Permaculture Symposium

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Spokane Permaculture Symposium 2025

Location: Shadle Park Library

Event Date: 2025-08-16 09:00:00 AM

Organization: Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild

Category: Community Event

Description: The Spokane Permaculture Symposium August 16-17, 2025. Lightning presentations by regional experts, breakout sessions, and roundtable discussions on critical topics, networking, and community building. Join us at the Shadle Park Library in Spokane from 9am - 5pm Saturday and 12pm - 4pm Sunday. Camping and dinner/breakfast at Heartsong in Tumtum from 6pm - 11am. Pre-registration for meals and camping is required.

Post-Event

Summary

13 local experts gave presentations. These included Kathryn Alexander from Soil Smart Soil Wise, Gregg DePonte from Ola Aina Farms, Mary Bishop from All Things Regenerative, John Hancock from West Plains Water Coalition, Johnny Edmondson from Growing Neighbors, Maurice Robinette from Roots of Resilience, Molly Quade who is a graduate student at Washington State University, Heather Matthias from Common Ground Spokane, Craig Madsen from Healing Hooves, Alex Machado from Hunters of Color, Taylor Birdtail from RedUrban, Chrys Ostrander from BZ Permaculture Farm Collective, and Michael Pilarski from Friends of the Trees Botanicals.

There were breakout sessions followed by group sharing. These included increasing local food production, permaculture/regeneration, community food forests, fire/disaster preparedness, and bioregional planning.

Expert Presentations

Kathryn Alexander — Soil Smart, Soil Wise: The Biotic Pump

There are two key leverage points in our whole-world ecosystem, that when addressed provide the most positive change: the biotic pump and bio-regions.

The biotic pump concerns the water cycle. Soil — through over production — has lost much capacity to hold water; dirt is dead and can hold no water. During rain the water is not absorbed and just runs through dirt, potentially causing flooding. Evaporated water — because of global warming — is stuck in the air longer, because warmer air can hold more water vapor (preventing rain).

We can lower the temperature rain needs by increasing evapotranpiration. Evapotranspiration is when trees release oxygen and water and bacteria into the air. The bacteria seeds the air, which makes rain fall at a lower temperature. When we increase local tree density, the increased evapotranspiration increases rainfall, which allows water to go back to land where it belongs.

To ensure the water can be captured by the ground, we need both healthy soil capable of storing water and we need diverse land topography. Hills and gullies are examples of different land topology, each differently interacting with water, slowing it down. This extra time allows the water to sink into the soil rather than continuing to run/flood.

Planting diversity is what matters here; forests are more than just trees. By collaborating with our Inland North West (INW) bio-region, we should discover and collectively discuss what the land wants.

Gregg DePonte — Ola Aina Farms: Why Biodiversity Matters

Enough biodiversity puts everything needed together so the program can work on itself. Creating a mini ecosystem recycles nutrients, aids food production, and can even suppress undesirable organisms through diversity. Monoculture (pure grass lawns, 100% cotton fields, etc) environments allow invasive species to take over, because there isn't diversity to fortify against or counter invasive species. Adding diversity allows nature to take care of the system without human input.

Plants, animals, and humans all compose ecosystems. It's a three dimensional space, with plants roots growing under the soil as well as possible vertical farming above. The bison is the American example of the large herbivore of the plains ecosystem. But they alone did not build the fertility of the plains through grazing. It was a concerted effort including deer, elk, antelope, and many other animals. They need a lot of biodiversity for the environment to sustain them.

As humans, we need to be accepting of differences and come together for common goals. We also are stronger with more diversity.

Forbs plants — with their broadleaves and long taproots — are very important for our future Examples of forbs are chicory, dandelion, small burnette, plantain, and wormwood. These are usually perennial and can be legumes. They're beneficial to the environment.

Mary Bishop — All Things Regenerative: Permaculture Design with Climate Resilience

Permaculture = Permanent + Agriculture Ethics: EarthCare / PeopleCare / FairShare / Transition

Why Permaculture?

  • Green Canopies cool city lots
  • Plants sequester carbon
  • Reduces river pollutants
  • Reduces water usage
  • Reduces garbage
  • Improves mental & emotional wellness
  • Increase in nutrient density in food
  • Eliminate use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers

Permaculture shares principles with...

  • biofarming
  • agroforestry
  • organic gardening
  • cover cropping
  • no till
  • regenerative farming

Principles of Permaculture

  1. Observe and interact
  2. Catch and store energy
  3. Obtain a yield
  4. Apply self-regulation and accept feedback
  5. Use and value renewable resources and services
  6. Produce no waste
  7. Design from patterns to details
  8. Integrate rather than segregate
  9. Use small and slow solutions
  10. Use and value diversity
  11. Use edges and value the marginal
  12. Creatively use and respond to change

Permaculture: Food Forest

There are nine layers of the Edible Forest Garden

  1. Canopy/Tall Tree Layer
  2. Sub-Canopy/Large Shrub Layer
  3. Shrub Layer
  4. Herbaceous Layer
  5. Groundcover/Creeper Layer
  6. Underground Layer
  7. Vertical/Climber Layer
  8. Aquatic/Wetland Layer
  9. Mycelial/Fungal Layer

Important questions to ask our local farmers include, "Are you using synthetics?" and "How can I help you?" Our local farmers need support, especially after the USDA funding was just slashed.

We can help with climate resilience by growing different plants throughout the seasons, attracting insects and pollinators.

