Welcome To The Co-Design Prototypes
Explore below the students Co-Design learning reflections and the initial co-designed Permaculture Design draft presentations for a 60 acre ranch in Skull Valley Arizona. The students were given the opportunity to synthesize their understanding of strategic evolution, sustainability, systems dynamics, the vision for the design site, create a systems model to identify design leverage points, and crate a rough draft whole systems design. The stunted then facilitated a design presentation session with the site design owners to receive feedback and hone their skills. Checkout the program design and facilitation harvest section for more detailed course design and process resources.
Student-Lead
Design Prototype Presentations & Learning Reflections
Angela, Erica, Mike, Jake & Victoria
Our Design incorporating permaculture and Juniper Well Ranch's vision for the future of their property.
Co-Design Project Reflection
Angela Marcinik
Working in groups for school projects is often difficult for me because I find it hard to feel comfortable with people I haven’t know for a long time. I also like to be in control of things I’m working on because I feel a responsibility to the project or assignment. Working with a group, I have to let go of my need for control in order to create a final project. This unsettles me. Especially when I feel I know a better way to do things. Or I feel like I’m right. Working in a group while trying to determine what strengths everyone is bringing while working quickly to accomplish a goal is an interesting balancing act. Making sure everyone is getting their say in and feeling engaged is huge priority in successful groups. To let this happen I had to remember to let people finish talking and not interrupting them as well as valuing all the ideas put forth. This lead to a final design I wouldn’t have created myself but one that had something everyone was excited about and one that was true collaboration.
Angela Marcinik
Working in groups for school projects is often difficult for me because I find it hard to feel comfortable with people I haven’t know for a long time. I also like to be in control of things I’m working on because I feel a responsibility to the project or assignment. Working with a group, I have to let go of my need for control in order to create a final project. This unsettles me. Especially when I feel I know a better way to do things. Or I feel like I’m right. Working in a group while trying to determine what strengths everyone is bringing while working quickly to accomplish a goal is an interesting balancing act. Making sure everyone is getting their say in and feeling engaged is huge priority in successful groups. To let this happen I had to remember to let people finish talking and not interrupting them as well as valuing all the ideas put forth. This lead to a final design I wouldn’t have created myself but one that had something everyone was excited about and one that was true collaboration.
Week Two Co-Design Reflection
Victoria Ellis
Working with a group, to create a permaculture design reflective of the vision of Juniper Well Ranch, has broadened my horizons of all that permaculture can encompass. Having different backgrounds join together to unify the dreams of the owner, in a cohesive, sustainable design, created a rounded perspective of the project. Taking from what we have learned in our first two weeks, working with zone and sector analyses, systems mapping, permaculture ethics and principles, alongside the foundations of permaculture design, I believe we were able to make their dream closer to becoming reality. By analyzing the land, the energy systems that course through it, as well as the animal and human elements that are integral parts of the whole, we were able to decipher placement of objects, general flow and layout of our design, as well as working with “what makes sense”. We were able to map out the systems the ranch has in place, and how they all interact with one another, as well as work with what new systems can be implemented, as leverage points, and how they would also affect the whole system. Keeping the ethics of permaculture, People Care, Earth Care and Fair shares, we were able to identify opportunities within the existing system, and easily employed opportunities for the new system they have envisioned. Having the principles of permaculture in mind, we were able to remain mindful of what the ranch wants, while working towards harmony for the entire property. By utilizing small machinery, our capacity to observe and plan accordingly, their capacity to retain energy and obtain greater yields with the least amount of input, we were able to incorporate all of the principles into our design. Following the fact that diversity lives on the edge, adopting design patterns that have always been successful in nature, alongside the principles of what makes the most sense, we were able to create a dynamic design, allowing the ranch to be open to possibilities and change, as well as truly creating a name for themselves as a model of sustainability. By paying close mind to the fact that we must attempt to solve the problems in accordance with one another, not as sole obstacles, we were able to keep the dream goal intact, while attempting to solve as many complex issues as possible. Understanding the complex nature of large systems, and of the ranch, we were able to appropriately design solutions for the greater good of all involved. One of the most important aspects of our design was our lens of perspective, to take care of the land from which we came, to improve and sustain the lives of the people and animals, and the environment, for countless generations to come. Dedicated time to observation, simple and low energy improvements, while working with what has worked for our natural environment for centuries, we were able to incorporate all the aspects of permaculture, into an attainable and sustainable healing ranch.
