BRPN member permaculture sites and projects

Below are some descriptions of the work of our network members. This page will be continually added to with additional members' work.

Radical Roots Farm - Dave and Lee O’Neil

Description: Founded in 2000, Radical Roots Farm produces high quality, ecologically grown vegetables in Keezletown, Virginia. They use sustainable methods of farming such as cover cropping, crop rotation, attracting beneficial insects and applying compost. Without the use of synthetic chemicals, herbicides and pesticides, they rely on hand labor and natural cycles for the healthiest soil and vegetables. Dave and Lee distribute their harvest through a CSA running from early June to October, and they sell fresh produce at local markets including Charlottesville and Staunton. They also run a nursery and have an apprenticeship program to help others learn the skills needed to run a successful farm.

Christine and Reed’s straw bale home

Description: Permaculture teacher Christine Gyovai and designer Reed Muehlman have built a 1000 sq. foot passive solar straw bale home near White Hall, Virginia, with Sugar Hollow Builders. The home was constructed using locally grown barley straw, earth and lime plaster on the exterior and earth plaster on the interior of the home, reclaimed redwood siding on the south wall, reclaimed beams in the interior, passive solar heating and cooling strategies, solar hot water, energy efficient appliances and windows, and many other environmental features. Christine and Reed moved into their house in early spring of 2008 with their new son, Elijah, and they love it