Insurgent Permaculture: new hope in a climate crisis?

By Paul Oliva, The Lexington Times

LEXINGTON, KY — As 70,000 Burning Man attendees found themselves stranded in the desert due to unusually excessive rains this weekend, one Lexington, Kentucky company, Geomancer Permaculture, is making strides in environmental sustainability and stormwater management, offering a glimpse of hope in a world grappling with climate change.

Founded in 2019 by Leandro "Nachie" Braga, Geomancer Permaculture has been a beacon of innovation in the realm of urban ecology. The company has received multiple awards, including the Kentucky Association for Environmental Education’s Outstanding Business in Environmental Education award and the Community Environmental Luminary award from the Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection.

Photo byGeomancer Permaculture

A Revolutionary Approach to Urban Ecology

Geomancer's work is not just about planting trees; it's about a holistic approach to urban ecology. They have been actively involved in public policy, presenting proposals to Lexington's Water Quality Fees Board to include additional incentives for establishing new native tree canopies. This initiative was unanimously approved, marking a significant win for public policy efforts nationwide.

The Kilrush Food Forest: A Model for Urban Agroecology

One of Geomancer's most ambitious projects is the Kilrush Food Forest. This endeavor aims to establish the site as a model for urban agroecology, focusing on native food crops and medicinal plants. The project is still in its early stages, involving the removal of invasive plants and administrative work like securing grants and permits. However, once completed, it promises to be the largest public food forest in Kentucky.

High school students spent the summer working with Geomancer through the Partners For Youth Summer Youth Job Training Program.Photo byGeomancer Permaculture

Community Education and Involvement

Geomancer is not just a business; it's a community. They have partnered with the Partners For Youth Summer Youth Job Training Program, providing hands-on experience in ecological land management. Moreover, they have worked on stormwater mitigation projects at McConnell Springs Park, which have become educational resources for schools and universities.

Geomancer Permaculture founder Nachie Braga presents at a Water Quality Fees Board meeting in Lexington, Kentucky.Photo byGeomancer Permaculture

The Future is Green

As climate change continues to wreak havoc globally, companies like Geomancer Permaculture offer a glimmer of hope. Their work serves as a testament to what can be achieved when we look beyond traditional methods and embrace a more sustainable, community-oriented approach to urban living.

In a world where climate anomalies like excessivsert rains can leave thousands stranded, perhaps it's time we turn our attention to insurgent permaculture as a viable solution to our environmental woes.

You can support Geomancer Permaculture on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/geomancerpermaculture

Photo byGeomancer Permaculture