermorrow.org
51
Site Suitability
Legend Protected Open Space Oak-a-thon New Protected Space Cleared Field Wetlands Steep slopes Buildable Areas
0
52
250
500
Feet 1,000
Site Suitability: Inventory and Analysis Summary of 1997 CSLD Student Work
As you turn onto unpaved Glasheen
In the fall of 2006, 75 acres were put
Many factors must be considered in the
Road from East Street, the tree canopy
into permanent conservation leaving the
determination of development locations
closes in over the road, and you have
northern 162 acres available for potential
on the Earthlands site. Disturbance
entered the Earthlands property. On-grid
development.
cannot be avoided when clearing heavily
electric service is in place along the town-
wooded sites. Reusing previously
manintained Glasheen Road, and could
The 1997 Conway School of Landscape
disturbed areas and reducing footprint
be connected to the Earthlands property.
Design student project's analysis of the
requirements of new construction
Earthlands site indicates limitations to
should be incorporated into planning.
Soft slopes of mixed hardwood forests
consider when siting new construction
Site circulation that navigates heavy
characterize over two-hundred acres of
on the property. The determination
foot traffic away from sensitive areas
land, and include an intermittent stream,
made by the 1997 study indicates three
and minimizes the diffusion of cars
wetland areas, and several cleared, open
segregated areas, totalling approximately
throughout the site is essential to reduce
spaces. In the northwest, the two largest
100 acres, are suitable for building based
long-term ecological impact.
cleared fields slope gently south, away
on the criteria of slope and wetlands.
from the off-grid building called "the
Approximately one-third of the available
Lodge.� These fields are approximately
land is restricted by wetlands and
five to six acres each, and together
their associated buffers. A four-acre
are the spiritual center of Earthlands.
area on the west side of the property
Handcrafted cabins, out-buildings and
contains slopes that are too severe for
small semi-cleared areas are tucked into
development.
the woods throughout the property.
53
W i D K i o d w a T r s t
54
Water & Waste Management
Site Suitability
Number of people on site
As an example, parking areas should slope
flush toilets. A contract with a septage
150 Max at Program Center 66 Max at the University of the Wild 13 Staff 229 Total +125 Campers at the annual Summer Earthstory event
away from the well area. The size of the zone
hauler may be required. An alternative
depends on the capacity of the well.
grey-water (waste-water produced by
354 People potentially on-site
Water
baths, showers, clothes-washing, and Where a new well is needed, a professional
bathroom sinks) treatment system can be
engineer should be hired to determine
used in conjunction with the composting
the appropriate site, and a pump test
toilet system with approval by the
administered to determine capacity and
town Board of Health. Contracting the
quality. Until this test is done it is not
installation and ongoing monitoring of the
possible to ascertain quality or quantity of
system with the manufacturer or installer
water on any site in Petersham.
may be desirable or even required by the
Water use on the Earthlands site
Board of Health.
Department of Environmental Protection.
Composting Toilets, Septic, & Greywater
Using Reclaimed Water
Kim Longridge (413-755-2215) works with
Composting toilets have been granted
Any facility that is designed to reuse
issues in Petersham. If there are 25 people
“General Use” approval from Massachusetts
treated wastewater must have a valid
on the site over 60 non-consecutive days
DEP. Benefits of installing composting
discharge permit from the Department of
during any given year, the water supply
toilets include reduced nutrient loading
Environmental Protection (DEP).
will be defined as a “Public Water System,"
on-site and a 40% reduction in the scale of
Applications to build a new wastewater
and will be subject to DEP requirements.
the required septic system—a significant
treatment facility or to modify an existing
The protective radius around a well is
advantage to reducing site disturbance.
one must include an engineering report
referred to as a zone, and only water
Composting toilets, at both large and
along with a statement that the plans have
supply activities, or those that do not
small scales, require monitoring and
been prepared in accordance with the
threaten water quality, can occur within it.
maintenance beyond that of traditional
regulations: Title 5, 314 CMR 5.000.
is regulated by the Massachusetts
55
Ecological/Carbon Neutrality Footprint A model for sustainability looks for ways to mitigate carbon in its equation.
From Site
From Off-Site
Leaving Site
Materials Wastes
Kept on Site Maximize Mitigate
Also People drive to Earthlands
miles per year =
Lbs. of carbon.