Victoria Ellis
Working with a group, to create a permaculture design reflective of the vision of Juniper Well Ranch, has broadened my horizons of all that permaculture can encompass. Having different backgrounds join together to unify the dreams of the owner, in a cohesive, sustainable design, created a rounded perspective of the project. Taking from what we have learned in our first two weeks, working with zone and sector analyses, systems mapping, permaculture ethics and principles, alongside the foundations of permaculture design, I believe we were able to make their dream closer to becoming reality. By analyzing the land, the energy systems that course through it, as well as the animal and human elements that are integral parts of the whole, we were able to decipher placement of objects, general flow and layout of our design, as well as working with “what makes sense”. We were able to map out the systems the ranch has in place, and how they all interact with one another, as well as work with what new systems can be implemented, as leverage points, and how they would also affect the whole system. Keeping the ethics of permaculture, People Care, Earth Care and Fair shares, we were able to identify opportunities within the existing system, and easily employed opportunities for the new system they have envisioned. Having the principles of permaculture in mind, we were able to remain mindful of what the ranch wants, while working towards harmony for the entire property. By utilizing small machinery, our capacity to observe and plan accordingly, their capacity to retain energy and obtain greater yields with the least amount of input, we were able to incorporate all of the principles into our design. Following the fact that diversity lives on the edge, adopting design patterns that have always been successful in nature, alongside the principles of what makes the most sense, we were able to create a dynamic design, allowing the ranch to be open to possibilities and change, as well as truly creating a name for themselves as a model of sustainability. By paying close mind to the fact that we must attempt to solve the problems in accordance with one another, not as sole obstacles, we were able to keep the dream goal intact, while attempting to solve as many complex issues as possible. Understanding the complex nature of large systems, and of the ranch, we were able to appropriately design solutions for the greater good of all involved. One of the most important aspects of our design was our lens of perspective, to take care of the land from which we came, to improve and sustain the lives of the people and animals, and the environment, for countless generations to come. Dedicated time to observation, simple and low energy improvements, while working with what has worked for our natural environment for centuries, we were able to incorporate all the aspects of permaculture, into an attainable and sustainable healing ranch.
Co Design Reflection
Erica Masten
This week was very interesting to me. For the amount I learned from my group with building a huge sustainable vision for Juniper Wells Ranch. I would think we worked pretty well as a system to Co Create a vision and put it on paper. I took the reasonability of learning and listening from my group members that new a lot more about permaculture then I did. We are a whole system and tying to make a whole system that works for Margret’s vision along with staying true to Mother Earth for she is the real client. We had to use a good amount of communication to get our thoughts on to paper. We all had different strategies when we put them all together we created something pretty amazing,
Listening to Margret’s hopes and ideas for the farm was exciting for me. Her ideas of the transformation of Juniper Wells Ranch into a healing, vibrating empowering, beautiful and peaceful place is right up my ally. Having this moment of listening to her and hearing how possible it is to make this dream become reality. I am proud to be a part of group to help her align her dreams and earths care. When we had all these ideas floating threw our minds of what could be possible for the ranch to became very BIG. When we put it on our map to see where everything connects. That is when the action of our visions started to take sprout.
It was very important to see the connection of the all the points of interest. Then we learned that our vision map lead to the capital. The capital, why the capital? I thought. But that is when I started to reflect how powerful this could be. With the right marketing tools and people, yes the capital will be affected. We are trying to change the world show the world how easy and possible it is to live in a world much more alive. Where people have the power to chose and if they know more about how easy and possible it is maybe they to will follow juniper wells ranch. Even if it is just planting tomato’s, peppers, brail by their windowsill.
Why can’t we all live this fruitful life? This class has made me remember how important it is to work together and plant more plants in my apartment. To work together with out human species, to work together with mother earth, to work together with creatures of all kinds. We are a system with in a system, that is with in a system, which is a part of a bigger system. With working together we create the circle of life. That is why it is so important to create land that naturally benefits the system mother earth. If she is taken care of as are we.
Michael Aresty
This second week was an awesome addition to the first. We had to organize as a group and work together to develop system maps and site design first drafts for Juniper Well Ranch. Applications of permaculture can vary so much with different design elements that it was a cool experience to look at the knowledge that everyone had and really play with the different ideas we were all able to contribute. The end result was a coming together as a group with a design that we could be proud of. The leverage points that we were able to identify in or systems map really provided us with a place to begin looking at the design elements we wanted to implement in our vision of ranch based upon what we felt were the most important elements.
One principle I tried to always adhere to was the stacking of function of functions to make work done more effective as well as increase the capacity of a smaller number of workers on the ranch to accomplish more with their time and sweat. I felt that we had heard them in this regard was appreciated by the staff upon presentation. in addition I enjoyed the ability to add a different design element I learned about in an independent study last semester on Agrivolatics and incorporate that into our design. The interesting part was I hadn’t connected it to permaculture, but the philosophy behind it stacks about 4 different functions into what would normally be two different systems, and looking at it as not just a smart idea but a permaculture idea was interesting.
I felt that together we worked well and were able to incorporate many ideas from each person and the interests of everyone. I also liked that our presentation built upon the previous two groups. I was worried about us all repeating what the permaculture principles and ethics were over and over again, but I felt each groups presentation built and by the time it got to ours we were able to talk more about the kitty gritty details and go into depth about topics that had just been presented to them.
Erica Masten
This week was very interesting to me. For the amount I learned from my group with building a huge sustainable vision for Juniper Wells Ranch. I would think we worked pretty well as a system to Co Create a vision and put it on paper. I took the reasonability of learning and listening from my group members that new a lot more about permaculture then I did. We are a whole system and tying to make a whole system that works for Margret’s vision along with staying true to Mother Earth for she is the real client. We had to use a good amount of communication to get our thoughts on to paper. We all had different strategies when we put them all together we created something pretty amazing,
Listening to Margret’s hopes and ideas for the farm was exciting for me. Her ideas of the transformation of Juniper Wells Ranch into a healing, vibrating empowering, beautiful and peaceful place is right up my ally. Having this moment of listening to her and hearing how possible it is to make this dream become reality. I am proud to be a part of group to help her align her dreams and earths care. When we had all these ideas floating threw our minds of what could be possible for the ranch to became very BIG. When we put it on our map to see where everything connects. That is when the action of our visions started to take sprout.
