Nancy Chase | Agroforestry
/What's your connection to the land?
I am an organic, no-till, permaculture advocate. On our farm, we're working to create an abundance of the most delicious varieties of food in an agroforestry setting that mimics the functions of natural forests. We put rainwater to work before it moves on and develop healthy, fertile soil using fungi and the biomass from the farm ("chop and drop"). The food we produce is used in our bakery in Mount Vernon, Shambala Bakery. We aim for 365-day per year growing and harvesting from perennial crops.
What actions have you taken as a steward that you're most proud of and/or that you feel have made the biggest difference?
Soil restoration; Using plant groupings that create practical symbiosis and the plants as a group produce more food together than they can alone.
What’s your hope for the next 75 years? And/or what advice do you have for those next 75 years?
Soil and land rehabilitation on a global scale is possible, and quickly. We can feed the world and have a healthy environment. The business of bio-rehabilitation, including creating potable water, is not only possible, but practical. Get involved!
Anything else you want to share or feel is important?
- "Front yard farming is freedom."
- "Potlucks will save the planet." (Conversation through food.)
Photo by-Jessamyn Tuttle
Who are you?
- Name: Nancy Chase
- Where is home? Camano Island
- Where are you from? Edmonds, but also all around Puget Sound