To Mitigate: co-sponser the conservation of acres per year. Contribute hours of ecological education to local schools per year. Make available Lbs. of organic food, cut flowers, honey, compost, etc. to local markets per year. 56
Scale of Agriculture Needed
Site Suitability
With the addition of the University of the
By modeling the farm at Earthlands after
long as possible, as only time and atten-
Wild and aresidential community, the
small-scale diversified styles of intensive
tion paid to the lessons of the land will
population of Earthlands will increase
vegetable production, much food can be
produce the best results over the long-
greatly. A system of food production will
produced in less area. When calculating
term. On-site agriculture will provide an
be essential for the sustainability goals of
the area needed to feed a certain number
excellent educational opportunity within
the IEA.
of people, it should be considered that
the diverse curriculum of the University
less space is usually needed each
of the Wild. Knowledge of where one's
A productive farm system on site will
subsequent season as the farm system
food comes from and the skills to provide
provide community members with fresh
becomes more productive.
it are integral to the understanding of
vegetables throughout the year. By
“place� on the earth.
using a carefully planned schedule of
In his book The New Organic Grower, Elliot
crop plantings, food can be grown for
Coleman explains the tools and techniques
Members of the residential community
immediate consumption and storage.
needed for intensive cultivation of vegeta-
can bypass the traditional money/food
Growing seasons can be extended in the
bles. It is his belief that in New England,
exchange by trading part-time farm labor
spring and fall through the use of appro-
2.5 acres of intensively cultivated vegeta-
for food shares. Surplus farm produce
priate greenhouse technology. Food
bles can feed at least 100 people.
can be exchanged within a regional
will be consumed on-site, minimizing
barter network for other goods and
travel distance from farm to plate. In
An experienced farmer/manager using
the context of concerns around peak oil,
proper planning can maximize agricul-
local food sources will become
tural production. The same person
Special thanks to Sean Roulan for researching
should remain in this position for as
and writing a significant portion of this section.
more critical.
services.
57
Agape Community Neighborly advice
Brayton Shanley and his wife Suzanne created a non-profit
Brayton says, “Design is everything. Build according to your
organization and community in Ware, Massachusetts, where
vision for daily life. Surround yourselves with knowledgeable
they practice Catholic pacifist activism. Brayton says, “Pace is
experienced people, who know things like food, construction,
the primary evil. People are frantically chasing money, driving
and wood heat.” He observes that most Americans do not want
cars, and talking. This creates anxiety. Slowing down is the
to leave their individual homes for a greater good, as they are
first step.” For 25 years, Brayton and Suzanne have operated
invested so heavily in rugged individualism and nuclear families.
an and an ecologically sustainable lifestyle. The Shanleys live
“In our culture,” he says, “community is seen as a threat to
in a post and beam and straw bale house, built with white oak
privacy and the family unit, but it is community that brings
from their 32-acre site, and they use conventional and solar-
people together and grounds them.”
generated electricity, wood heat, wood cook-stove, and moldering compost toilet. Their car runs on grease obtained from a friend at a nearby fast-food restaurant. The community house on the property serves as a versatile building, housing interns and hosting events and meetings. People come to Agape for various lengths of time for educational events and retreats, or to study and meditate.
58
The success of a sustainable community depends somewhat upon self-sufficiency. People contribute specialized skills for the benefit of the community, and less outside labor and resources are required.
“Surround yourself with knowlegeable, experienced people.” –Brayton Shanley, Agape
59
References Program Center Scenarios
Petersham
www.cordwoodmasonry.com
Petersham Town Master Plan Open Space & Recreation Plan, Draft, 2003
Program Center Precedents www.rowecenter.org
Composting Toilets, Greywater Systems, and Title 5 Alternatives
www.blackforest.org
http://www.barnstablecountyhealth.org/AlternativeWebpage/
www.cordwoodmasonry.com
www.ecological-engineering.com
www.csupomona.edu
http://www.clivusmultrum.com
www.sit.edu
mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw02/sl020176.htm
www.esalen.org
www.findhorn.org www.fieldsneighborhood.org
Agriculture
www.warren-wilson.edu
The New Organic Grower, Coleman, Elliot Chelsea Green Publishing Company, 1995
Trudeslund Community Cohousing, A Contemporary Approach to Housing Ourselves
Maps
McCamant, Kathryn, and Durrett, Charles
All map data in this document sourced from the Office of
Ten Speed Press, 1988
Geographic and Environmental Information (MassGIS), Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.