It was very important to see the connection of the all the points of interest. Then we learned that our vision map lead to the capital. The capital, why the capital? I thought. But that is when I started to reflect how powerful this could be. With the right marketing tools and people, yes the capital will be affected. We are trying to change the world show the world how easy and possible it is to live in a world much more alive. Where people have the power to chose and if they know more about how easy and possible it is maybe they to will follow juniper wells ranch. Even if it is just planting tomato’s, peppers, brail by their windowsill.
Why can’t we all live this fruitful life? This class has made me remember how important it is to work together and plant more plants in my apartment. To work together with out human species, to work together with mother earth, to work together with creatures of all kinds. We are a system with in a system, that is with in a system, which is a part of a bigger system. With working together we create the circle of life. That is why it is so important to create land that naturally benefits the system mother earth. If she is taken care of as are we.
Michael Aresty
This second week was an awesome addition to the first. We had to organize as a group and work together to develop system maps and site design first drafts for Juniper Well Ranch. Applications of permaculture can vary so much with different design elements that it was a cool experience to look at the knowledge that everyone had and really play with the different ideas we were all able to contribute. The end result was a coming together as a group with a design that we could be proud of. The leverage points that we were able to identify in or systems map really provided us with a place to begin looking at the design elements we wanted to implement in our vision of ranch based upon what we felt were the most important elements.
One principle I tried to always adhere to was the stacking of function of functions to make work done more effective as well as increase the capacity of a smaller number of workers on the ranch to accomplish more with their time and sweat. I felt that we had heard them in this regard was appreciated by the staff upon presentation. in addition I enjoyed the ability to add a different design element I learned about in an independent study last semester on Agrivolatics and incorporate that into our design. The interesting part was I hadn’t connected it to permaculture, but the philosophy behind it stacks about 4 different functions into what would normally be two different systems, and looking at it as not just a smart idea but a permaculture idea was interesting.
I felt that together we worked well and were able to incorporate many ideas from each person and the interests of everyone. I also liked that our presentation built upon the previous two groups. I was worried about us all repeating what the permaculture principles and ethics were over and over again, but I felt each groups presentation built and by the time it got to ours we were able to talk more about the kitty gritty details and go into depth about topics that had just been presented to them.
~Leo. Shona. Maddy. Kaine~
The slides below include a brief overview of Permaculture, Sustainability, Systems Mapping, and our interpretation of the vision for Juniper Well Ranch (JWR). Click through to explore part of what we shared with JWR during the presentation of our fist draft design for the property.
Video: The Creation of our First Design Draft
Design RD from Shona Estey-Edwards on Vimeo.
Co-creating
~ Vision for Juniper Well Ranch ~
Healing and learning through integration of human, plant and animal communities. With creating a sustainable system as well as keeping the basic vision of permaculture in mind, people care, earth care, and fair share, we see Juniper Well Ranch as a healing and learning space where anything is possible. From a farm to table program teaching people the importance of sustainable food systems and nutrition, to creating a healing space with nature walks and social gatherings, Juniper Well Ranch is an amazing place to grow, dream, and spread knowledge. Granite and Tonto Mountain are visible in the distance, 1,000 year old Alligator Juniper Trees stand tall on the property, and thinking of the history that took place on the very soil that Juniper Well Ranch sits on, we hope to integrate a way of living for all, people, plants and animals that continue to make this a truly special place.
“Let us dream of what is possible so that we can come together and put our efforts into working towards that dream. And then, let us show what we are truly capable of as a species.”
–David Suzuki
Healing and learning through integration of human, plant and animal communities. With creating a sustainable system as well as keeping the basic vision of permaculture in mind, people care, earth care, and fair share, we see Juniper Well Ranch as a healing and learning space where anything is possible. From a farm to table program teaching people the importance of sustainable food systems and nutrition, to creating a healing space with nature walks and social gatherings, Juniper Well Ranch is an amazing place to grow, dream, and spread knowledge. Granite and Tonto Mountain are visible in the distance, 1,000 year old Alligator Juniper Trees stand tall on the property, and thinking of the history that took place on the very soil that Juniper Well Ranch sits on, we hope to integrate a way of living for all, people, plants and animals that continue to make this a truly special place.
“Let us dream of what is possible so that we can come together and put our efforts into working towards that dream. And then, let us show what we are truly capable of as a species.”
–David Suzuki
Co-Creation—Week Two Reflection
Shona Estey-Edwards
It was such a joy to collaborate with Leo, Kaine, and Maddy on the first draft of the design challenge for Juniper Well Ranch (JWR). During our fist day working together we shared ideas, cultivated questions, made a list of what we perceived as the needs for JWR, did some brainstorming and dreaming on the possibilities, then took a walk around the property to see and feel the space and to begin envisioning what could be.
