centuries. That kind of abundance allows us to think differently. It raises questions early on. Who will care for these trees long-term? Who will harvest them? Where will the food go? How do we build demand before abundance arrives?
Those questions require an ecosystem of collaboration. Everyone bringing ideas. Everyone bringing skills. Everyone thinking beyond short-term gain. And everyone thinking a little bit outside the box. It’ s exciting to see how this movement is developing. I see people showing up. I see passion, curiosity, and creativity rising to meet the moment. I see alliances and collaborations making a difference.
And when we learn about permaculture— its principles, its patience, its wisdom, we can see this is a path to holistic regeneration.
Healthy ecosystems don’ t survive by species continuously taking from one another. Regenerative systems support one another. So that’ s the approach.
Growing the Movement by Widening the Circle
Our annual chestnut roast gathering grew this year. It included a potluck where participants could share homemade dishes and swap recipes, especially ones involving chestnuts. Now five years running, these chestnut events bring people together to celebrate the harvest and connect to each other and to agroforestry projects.
Families come with kids in tow. People drive in from cities, curious
and unsure of what they’ ll find, but hopeful— drawn by the sense that something meaningful is happening here. One participant said he drove two hours because, once he learned about permaculture, he wanted to connect with others with the same passion for regenerating the Earth, growing perennial crops, and regenerating community.
Many of the people who are now stepping into this work don’ t arrive fluent in permaculture. They are not here to compete. They’ re here to take part in the solution, arriving with open hearts, lived experience, and a longing for something real to hold onto. In a world that feels increasingly fragmented, people are searching for hope, for connection, purpose, and a way forward that feels grounded and
PHOTO courtesy: michael Judd
Above: SilvoCulture’ s roasts in downtown Frederick help people get a taste of chestnuts during the holiday season as people shop. Top right and bottom: Chestnut trees are exceptionally prolific producers. They can be incorporated into any current agricultural production, often producing in just 3-5 years.
26 plenty I summer growing 2026