Members of Transition Pasadena and Throop Learning Garden, had a day trip to Quail Springs Permaculture, a 450 acre experimental farm nestled among pistachio and citrus orchards in the Cuyama Valley.Fourteen day trippers set out, eager for adventure and an escape to a more beautiful world.
We were greeted by residents of Quail Springs with homemade anise cookies and home brewed rehydration drink to counter the warm breezes.
We were greeted by residents of Quail Springs with homemade anise cookies and home brewed rehydration drink to counter the warm breezes.
Our first invitation was to use one of three composting toilets, one of which was in a beautiful cob structure. Atop were solar panels. We were oriented to potable water sources and non-potable. Our orientation included a history of the property purchased in 2006 and surprising images of the old airstrip and small airplane hanger sitting in a dusty treeless field next to a trickle of a creek. The transformation of the land is remarkable. It has been rehabilitated to now support a briskly flowing stream, trees for shade and lumber, trees for fruit, huge garden areas, pigs, goats, chickens, rabbits. There are several cob and adobe structures and three yurts for the human residents and guests and a shipping container covered in Adobe which serves as a rodent-proof, walk-in cooler for food supplies and a large greenhouse.
We learned of their successes in community living, feeding many from the garden crops and building unique structures . And we heard of some failed experiments such as gabillons for flood control and rabbit hutches that are being redesigned to be more rabbit friendly.
Lunch was sourced from the farm except grains and oil. Cold beet ginger soup, salad with mustard flowers, snapping fresh carrots and sunflower seeds and baby greens, and freshly baked bread was served on the shady patio.
Throopers and Transitioners presented Quail Springs residences with fruits, a community supported Apron Strings homemade loaf of bread, mixed wildflower "Seeds of Community" and native lupin seeds harvested from Throop Garden.
We returned refreshed and inspired by this day in a more beautiful world: the experience of being off the grid, out of cell phone reception and feeling connected to the land: the touch by nature, clean air, babbling stream and so many chattering happy birds was healing for each of us. Remembering this simpler, gentler way of living in tune with nature, seasons and weather touched the hearts of each one of us.
The Quail Springs' vision is unfolding, one permaculture class at a time. We are grateful for this inspiring visit and for creating this new relationship.
— Therese Brummel
Lunch was sourced from the farm except grains and oil. Cold beet ginger soup, salad with mustard flowers, snapping fresh carrots and sunflower seeds and baby greens, and freshly baked bread was served on the shady patio.
Throopers and Transitioners presented Quail Springs residences with fruits, a community supported Apron Strings homemade loaf of bread, mixed wildflower "Seeds of Community" and native lupin seeds harvested from Throop Garden.
We returned refreshed and inspired by this day in a more beautiful world: the experience of being off the grid, out of cell phone reception and feeling connected to the land: the touch by nature, clean air, babbling stream and so many chattering happy birds was healing for each of us. Remembering this simpler, gentler way of living in tune with nature, seasons and weather touched the hearts of each one of us.
The Quail Springs' vision is unfolding, one permaculture class at a time. We are grateful for this inspiring visit and for creating this new relationship.
— Therese Brummel