From that first day on through the week our process unfolded in an easeful way with a lovely fluidity that carried us along, gently supporting us in finding the calmest way around obstacles and flowing along smoothly during the majority of our time together. Overall in our collaborative process I felt that we had an easeful sharing of ideas, practiced active listening, and effective time management. We also had a shared excitement throughout the entire process, which contributed to positive attitudes and a strong presence from everyone. I tend to be a quieter, more observant type of person and I noticed a comfortableness in the quietness within our group that I appreciated and felt really relaxed with. I believe that we did a wonderful job at creating together and managing time/energy in such a way that supported a balanced contribution from everyone. All of these things have supported me in growing as a co-creator and have helped me to notice and begin to develop new ways of working collaboratively that I will take forward through life and continue growing from. The process of learning about the ways in which one can grow as an effective leader and co-creator along with the practice of applying and working together in the collaborative leadership process during this week has been a phenomenal opportunity for reflection, growth, and observation of the way(s) in which we show up in the world. It has shown me new pathways of working with myself and with a group that will be useful in my life and learning journeys.
My personal process included lots of scribbling of ideas as they arose throughout the days this week, doodling and playing with a mini draft of design ideas for JWR, talking with others about their thoughts and inspirations, and being in a constant state of excitement around the possibilities and creativity that are so actively alive for me right now. From the unfolding of this personal process I was able to harvest many ideas and inspirations that I contributed to the group process. The opportunity to work in collaborative leadership gave me the space to practice showing up more fully with my voice and input, which is something that I am working on cultivating comfort and ease with. Collaboration and the ability to work with others to inspire and create is such an important and needed component in the stewarding of change and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice.
Here are a few more nuggets that I harvested around things that can be useful in the group process:
-When you fist come together as a group, check in with everyone about what works well for people when working in collaborative ways.
-Asking questions such as: “How can we best work together and support each other?” can be helpful.
-It can be useful to create a game plan or roadmap for reaching goals and objectives
-Create a strategy for success as a collaborative group
-Honor where people are at in their process and be respectful
-Cultivate excitement and keep the stoke high!
-Remember to ENJOY the process!
~Shona
From that first day on through the week our process unfolded in an easeful way with a lovely fluidity that carried us along, gently supporting us in finding the calmest way around obstacles and flowing along smoothly during the majority of our time together. Overall in our collaborative process I felt that we had an easeful sharing of ideas, practiced active listening, and effective time management. We also had a shared excitement throughout the entire process, which contributed to positive attitudes and a strong presence from everyone. I tend to be a quieter, more observant type of person and I noticed a comfortableness in the quietness within our group that I appreciated and felt really relaxed with. I believe that we did a wonderful job at creating together and managing time/energy in such a way that supported a balanced contribution from everyone. All of these things have supported me in growing as a co-creator and have helped me to notice and begin to develop new ways of working collaboratively that I will take forward through life and continue growing from. The process of learning about the ways in which one can grow as an effective leader and co-creator along with the practice of applying and working together in the collaborative leadership process during this week has been a phenomenal opportunity for reflection, growth, and observation of the way(s) in which we show up in the world. It has shown me new pathways of working with myself and with a group that will be useful in my life and learning journeys.
My personal process included lots of scribbling of ideas as they arose throughout the days this week, doodling and playing with a mini draft of design ideas for JWR, talking with others about their thoughts and inspirations, and being in a constant state of excitement around the possibilities and creativity that are so actively alive for me right now. From the unfolding of this personal process I was able to harvest many ideas and inspirations that I contributed to the group process. The opportunity to work in collaborative leadership gave me the space to practice showing up more fully with my voice and input, which is something that I am working on cultivating comfort and ease with. Collaboration and the ability to work with others to inspire and create is such an important and needed component in the stewarding of change and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn and practice.
Here are a few more nuggets that I harvested around things that can be useful in the group process:
-When you fist come together as a group, check in with everyone about what works well for people when working in collaborative ways.
-Asking questions such as: “How can we best work together and support each other?” can be helpful.
-It can be useful to create a game plan or roadmap for reaching goals and objectives
-Create a strategy for success as a collaborative group
-Honor where people are at in their process and be respectful
-Cultivate excitement and keep the stoke high!
-Remember to ENJOY the process!
~Shona
-Kaine Holloway
Creating a co-design for Juniper well Ranch was an interesting development. I feel with collaboration I am a bit stubborn and feel that I had tried to hard to think of every possibility and did not allow the group the freedom of control we wanted. however I feel that this was not all bad and helped make sure all our goals where realistic and we could say more than put a forest here I wanted to be able to say you should use so and so plants because they work due to so and so.
over all I feel that I spent to much time watching what everyone else was doing and was to much of a background character. I discussed every aspect thoroughly however most of the artistic vision came from everyone else. I feel that for the sake of the draft my focus was far to narrow and that I did not adapt to the project enough to truely be able to assist my group as well as I should have
over all I feel that I spent to much time watching what everyone else was doing and was to much of a background character. I discussed every aspect thoroughly however most of the artistic vision came from everyone else. I feel that for the sake of the draft my focus was far to narrow and that I did not adapt to the project enough to truely be able to assist my group as well as I should have
~ Madelyn Boge
Creating a draft co-design for Juniper Well Ranch (JWR), was my first experience with permaculture design and collaborative group work towards building a sustainable model for a property. It was a great opportunity to work with some truly amazing people who inspired me not only in how we were able to collaborate with one another but in our co-design, allowing for great insight for what is possible at Juniper Well Ranch.
