BASE MAPPING, SECTORS, &

PERMACULTURE PRINCIPLES

Olivia StohrWeek 2

Integrated Backyard Homesteading

SectorsSUN The roof of our home faces southeast direction, making us good

candidates for solar paneling. The vegetable garden, herb garden, and flower garden, located in the front yard, each receive full sun exposure. A large tree by the chicken coop provides shade for chickens during summer months. Tall trees that border the western side of the property provide shade during hot summer months. Skylight window helps to heat the house in the winter.

WIND

Prevailing winter winds come from the north and easterly directions. Tall rows of pine trees, oak trees, and cherry trees form a wind barrier protecting us during winter months. Prevailing summer winds come from the south and westerly directions. Cedar and birch tree rows form a wind barrier from west winds. The front yard has a slope that descends towards our house from the south. This downward slope also helps provide a wind barrier.

WILDLIFE

North side of the property, lined with pine, oak, and cherry trees, abuts a small marsh providing a wildlife refuge. Cardinals, blue jays, chickadees, sparrows, titmouse, robins, grackles, crows, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, hawks, blue heron, foxes, squirrels, chipmunks, and even the occasional deer occupy this area.

NOISE Our home is located on a fairly small street. There is not much of a noise issue aside from the occasion vehicle passing by or neighborhood dog barking.

POLLUTION

The driveway descends down from the road to the base of our home. Water runoff from the road during winter months is likely to have salt as well as other contaminants from motor vehicles. Our vehicles are parked at a low spot on the site causing potential contaminants to leak into ground.

VIEWS

Tall trees that border the property line and small hill provide privacy from neighbors/vehicles. Minimal larges trees throughout the property allows for scenic view of homestead gardens and future livestock.

OTHER

The slope of the land directs some runoff in direction of the gardens. Apple trees are located in the front yard on the “upper part of north-facing slopes.” (Bane, page 59)

Permaculture Principles 1.) CATCH AND STORE ENERGY-”Our job from here on is to plant forests, build soil, store water and save seed.” (Bane, page 31)We will construct a gutter system to catch rainwater to be used for drinking as well as gravity fed to the garden. Solar panels will be installed to capture and store energy from the sun for electricity. By planting fruit trees (and sharing them), the trees themselves will catch the suns energy, store it, and use it produce fruit naturally.

2.) CULTIVATE VISION AND RESPOND TO CHANGE-”Ethics anchor the power of vision.” (Bane, page 40)I will continue to deepen my awareness and strengthen my connection with nature. While caring for my homestead (and the earth as a whole) and continuously learning, I will prepare myself to respond in an appropriate manner when change occurs.

WATER ANALYSIS•Average annual precipitation: 47 inches•Precipitation is spread evenly throughout year.•Local watershed: Orleans•Soil type: Sandy•Water enters the site from the south due to a small hill & from the west due to a slight slope in the land.

•Since the sight is located on a low point, water generally collects and drains, as opposed to leaving the sight. The sandy soil ensures draining instead of flooding.

Water Analysis Continued•The high point of the property is located on the south side where the top of the driveway meets the road and extending to the end of the apple trees that run parallel to the road. The low point is located in the area of the vegetable garden and the chicken coop. There is only one area that I have observed water to slowly drain but flooding has never been an issue. A marsh sits beyond the homestead site to the north which could be considered an “off site” low point that collects water.

•There are no gutters on the house.•No well on the site (town water)•Septic system located on the east side of the site between my house and the property line abutting neighbors.

•Two hose hook ups, one located by side door of the house, one by the garden/chicken coop.

•Nearby natural water source is a small marsh to the north, beyond property line. A local pond located within ¼ mile up the road.

•Small area of poor drainage at base of driveway and runoff from the roof.

Water Analysis Continued6-No areas of flooding.

7-Potential pollution at base of driveway where vehicles/boats are parked. The top of the downward sloping driveway that leads to the road and a few trees that parallel the road are exposed to salt in the winter as well as vehicle pollution from cars driving by.

BASE MAP:

WATER LAYER: