Permaculture is a holistic design science that is based on the observation of natural systems with the goal of creating systems that are not just sustainable, but actually regenerative. Most modern design approaches, such as those taught in engineering and agriculture, attempt to overcome nature, whereas Permaculture works with nature to produce systems that will last for generations to come.

Even with all of our high tech medicine, overall health has been in gradual decline over the past several decades. Modern medicine has grown to be reactive instead of proactive, typically managing symptoms instead of treating the underlying cause. We are now seeing an epidemic of chronic degenerative diseases growing out of poor diet, exposure to an increasing array of bio-active chemicals, and a more sedentary lifestyle. The answer is to actively cultivate health, rather than to just treat symptoms.

Human beings are designed to be connected with Nature. Recent research is beginning to show that children who grow up without deep nature connection are intellectually and emotionally disadvantaged. Re-connecting with the natural world is critically important for helping both children and adults deal with the stresses and complexities of modern life.

As we have built our modern culture, we have unintentionally damaged the structures that allow human connection to form. Where we used to go on walks and take time to talk to our neighbors, we now often get to moving so fast that we feel increasingly disconnected from our communities. Many people are now looking to find more human-scale ways to build communities that support healthy relationships and a more sustainable relationship to place.