Hillside Sustainability

Cultivating a Permaculture Landscape for Learning and Growth

We believe that nature is not just a backdrop for learning—it is a vital part of the curriculum itself. With our Hillside Reimagination Project, we are transforming our campus into a Living Classroom Landscape rooted in the principles of permaculture and the foundational values of Waldorf Education: holistic child development, hands-on learning, environmental stewardship, and inclusion.

Permaculture Design

At the heart of this project is a deep commitment to sustainability through permaculture design. Permaculture is a holistic approach to land use that mimics patterns found in nature to create resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems. By applying these principles to our hillside, we are creating a landscape that supports native biodiversity, manages rainwater naturally, improves soil health, and eliminates the need for chemical fertilizers or excessive irrigation. These sustainable systems will ensure the long-term health of the land and reduce our environmental footprint for years to come.

Food Forest

One of the most exciting components of this initiative is the development of a Food Forest—a layered, edible ecosystem designed using permaculture techniques. This thriving landscape will include fruit trees, herbs, perennial vegetables, and pollinator-friendly plants, all working together to create a living, regenerative system. It will provide rich opportunities for hands-on learning in agriculture, nutrition, biology, and ecology, while fostering a deep sense of connection to the natural world. Students will harvest ingredients for classroom tastings, observe life cycles firsthand, and participate in the care of this vibrant ecosystem.

As we continue this journey, the permaculture landscape will not only serve our students but also invite participation from the wider community. With workshops, tours, and community planting days, we hope to inspire others to embrace sustainability and explore permaculture practices in their own homes and neighborhoods.

Through this hillside transformation, we are planting the seeds of a more sustainable, inclusive, and inspiring future—one that reflects the values of Waldorf Education and our shared responsibility to care for the earth.