January 29th, 2025
The Community Potluck
At the heart of our mixer was the community potluck—a celebration of nourishment and creativity. Each member brought food and drinks crafted with care. Whether it was homemade focaccia infused with garden-grown rosemary, home-fermented kimchi made with fresh veggies, or a hearty pumpkin-ginger soup, every dish was a reminder that food is medicine. The act of sharing these offerings, often prepared with ingredients nurtured by our own hands or in collaboration with neighbors, exemplified the spirit of mutual care and sustainability.
Community Trail & Biodiversity Spotting
Our event featured a special trail that winds through the food forest shared by three neighboring properties. As participants strolled along the path, they encountered local treasures—from dendrocalamus asper (bamboo) and breadnut (camansia) to peach palm and mountain apple. Along the way, an informal “bio blitz” allowed us to spot fungi, insects, reptiles, birds, and more, celebrating an ecosystem where wild and cultivated species mingle harmoniously. This walk not only connected us with nature but also deepened our understanding of a polyculture ecosystem in action.
The Sweet Word Fire Circle
The evening’s fire circle was more than just a gathering around a flame—it was a space for sharing stories, hopes, and visions. In this intimate setting, words became the glue that bonded a remarkably diverse group (with over a dozen nations represented in fewer than 20 people). The exchange of insights and experiences around the fire was both poetic and powerful, setting the tone for future collaboration and collective growth.
The Fruition of Gathering – Mushroom Cultivation
One of the most inspiring outcomes of our meeting was a hands-on mushroom cultivation experiment. Several participants embraced the challenge, using grow blocks ordered just for the event. The result was a rapid and successful harvest of high-quality oyster mushrooms—proof that when community members come together, even small experiments can yield big rewards. Encouraged by this success, plans are already underway to replicate the model at our next get-together.
Celebrating Community & Looking Ahead
Our permaculture network mixer at El Castillo reaffirmed the transformative power of community gatherings. Through shared meals, immersive nature walks, heartfelt storytelling, and innovative experiments, we exchanged not only produce and information but also emotions, perspectives, and a renewed sense of possibility. These moments of connection nurture the bonds that help us grow together—both as individuals and as stewards of our environment.
We are excited to announce that our next gathering will take place on March 29, 2025, at the same enchanting location. Join us as we continue to learn, share, and cultivate a more harmonious world.
