At Gavilana Permaculture, we are committed to fostering sustainability, connection, and education. After our Permaculture Mixer in January, we’re excited to share two major developments that are shaping the future of our network: our communal permaculture garden and an expanded mushroom cultivation initiative.
A Garden to Inspire, Educate, and Grow
Located at Pura Vista Glamping in El Castillo, Costa Rica, our new communal permaculture garden is designed to showcase the benefits of low-energy, low-input gardening techniques. The garden features no-till methods, mulching, composting, and a variety of species well-suited for the local climate, making it both a biodiversity library and a living exhibition of what can be achieved with minimal resources.
El Castillo is a small, picturesque village nestled between the Arenal Volcano and Lake Arenal. The village depends heavily on tourism, but it is also surrounded by stunning natural beauty, including the Arenal Volcano National Park and other protected areas. The area boasts incredible biodiversity, offering an ideal setting for our sustainable practices. One of the long-term goals of the Gavilana Permaculture Network is to help gradually transforming El Castillo into a permaculture destination. We envision a future where visitors come to El Castillo specifically to experience its permaculture-oriented environment.
Though Pura Vista Glamping is known for eco-friendly accommodations, the garden is open to the public for educational visits and tours. By coordinating with us, visitors can explore permaculture practices that are easy to replicate at home, fostering a broader understanding of sustainable living.
Mushrooms: A Key to Sustainability
Our mushroom cultivation project has grown in exciting ways, thanks to our collaboration with Biolab, a local Costa Rican supplier. Through one of our network members, we now have access to a wide range of mushroom species at competitive prices. Available varieties include:
Three types of Oyster Mushrooms (White, Gray, and King)
Ganoderma (Reishi) for immune support
Lion’s Mane for cognitive health
Psilocybe cubensis for those exploring the world of psychedelic fungi
Members of the network can connect to learn more about how to cultivate these species, and Gavilana Permaculture also offer a small fungi cultivation cultiv showroom for visits by appointment. This project gained momentum after a poll during our January gathering revealed that most people were particularly interested in growing mushrooms. This interest has led to a growing community of fungi enthusiasts eager to cultivate at home or as part of the broader network effort.
BioLab Collaboration: A Network Benefit
Through our connection with Biolab, our members have access to better mushroom cultivation supplies and competitive pricing. This collaboration is a great example of how our network thrives by supporting each other and leveraging local resources.
The March 29 Gathering: Connect, Share, and Grow
Our next Permaculture Mixer on March 29 will continue the spirit of connection and collaboration that defines the network. The gathering is open to everyone, not just local members. We welcome visitors from outside of town, as we strive to inspire others to join the movement toward decentralized, sustainable living—independent of governmental or institutional control. It’s about empowering people by connecting with and working alongside biodiversity to obtain resources naturally.
The gathering will feature a community potluck with homegrown and homemade dishes, a walk along the communal biodiversity trail, and an opportunity to connect around the fire after dark. The trail extends into two neighboring properties and is maintained by the network as a resource for learning about local flora and fauna.
As always, the Mixer is a chance for members to exchange knowledge and ideas in a relaxed, supportive environment. Whether you’re new to the network or a long-time member, the March 29 gathering promises to be another enriching experience.
