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Finding our way around permafrost
"What will the outcome be if permafrost is disturbed?"
I have always loved the bunchberries that cover the boreal forest floor. The arrangement of the white bracts and green leaves reminds me of a compass — four directions possible, and many more in between.
To navigate with a compass, you must have a map and the skill to read them together. It can be overwhelming to pair the two as the environment spans out before you. This is what it feels like to plan a farm knowing there is likely permafrost under your feet. Many directions to choose from, but what will the outcomes be if the permafrost is disturbed?
To navigate designing a farm on permafrost, we are taking small steps and gauging outcomes, forming relationships with researchers and other farmers, and gathering information to help make decisions.
We are finding our way as we get our bearings and keep moving forward
To navigate with a compass, you must have a map and the skill to read them together. It can be overwhelming to pair the two as the environment spans out before you. This is what it feels like to plan a farm knowing there is likely permafrost under your feet. Many directions to choose from, but what will the outcomes be if the permafrost is disturbed?
To navigate designing a farm on permafrost, we are taking small steps and gauging outcomes, forming relationships with researchers and other farmers, and gathering information to help make decisions.
We are finding our way as we get our bearings and keep moving forward
Art and text by Nicole Pruce, a beginning farmer and farmer-collaborator team on the Permafrost Grown Project.
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