With Juniper Well Ranch as the focus of our co-design, I was eager to explore the property and gathering information as to what is possible for the future of the ranch. My group spent the first half of our assessment day discussing our ideas, raising questions, and creating an interpretative vision for Juniper Well Ranch based on what we gathered from our ‘interview’ with Margaret and James. We then explored, letting our minds wander and dream about what could be.
The group process throughout the week continued with the same fluidity. There was a calmness about how we shared ideas, held discussions and collaborated that created a safe space for learning and sharing. Something that I felt was important to us was checking in with one another at the start of each meeting to make sure we knew how the process was going for everyone. This allowed for us to share our voices and made the overall process much smoother. Everyone was always present and listened to one another which made for an efficient working environment. There seemed to be a hidden communication with our group that we had maintained throughout the process, allowing us to work independently on something but still remain on the same page and create the vision and design we set out to achieve. And we never forgot to keep the fun and bring energy to what we were creating! Something I am truly appreciative of.
My own process was a little slower and more vocal. I took as many notes as possible and contributed through discussion as a way to share my ideas and visions for Juniper Well Ranch. I created a personal mini design of the ranch to start a flow of ideas that I could later share with my group and worked with the systems map to better understand how we could create a great design and presentation for the brilliant minds at Juniper Well Ranch. What this process taught me was how to create more ways for myself to participate in group learning and how to show my own learning in a verity of ways. I believe this group created a space for me to learn and grow not only as a co-designer and collaborator but as a facilitator and Host. What I found helpful was checking in with each other on how the process is going, asking each other about their learning styles and how we as a group can support each other, listening to one another and making sure everyone is feeling heard, and remembering to have fun!
Overall, I was proud of what my group accomplished and was happy that we were able to share such wonderful ideas with Juniper Well Ranch. I can’t wait to collaborate with the entire class and bring all groups bright ideas forward for a final design!
With Juniper Well Ranch as the focus of our co-design, I was eager to explore the property and gathering information as to what is possible for the future of the ranch. My group spent the first half of our assessment day discussing our ideas, raising questions, and creating an interpretative vision for Juniper Well Ranch based on what we gathered from our ‘interview’ with Margaret and James. We then explored, letting our minds wander and dream about what could be.
The group process throughout the week continued with the same fluidity. There was a calmness about how we shared ideas, held discussions and collaborated that created a safe space for learning and sharing. Something that I felt was important to us was checking in with one another at the start of each meeting to make sure we knew how the process was going for everyone. This allowed for us to share our voices and made the overall process much smoother. Everyone was always present and listened to one another which made for an efficient working environment. There seemed to be a hidden communication with our group that we had maintained throughout the process, allowing us to work independently on something but still remain on the same page and create the vision and design we set out to achieve. And we never forgot to keep the fun and bring energy to what we were creating! Something I am truly appreciative of.
My own process was a little slower and more vocal. I took as many notes as possible and contributed through discussion as a way to share my ideas and visions for Juniper Well Ranch. I created a personal mini design of the ranch to start a flow of ideas that I could later share with my group and worked with the systems map to better understand how we could create a great design and presentation for the brilliant minds at Juniper Well Ranch. What this process taught me was how to create more ways for myself to participate in group learning and how to show my own learning in a verity of ways. I believe this group created a space for me to learn and grow not only as a co-designer and collaborator but as a facilitator and Host. What I found helpful was checking in with each other on how the process is going, asking each other about their learning styles and how we as a group can support each other, listening to one another and making sure everyone is feeling heard, and remembering to have fun!
Overall, I was proud of what my group accomplished and was happy that we were able to share such wonderful ideas with Juniper Well Ranch. I can’t wait to collaborate with the entire class and bring all groups bright ideas forward for a final design!
~Leo
Difficulty can often arise in collaborative projects in which each individual is strongly inspired and has a potent vision and interest in the potential outcome. In the realm of co-creating music, when two or more musicians come together to play, to create one sound, there is a necessary give and take. Both do not solo over each other and compete. Nor do both fade entirely to nothing at the same time. There is a necessary dynamism that begins with a feeling of shared intent and vision and ends with the production of a shared, co-created sound that we call music.
The design process, too, is a form of art, as perhaps all things are. So, with that in mind, there is a dynamic nature to it, which we explored in this week's co-design challenge. Overall, it was a very positive and productive endeavor. I found that our group reflected a diversity of background, focus, interest and technique which allowed for the creation of a unique design in which the end result exceeded the sum of its parts.
This is not to say that there were not difficulties with the process. The primary challenge I noticed myself and others facing was simply a lack of familiarity with the land and capabilities of Juniper Well Ranch. By this I mean not only physically in terms of what the land could support as far as plants and animals go, but also financially with regards to what sort of technologies, techniques and implements would be feasible. As a result, our group took a more open-ended approach which in my opinion was a crucial factor in the success of the overall process. By not becoming limited and restricted in the technicalities, we opened ourselves up to dreaming the best possible design we could given the timeframe in which we were to create our design. The advantage of this is that our design can be approached in a way analogous to backcasting- when interacting with our design, the people of Juniper Well Ranch will see at first our greatest vision of what we believe is possible given our limited knowledge and familiarity. From there, they can interpret the practical steps which could be taken to achieve such a goal. In this way, we have created a design which is flexible despite being delineated on paper. I think this was optimal given the parameters of the design challenge.