60
Who’s who at Earthlands IEA Board of Directors Dr. Larry Buell, President of the Institute and founder of Earthlands. Professor Emeritus of Human Ecology at Greenfield Community College. Lorrie Klosterman, IEA Clerk. College professor in the Natural Sciences and presently on the Sacred Earth Board. John Ryan, IEA Treasurer. Engaged in alternative education and a practicing herbalist. Tim Fuller, past Earthlands Summer Intern and graduate of the College of the Atlantic. Present COA Trustee. Bill Grover, Green Architect in the Boston area and long-time Earthlands member.
2007 Earthlands Strategic Planning Committee (In addition to the IEA Board & Earthlands Staff)
Nancy Hazard, former Executive Director of NESEA (North American Sustainable Energy Association) and transportation specialist. Jono Neiger, a practicing permaculturalist and college-level instructor of environmental themes. Jahnay Pickett, Senior Grant & Contract Administrator at University of New Hampshire with a speciality in “Green Living” initiatives.
Earthlands Staff Lucinda Ramsey, Lodge Co-Coordinator with several years of teaching in Southeast Asia and an experienced retreat center staff. Frank Deitle, Lodge Co-Coordinator who is a trained and experienced in permaculture and serves as a small-group facilitator. Justin Idoine, owner and operator of Abundant Home, a green alternative building firm in Vermont. Earthlands Facilities Coordinator.
Matt Sirum, Co-owner of Pioneer Valley Photovoltaics and a specialist in alternative energy.
Michael Lindquist, Executive Director of the international social justice non-governmental organization, Polis, Inc. John Knuerr, administrator of a New England-wide health care organization and professor of Environmental Ethics & Philosophy. Pamela Kimball-Smith, founding member of Earthlands and land protection specialist at Mount Grace Land Trust, Inc.
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Conway School of Landscape Design WINTER PROJECT 2007 Kate Dana Jennifer Campbell
We wish to thank: All of the people at Earthlands who generously shared their stories and experiences with us, and provided us with invaluable feedback. Lucinda Ramsey and Frank Deitle, for helping us better understand the daily experience of living at the Lodge, and on the land, and for their passionate
Lynn Harper at the Massachusetts
Sean Roulan for his piece about
Natural Heritage and Endangered
sustainable agriculture at Earthlands.
Species Program, for specific information about wildlife habitat at Earthlands.
at the Conway School of Landscape
Department of Environmental Protection,
Design, for their patience, feedback, and
for explaining the laws pertaining to well
therapeutic counseling throughout this
water in the state, and for explaining the
project.
relevant geology of Petersham. Jennifer Travis at the School for
inspiring.
International Training, Jim Zuberbuhler at Dynamy, and Steve Chase at Antioch New England, for taking time to discuss
The Conway School of Landscape Design is the
the possibility of partnering with the
only institution of its kind in North America. Its
University of the Wild.
focus is sustainable landscape planning and
Elizabeth Farnsworth and David Lynch,
design and each year through its accredited,
for their incredibly knowledgeable and
ten-month graduate program, up to twenty
insightful feedback and suggestions.
students are immersed in a range of applied
IEA, and for graciously including us in
Dave Jacke, Bill Grover, Davis Hawkowl,
landscape
Institute information sessions during this
Lorrie Klosterman, Cathy Pedavillano,
residences to regions. Graduates have gone on
process.
Bill Pfeiffer, and Jeffrey Weisberg for
to diverse professional roles in many aspects of
taking time to write their thoughts about
landscape planning and design with an eye to
Earthlands and the vision for the future
sustainability. www.csld.edu
and encouragement, focus, and dedication to clarifying and solidifying the many aspects, expectations, and ideas regarding the vision of Earthlands. Larry Buell, for copious information and background on Earthlands and the
of the IEA.
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Hellmund, and Kim Erslev, the faculty
Kim Longridge at the Massachusetts
enthusiasm for Earthlands. It is Justin Idoine, for his close cooperation
Mollie Babize, Ken Byrne, Paul
studies,
ranging
in
scale
from