Crombie Homestead - USA

The Crombie intentional homestead is a long-established farm residence of intergenerational farmers.  The highly variable terrain of gentle slopes and microclimates gives the opportunity for many growing areas.  The humid and shaded drainage areas allow for mushroom production, while the south-facing slopes are gently terraced for food production. On the steeper hills around the residence terraced and raised beds create small plots for perennial and annual vegetables. On a similar contour is a  drainage point from the local landscape. This water can be cycled across the property and especially the growing areas to allow for consistent moisture during the hot summers. Trees and shrubs are added along the woodland edges and on contour as protection from extreme weather.  Existing access routes are used to add new perennial plants in the understory. Much of the edge land of the forest is used for berries and nuts.  With the energy, aggregated intelligence, and resources of the group, this property has great potential for growing ample amounts of food for the community.  Conventional farm fields are converted to perennial crops and intercropping with the assistance of small livestock. Free-range chickens provide insect control and manuring the understory of hazelnut and elderberries. With the advent of livestock as a biocontrol of pests, the shrubs increase in production while the soil is protected and chickens are sheltered from predators. A multi-level harvest of eggs, nuts, berries and protein is provided in a nutrient cycling. Multilevel production sources of protein are provided in a nutrient cycling resource-rich environment.