So far, I have learned more about what kind of group member I can be in certain situations. I am a reflective person and tend to observe the process as a whole as it is occurring so that I can best integrate myself into it. I have also learned that the process of co-creation can be very dynamic, with smooth and rough spots and everything in between, especially when you are working with people that you are relatively unfamiliar with. In making music, it is interesting to see the difference between jamming with someone new for the first time, and playing with someone that you have played music with for hours. In making music with someone new, there are no familiar channels to begin with. A common language is established by trial and error, by sensing what works and what doesn’t. This is analogous to my experience of the process of co-designing this week.
The design process, too, is a form of art, as perhaps all things are. So, with that in mind, there is a dynamic nature to it, which we explored in this week's co-design challenge. Overall, it was a very positive and productive endeavor. I found that our group reflected a diversity of background, focus, interest and technique which allowed for the creation of a unique design in which the end result exceeded the sum of its parts.
This is not to say that there were not difficulties with the process. The primary challenge I noticed myself and others facing was simply a lack of familiarity with the land and capabilities of Juniper Well Ranch. By this I mean not only physically in terms of what the land could support as far as plants and animals go, but also financially with regards to what sort of technologies, techniques and implements would be feasible. As a result, our group took a more open-ended approach which in my opinion was a crucial factor in the success of the overall process. By not becoming limited and restricted in the technicalities, we opened ourselves up to dreaming the best possible design we could given the timeframe in which we were to create our design. The advantage of this is that our design can be approached in a way analogous to backcasting- when interacting with our design, the people of Juniper Well Ranch will see at first our greatest vision of what we believe is possible given our limited knowledge and familiarity. From there, they can interpret the practical steps which could be taken to achieve such a goal. In this way, we have created a design which is flexible despite being delineated on paper. I think this was optimal given the parameters of the design challenge.
So far, I have learned more about what kind of group member I can be in certain situations. I am a reflective person and tend to observe the process as a whole as it is occurring so that I can best integrate myself into it. I have also learned that the process of co-creation can be very dynamic, with smooth and rough spots and everything in between, especially when you are working with people that you are relatively unfamiliar with. In making music, it is interesting to see the difference between jamming with someone new for the first time, and playing with someone that you have played music with for hours. In making music with someone new, there are no familiar channels to begin with. A common language is established by trial and error, by sensing what works and what doesn’t. This is analogous to my experience of the process of co-designing this week.
Healing through Land Preservation, Sustainable Agriculture, & Community Involvement
Miles, Nick, Sierra, & Shannon
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
~African Proverb
Erica & Miles allow time for healing & self-reflection at Juniper Wells Ranch
Our groups’ vision for the Juniper Wells Ranch property revolves around Holistic Healing, which ties directly into Community Involvement, Sustainable Agriculture, and Land Preservation. In a world where people are constantly bombarded with expectations, social pressures, and glaring technology, it can be very easy to lose that sense of connection with nature, with others, and with oneself. The vision for Juniper Wells Ranch is a space that would allow for any guest to rekindle those connections. Much of this re-connection would be done through retaining natural spaces on the property; allowing visitors to embrace the beauties of the high desert unscathed by man-made products. Another avenue for holistic healing lies in naturopathic remedies; herbs to be made into teas or salves to cure illnesses and inspire people to think of nature also as a healer; mother earth. Thus we included a medicinal garden and tea area in our design. We also wanted to create spaces for fun; including an amphitheater, fire pit, and art walk to break the often dark seriousness of everyday life.
Our group labeled "Healing" as the desired goal of Juniper Wells Ranch. Following the Permaculture model of "Earth Care, People Share, and Fair Share, " we believe this goal to be feasible through Land Preservation, Community Involvement, and Sustainable Agriculture. Our systems model depicts these core elements, while providing insight on other key factors involved within the system.
For Sustainable Agriculture, we first relocated the horses onto another property for liability reasons. In their previous pasture, we placed a center pivot to grow the sister crops of beans, corn, and squash. We planned roughage as our cover crop with which to feed domestic animals (i.e. horses, goats, etc.) and use their help fertilize to the land. We planted apple trees near the front of the property, to be watered by a drip-system. We wanted to implement ditches along the roads with which to trap water runoff and divert it to a seasonal pond that we could also use to water the trees. Additionally, we added gutter systems on the roofs of the buildings to trap rainwater for nearby gardening.
In comparing water irrigation systems, we found that drip-systems were better suited for trees while pivots were often used on the sister crops. In studies showing water conservation, pivot systems were 90% efficient while drip-systems were 95%. However, drip- systems only last 10-15 years and require massive upkeep. The Central pivot system would last 30 years and require little to no maintenance.
For Community Involvement, we did a massive reconstruction of the "heart" of the property. We placed an art garden along with beds of herbs and greenhouses. We also widened the community area, making it more useable for retreats and events. We also added an amphitheater and fire pit to the camping area.
