Permaculture Education and Research Lab (PEARL) in West Virginia
United States
Education, Technology, EnergyPE
Permaculture Education and Research Lab - PEARL
West Virginia, United States
NonprofitChicken of the Woods Permaculture Farm is a regenerative organic operation committed to permaculture ethics of people care, Earth care, and limiting growth through returning surplus. Operating on five suburban acres bordering Seneca Creek State Park in Darnestown, Maryland, the farm integrates biodynamic and organic practices, native conservation landscaping, and community education. The operation was founded on the conviction that growing and consuming clean food is essential to both family moral integrity and Earth's ecological stability. Their work includes green renovation of a historic 1890s home, on-farm organic practices, native habitat restoration, stormwater management, and educational outreach.
Project story
A Vision of Self-Sufficiency Takes Root
When Bridgette and Jesse Downer purchased 63 acres in 2002, they embarked on an ambitious journey: building a thriving permaculture eco-village designed for complete food sovereignty and energy independence.
Over two decades, their vision has flourished. The couple has constructed an innovative Earthship home, restored heavily degraded soils through regenerative practices, and established thriving food forests that now feed their community. They've also tackled complex environmental challenges, including remediating acid mine drainage—transforming what was once barren land into a living ecosystem.
Today, their eco-village stands as a working blueprint for sustainable living, proving that with determination and ecological knowledge, true self-sufficiency is possible. From food production to clean energy, every system has been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resilience.
This project isn't just about one family's dream—it's about demonstrating what's achievable when we work with nature rather than against it. Your support helps expand these regenerative practices and inspire others to build their own sustainable futures.
Project updates
Team
Permaculture Education and Research Lab (PEARL) in West Virginia
United States
Education, Technology, EnergyPE
Permaculture Education and Research Lab - PEARL
West Virginia, United States
NonprofitChicken of the Woods Permaculture Farm is a regenerative organic operation committed to permaculture ethics of people care, Earth care, and limiting growth through returning surplus. Operating on five suburban acres bordering Seneca Creek State Park in Darnestown, Maryland, the farm integrates biodynamic and organic practices, native conservation landscaping, and community education. The operation was founded on the conviction that growing and consuming clean food is essential to both family moral integrity and Earth's ecological stability. Their work includes green renovation of a historic 1890s home, on-farm organic practices, native habitat restoration, stormwater management, and educational outreach.
Project story
A Vision of Self-Sufficiency Takes Root
When Bridgette and Jesse Downer purchased 63 acres in 2002, they embarked on an ambitious journey: building a thriving permaculture eco-village designed for complete food sovereignty and energy independence.
Over two decades, their vision has flourished. The couple has constructed an innovative Earthship home, restored heavily degraded soils through regenerative practices, and established thriving food forests that now feed their community. They've also tackled complex environmental challenges, including remediating acid mine drainage—transforming what was once barren land into a living ecosystem.
Today, their eco-village stands as a working blueprint for sustainable living, proving that with determination and ecological knowledge, true self-sufficiency is possible. From food production to clean energy, every system has been thoughtfully designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing resilience.
This project isn't just about one family's dream—it's about demonstrating what's achievable when we work with nature rather than against it. Your support helps expand these regenerative practices and inspire others to build their own sustainable futures.
Project updates
Team
Location
United States