Permaculture at Lama Foundation, p.3

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Permaculture principles have become an important element in Lama Foundation’s vision of awakening human consciousness. There are many elements that are constantly in need of consideration in order to apply permaculture in a holistic way. Ben Haggard writes in his book Living Community: “Permaculture’s paradigm shift is rooted in a moral and spiritual insight, that humans are not the sole measure of things.” As new buildings, roads or trials are designed, sited and built, the impact of these human endeavors is carefully considered in the short-term and also the long-term. No matter one’s environmental philosophies when they come to Lama, the beautiful rusticity maintained at Lama is a powerful healing agent from the noise and toxicity of urban environments. It is natural to want to take care of such a precious gift.

Lama’s current Land Manager, Richard “Rico” Zook, also became part of the team of people working day and night to revitalize the sacred Lama mountain. Rico has lovingly served the Foundation year after year to bring it back since the fire. Strongly experienced in land restoration, permaculture, environmental issues and sustainability methods, he holds much of the vision for where Lama stands in the permaculture world. He has created Lama Foundation’s various land apprenticeship and permaculture programs to systematically move Lama towards sustainability, but to also offer the students valuable hands-on experience in both planning out and working on the land and within the greater community.

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