To provide quicker healing to the land, we designated one covered parking lot with solar panels on the roof. We allowed roads for driving only to this parking lot and the horse property. Then, we changed all other previous roads into biking and walking paths. We felt that this would aid in Land Preservation. Our group left much of the land to its natural beauty. We believe that a Conservation Easement could help preserve Juniper Wells Ranch for future generations.
In comparing water irrigation systems, we found that drip-systems were better suited for trees while pivots were often used on the sister crops. In studies showing water conservation, pivot systems were 90% efficient while drip-systems were 95%. However, drip- systems only last 10-15 years and require massive upkeep. The Central pivot system would last 30 years and require little to no maintenance.
For Community Involvement, we did a massive reconstruction of the "heart" of the property. We placed an art garden along with beds of herbs and greenhouses. We also widened the community area, making it more useable for retreats and events. We also added an amphitheater and fire pit to the camping area.
To provide quicker healing to the land, we designated one covered parking lot with solar panels on the roof. We allowed roads for driving only to this parking lot and the horse property. Then, we changed all other previous roads into biking and walking paths. We felt that this would aid in Land Preservation. Our group left much of the land to its natural beauty. We believe that a Conservation Easement could help preserve Juniper Wells Ranch for future generations.
A Sight Worth Seeing
Shannon Radke
Water is a curious thing. It represents both peace and tranquility, yet disastrous force. It takes the path of least resistance, again and again, carving streambeds into immaculate canyon walls. It nourishes our crops and bodies. It brings hope in drought and indifference in overabundance. I imagine that through the centuries, a single drop of water has appeared in every feasible form and witnessed every part of the world. There it has been, in every snowflake and shed tear. Indeed, water plays part of every system and living being. Without it, life would simply cease to exist.
The dirt roads at Juniper Wells Ranch are crisscrossed with signs of water runoff. A hundred feet below ground, this watershed purifies itself within the water table. Here and there, it reappears from hidden springs, creating wet circles through granite sand and Manzanita. These outlets give life and abundance to the flora and fauna which heavily depend on them. It is no wonder this spot was sacred to the Indigenous people whom inhabited it many years ago. Their mark on the land was soft but lasting. Ours is not always so.
The Juniper Wells Ranch property has had many owners and uses. Some have left the property with little to no change. While others have left bare patches of ground overused and overgrazed. Like any part of the world, this land holds great potential and value. Sometimes, it just needs responsible stewardship to give it a clean slate before the damage is irreversible. You see, it is not just water that has the ability to positively impact a system.
I believe that Miles, Nick, Sierra, and I represent the ideology of water. Each of us brings differing backgrounds and knowledge. Yet, we play a role together, to bring healing and potential to a land we care for; a land we are as much a part of. Like water, we must choose the path of least resistance; a path that brings healing and sustainability to the land we use, to the food in which we partake, and to the community with which we are involved.
A river winds and forks many times, before finding its way to the ocean. Likewise, collaboration often brainstorms, detours, and shifts focuses on varying ideas before bringing them together as an acceptable, feasible model. Our systems model and permaculture design changed a multitude of times, before finally arriving at a place represented by each of us. There will always be more knowledge to be gained and more paths to travel; yet positive collaboration helps us grow together towards a common goal. It helps us go farther, then we otherwise could alone.
My hope is that, through our shared progress, you too can join our movement. Perhaps this movement, will be carried far beyond the boundaries of Juniper Wells Ranch. Perhaps, like water, the practice of permaculture will one day radiate in every part of the world. That would truly be a sight worth seeing together.
The dirt roads at Juniper Wells Ranch are crisscrossed with signs of water runoff. A hundred feet below ground, this watershed purifies itself within the water table. Here and there, it reappears from hidden springs, creating wet circles through granite sand and Manzanita. These outlets give life and abundance to the flora and fauna which heavily depend on them. It is no wonder this spot was sacred to the Indigenous people whom inhabited it many years ago. Their mark on the land was soft but lasting. Ours is not always so.
The Juniper Wells Ranch property has had many owners and uses. Some have left the property with little to no change. While others have left bare patches of ground overused and overgrazed. Like any part of the world, this land holds great potential and value. Sometimes, it just needs responsible stewardship to give it a clean slate before the damage is irreversible. You see, it is not just water that has the ability to positively impact a system.
I believe that Miles, Nick, Sierra, and I represent the ideology of water. Each of us brings differing backgrounds and knowledge. Yet, we play a role together, to bring healing and potential to a land we care for; a land we are as much a part of. Like water, we must choose the path of least resistance; a path that brings healing and sustainability to the land we use, to the food in which we partake, and to the community with which we are involved.
A river winds and forks many times, before finding its way to the ocean. Likewise, collaboration often brainstorms, detours, and shifts focuses on varying ideas before bringing them together as an acceptable, feasible model. Our systems model and permaculture design changed a multitude of times, before finally arriving at a place represented by each of us. There will always be more knowledge to be gained and more paths to travel; yet positive collaboration helps us grow together towards a common goal. It helps us go farther, then we otherwise could alone.
My hope is that, through our shared progress, you too can join our movement. Perhaps this movement, will be carried far beyond the boundaries of Juniper Wells Ranch. Perhaps, like water, the practice of permaculture will one day radiate in every part of the world. That would truly be a sight worth seeing together.
