Permaculture Demonstration Site

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We are working to transform Heathcote into a Permaculture Demonstration Site.

We are just putting the finishing touches on our new greenhouse. It is attached to an existing structure, which will provide heat in the winter. We're considering a composting chamber in the greenhouse to help heat it. Our next project is new soffets, facia, and gutters for the mill. We hope to eventually tie the gutters into a roof water catchment system that will provide irrigation water for the our newest garden area. The project for this winter will be installing a composting toilet in the farmhouse.

Another long term project that we're beginning to work on is our new building. We are planning to build it using strawbale or earth-ship construction. It will include things like:

• Alternative energy - photo voltaic electricity, passive solar heating
• Rainwater catchment system
• Greywater system
• Composting toilets

Last summer we created a new garden area that more than doubled the size of our annual garden. An Edible Landscaping workshop focussed on the hillside between the new garden and our orchard, increasing perennial food production and adding beneficial companion plantings to the orchard. The workshop included a segment on pruning to restore the old trees in the orchard.

In 1998 we expanded our roof water catchment. We are working with the State of Maryland to create an approved grey water system to clean household water from the farm house. In 1997 we constructed a solar shower, a solar oven, and a solar food dryer. Rebecka wrote an article summarizing her adventures in passive solar appliances at Heathcote. We also plan to install a composting toilet in the farm house.

Of course we recycle and compost. Seven different composting systems are located near the main garden and are used in our education efforts as well as serving a practical need. Our goat manure pile sprouted a huge zucchini plant one year, prompting us to grow all of our winter squashes in goat manure mounds. Our best yield yet!

Building and Construction Fund

You can help us develop Heathcote as a Permaculture Demonstration site by contributing to this fund. Projects include the construction of a passive solar, straw bale community center; a photovoltaic demonstration system; a ram pump for irrigation; an earthbermed passive solar greenhouse; and retrofitting buildings to be more energy efficient.

Mill Restoration Project

Grant money from Preservation Maryland and the School of Living has been used to start the restoration of the mill at Heathcote. We've completed restoration of the foundation at the north corner of the building where the old mill wheel was located. Soon we'll be installing new sills and posts to complete the restoration of the north corner and protect the mill works.

Our mill is unique because of its double historical significance: as a grist mill built in the mid-19th century and as a School of Living center promoting alternative lifestyles in the late 60's and early 70's. It currently houses our conference center and community common spaces.

Help us do it the right way -- sustainably!

Mail contributions to:
Heathcote Community
21300 Heathcote Rd.
Freeland, MD 21053