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Shayna and Brennan solar cooking dinner! Photo by Republic of Light
On the side of a mountain overlooking the incredible city of Oaxaca, Mexico is the most impressive permaculture demonstration center that we’ve visited. The love and precision that has gone into creating this center is remarkable. The only waste produced at the site is grey water which is filtered through Papyrus plants. There are massive worm bins producing “black gold” soil for the agriculture. An 18ft well was dug by hand for the sole purpose of observing the ground water. All structures on the land were built with local materials like adobe and bamboo. By far the most impactful part of this center is it’s service to incubating 40 other local sustainability projects in the area. From the pedal powered water pump to the immaculate natural buildings, the rain water showers and dry composting toilets, this center is an incredible display of regeneration.
Brennan pumping water to the shower with their bike powered water pump. Photo by Republic of Light
Gerardo working with the owners of the land to harvest honey from the bees. Photo by Republic of Light
We called El Pedegral home for about a week. The main house (terrace) was our space for our village meetings, kitchen, dining room and daily yoga practices. We were there to be in service to the land and learn just as much as we gave. During our week stay, we helped to finish the adobe walls of the community kitchen, harvested honey from the bees, built a swale for urine from the toilets to be absorbed by comfrey that is used for a fertilizer for the gardens and built mycorrhizal bins which are fungal associations between plant roots and beneficial fungi!
Gabriel and Mau working with Cob to build a cob structure with the locals!
Photo by Republic of Light
El Pedregal is an awe inspiring great place to visit, tour or inquire about doing a work exchange!
Learn more about El Pedregal: http://insoelpedregal.wordpress.com/