Sierra Reinertson
Our co-design process was a bit tricky. The beginning was the easiest part; brainstorming the most important pieces of the Juniper Wells system for Margaret. But as we walked around the site, there simply wasn’t enough time to see everything, to imagine the possibilities, and to observe the natural systems in place. When we began creating our systems map in class, our team immediately started putting down native plants and animals into the circles on the paper without fully understanding the framework we were working with. And thus began a repetitive cycle of mild confusion and a lack of time. Which created some frustrations throughout the process. And when we were creating the actual design, we didn’t take a step back to remind ourselves of the larger system in place; the vision of humans reconnecting with nature; holistic healing and education. We all had fairly strong opinions about some specifics, and I personally lacked the patience to fully step into everyone’s visions. But it helped to take a break from the drawing process and come back to working alongside some tunes. The music helped us to just start laying out the land; coloring the trees, shrubs, and grasses. Starting from the broader lens. And then as we continued, each of us was able to contribute aspects of the design we cared about. Shannon put in her quarter-circle pivot crop system. Miles drew in the amphitheater and fire pit. Nick had the final say in the parking lot location. And I got my curving medicinal herb and art gardens. So in the end, I was happy that all of us seemed fairly satisfied with the design; and that we were able to do away with some of the prior stresses and confusions. But in the future, again, it would be helpful if I, or another team member had taken that collaborative leader step and gotten everyone to agree on the broader picture before zooming in and finding conflict ungrounded.
Permaculture is a way at looking at life. It acknowledges the functioning of the earth’s systems as complex and intricate; thus making it difficult for humans trying to navigate or create change in its matrix. Instead of facing the complexity, most humans will result to simplifying issues and tackling those independently. This, according to permaculture thinking, will only solve a symptom of an issue, but will not address whatever root cause. So, in that sense, permaculture is a tool for system-wide problem solving. When looking at an area it provides framework for thought: earth care, people care, and fair share. You observe the topography of a landscape, how water flows; where people are, what spaces they need, how to fulfill their basic needs; keeping in mind the balance between human innovation and impact on natural systems. And to teach this kind of thinking is no simple feat. It’s a fools errand to change how someone thinks, but if you can hand them a tool that shifts their lens over time… Thus we’ve been learning about collaborative leadership, which embodies principles of permaculture and applies it to making system-wide change with groups. Collaborative leadership entails taking the time to try on different peoples’ perspectives and find connections. You start from the broad and basic; find agreements there, and then begin to narrow in for specific solutions. This super combination of permaculture and collaborative leadership, set up people who want to change the world, to be able to do it in a thoughtful, efficient and truly impactful manner.
Permaculture is a way at looking at life. It acknowledges the functioning of the earth’s systems as complex and intricate; thus making it difficult for humans trying to navigate or create change in its matrix. Instead of facing the complexity, most humans will result to simplifying issues and tackling those independently. This, according to permaculture thinking, will only solve a symptom of an issue, but will not address whatever root cause. So, in that sense, permaculture is a tool for system-wide problem solving. When looking at an area it provides framework for thought: earth care, people care, and fair share. You observe the topography of a landscape, how water flows; where people are, what spaces they need, how to fulfill their basic needs; keeping in mind the balance between human innovation and impact on natural systems. And to teach this kind of thinking is no simple feat. It’s a fools errand to change how someone thinks, but if you can hand them a tool that shifts their lens over time… Thus we’ve been learning about collaborative leadership, which embodies principles of permaculture and applies it to making system-wide change with groups. Collaborative leadership entails taking the time to try on different peoples’ perspectives and find connections. You start from the broad and basic; find agreements there, and then begin to narrow in for specific solutions. This super combination of permaculture and collaborative leadership, set up people who want to change the world, to be able to do it in a thoughtful, efficient and truly impactful manner.
Nicholas Balik
This past week was filled with new forms of collaborative brain storming using permaculture and applications of systemic changes. We separated into groups to brainstorm on ideas for developing permaculture principles and creating a physical representation on paper for our host site at Juniper Wells Ranch. We started off with a mind map using Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Shares and started to create connections and similarities. For example it was pretty clear that water and agriculture were connecting to all areas. This map also helped pin point the centered focal point of holistic healing. Our group worked very well together to develop our own ideas; it took a little longer to articulate our ideas but all around the ideas presented were agreed upon in the group as a whole. When we where creating our circular flow chart there were definitely frustrations but this was a wondrous occurrence; these tasks were challenging resulting in organic problem solving taping into different ways of thinking. Later on in the week we created a physically drawn representation of our brain storming on the Juniper Wells Ranch. Our ideas were transformed into the real world. The climactic point for all this group collaboration was reached when we presented our poster and explained its essence to the class and ranch owners. It was very unique to witness two other groups collaborate in the same process and come up with different ideas. There is so much potential for Juniper Wells Ranch and it was a great learning experience to visually see and participate in the stepping stones of representing some of the ranch’s future aspirations. Our group had many laughs and worked well together even when facing frustrations in practicing new methods for systemic change utilizing permaculture. I can’t wait to see where the next steps are in this once in a lifetime opportunity.