Help needed near Missoula Montana
ReportLocation: Missoula, Mt, United States
Paul Wheaton the Duke of Permaculture runs an experimental permaculture property near Missoula Montana, called wheaton laboratories (true to his unique style, paul prefers the lower case of this name). wheaton labs is actually two pieces of land: “base camp” which has a few buildings on it already, and “the laboratory,” which started as bare timber land.Here at wheaton labs we envision all kinds of “farmer laboratory” innovations and experiments taking place here, such as wofatis, poopers, hugelkultur, polyculture food systems integrated with holistic management-style animal systems, a different style of community, aquaculture, and earthworks for privacy, water retention and frost protection. The ultimate goal is the least toxins possible. Base camp and the lab will have differing levels of what and where plastics, paint or other toxins will be allowed.
wheaton labs is surrounded by beautiful mountain views and expansive coniferous forests and nearly a thousand acres of federal Bureau of Land Management land. wheaton labs is truly surrounded by beauty!
Base camp and the laboratory were just purchased in 2013. As we enter 2014, we are starting perennial food systems from seed as well as planting a lot of animal graze to help support the holistic animal systems that are in the process of being implemented. The amount of projects that we have here are endless! This year we are going to be building more hugelkulturs, ponds, swales and an experimental new project of growing citrus in Montana, And those are just the major Earthworks!
Innovations at wheaton labs include being at the forefront of rocket mass heater technology development. We are also working on developing new environmentally friendly building techniques like multi-purpose skiddable structures as well as the wofati which is an earth-bermed natural structure which uses little to no energy to heat or cool. We use solar power for much of our energy, equipment and vehicles - including a custom-designed solar tractor. You would also have the opportunity to learn sustainable forestry practices from one of the greatest minds in Permaculture.
At Wheaton Labs there is no tobacco, no marijuana, and no excessive drinking (alcohol is allowed just not excessive amounts). Currently, we also discourage people from bringing children and pets to wheaton labs. The meals at wheaton labs are omnivorous and all the meals have a gluten free main entree, though a vegetarian would be able to eat well here.
We are near Missoula, Montana so there is all of the entertainment that a medium sized city can offer. There are also a lot of unique things to do in Missoula such as music related events as well as many art events. We are also near some really nice hot springs and near a lot of great hiking trails as well. In the winter there is some great skiing around the area, including both downhill and cross country.
What we are looking for twenty people to be in our gapper program. Gap stands for “goofy about permaculture” and a gapper is someone in the gap program. To be a gapper a person must reserve their spot here by paying $100. Once you arrive we will set up accommodations for you and you will be invited to dine with Paul for however long you decide to stay here. You will be given a tour of the land and given projects to work on. If you decide that you enjoy living and working here at wheaton labs, you will be welcome to stay here for as long as both parties deem acceptable. This relationship can be terminated by either party at any time for any reason at all. Some of the perks of the gapper program are:
the opportunity to rent land to express your artistic vision in seed and soil
living in community with like-minded permies
awesome food and shared meals
learning skills from hands-on experience
meeting some of the leading minds in permaculture, such as Steve Heckeroth, Ernie and Erica Wisner and maybe even Willie Smits.
To gain the full experience and really groove here at wheaton labs, gappers should consider staying here for several months to a year. We have several accommodations here at wheaton labs including staying in an authentic tipi, beautiful camping locations, cabins, and a bunk room.
If you are interested in wheaton labs or permaculture check out the forums at www.permies.com, the articles and podcasts at www.richsoil.com, and Paul’s YouTube channel to find out more.
http://www.permies.com/t/34633/labs/gappers
https://www.youtube.com/user/paulwheaton12
http://www.richsoil.com/wofati.jsp
http://www.permies.com/t/25481/labs/pooper-paul-place-sketchup
http://www.richsoil.com/hugelkultur/
http://www.richsoil.com/raising-chickens.jsp
http://www.permies.com/t/8751/labs/paul-wheaton-community
http://www.permies.com/t/27664/labs/sep-oct-projects
http://www.permies.com/t/31828/labs/Sams-Photos-Base-Camp