Spokane Social Capital

  • Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild
  • Friends of the Trees
  • Growing Neighbors (tours, partner projects, supplies, mentorship, guidance)
  • Millwood Community Garden
  • Common Ground Spokane
  • Garden Up Landscaping
  • Spokane Conservation District
  • Mission Meadows Community Garden
  • Master Gardeners (grants, classes, other partnerships)

Local Resources:

Native Species Local Nurseries:

Videos and Online Resources:

References & Resources:

All Things Regenerative Bookstore Hemenway, Toby. Gaia’s Garden : A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture. White River Junction, Vt., Chelsea Green Pub, 2009.

Norris, Melissa K. The Family Garden Plan. Harvest House Publishers, 7 Jan. 2020. Lancaster, Brad, and Andy Lipkis. Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 2, 2nd Edition. Rainsource Press, 17 Nov. 2020.

Tallamy, Douglas W, and Timber Press (Portland, Or. Nature’s Best Hope : A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard. Portland, Oregon, Timber Press, 2019.

John Hancock — West Plains Water Coalition: PFAS is in Our Water

PFAS refers to thousands of man-made chemicals that are also called forever chemicals because they do not break down. PFAS are also carcinogenic meaning they cause cancer in humans. Spokane — specifically West Plains and Airway Heights near the airport — is one of the worst PFAS-contaminated places in the country because fire fighters trained utilizing foam containing PFAS every week since the 1970s.

Government officials — including Spokane County Commissioner Al French — were notified by the airport of this contamination in 2017. But French — who owned stock in PFAS producing companies — ensured that information was not released publicly. More than that, in 2020 French blocked a grant: free money to address the as yet unknown to the public PFAS hazard.

Because the PFAS is in West Plains water, this means PFAS is mobile. Barr-Tech creates compost from Spokane organic waste and also Spokane water. This means some of Barr-Tech's compost is contaminated with PFAS, and will contaminate land that uses it as well as possibly the plants/food that is grown with it.

Traditional water filtration does not remove PFAS. Activated carbon filters are effective at removing contaminants, including certain (longer-chain) PFAS. Shorter-chain PFAS (forever chemicals that are smaller sized molecules) are not all adsorbed by the carbon. Another filtration method is ion exchange treatment. As PFAS molecules have a negative charge, they are attracted to positive charges. Anions are positively charged, and anion exchange resins (AER) are positively charged filtration that attracts and holds PFAS. Least effective treatment are membrane filtration such as reverse osmosis. Reverse osmosis or nano filtration act as nets that stop anything other than water and minerals or just water respectively from getting through. This removes ~90% of PFAS, including the smaller-chained molecules.

Johnny Edmondson — Growing Neighbors: Communal Sustainable Living

Growing food can connect us with neighbors, which is the mission of Growing Neighbors. There is a calendar with garden gatherings, events such as Zucchini fest, and monthly communal dinners. We're working to increase density of food pantries and food access with a "take what you need, give what you can" mentality.

Growing Neighbors wants to expand to food deliveries (we've partnered with Spokane Helpers Network), increase farm density (hub host), start on-site community composting, and have a community share for infrequently-used tools (lawn-mowers, wood tools, a mill). We want mixed use neighborhoods with sustainable living: smaller homes, communal indoor space, communal outdoor garden space, communal tool share, food forests.

Maurice Robinette — Roots of Resilience: Holistic Management

Holistic management is a decision making process. There are three main factors: monetary, human, environment. We have to be aware of finances and how much things will cost, and those things need to be regenerative — more than sustainable — and benefit both humans and the environment.

Right now desertification is contributing to soil erosion. To correct this, we must observe the entire system as nature functions in wholes (everything affects everything else). By increasing diversity and mimicking nature we can not only sustain our grasslands/cattle/humans, but regenerate our soil.

Regenerative grazing (versus continuous grazing) involves a rotation of the cattle to various, deliberately diversely planted grasslands. This mimics the grazing behavior of wild ruminants (grazing herbivores). The cattle graze until the vegetation starts to recover, then the cattle are moved to the next location before they can overgraze which would damage the plant recovery growth. The grass then grows taller compared to grass that was never eaten by cattle ever.

This is how we can reverse desertification and restore the ecosystem.

Molly Quade — WSU Grad Student: Improving Habitats for Pollinators

To work we need to not just attract pollinators, but cultivate their habitat. They can't visit to pollinate unless they have an appropriate habitat. (Rae Olsson of WSU discusses how you can support pollinators in your backyard with habitat and seasonality plants here.)

There are over 600 species of bees in Washington state — representing different habitat needs — and bees are not the only pollinators we can attract. All these different types of habitats for these different species mean diversification is necessary.

For food, we need floral abundance, diversity, and seasonality. Some flowers blossom in early spring, others summer, others into fall. We need all of these different season to feed our pollinators.

Some pollinators are ground nestors or cavity nestors. They need dry leaves or hollow, dry stems as a habitat. So not raking and removing leaves after they fall and not pulling dead vegetation create the environment these species need to survive.

Some pollinators live in the soil. They need patches of well drained, undisturbed soil to have a habitat. Some need the soil to be crusty. Leaving some soil unplanted and undisturbed will create the environment these species need.

Heather Matthias — Common Ground Spokane: Connecting Communities Through School Gardens

We build self-sustaining gardens on school property with a goal of making connections, engaging the next generation, and healing the relationship between humans and our environment. The students design their school's garden in a permaculture class; we're hoping to form connections, like with the gardening club, the cooking club, etc.

There are 190 schools in Spokane County, 27 schools in Central School District, 9 schools that already have a garden, 100% of schools want a garden. But our schools are unequally resourced, and its a heavy lift for every school to maintain gardens, especially during summer. We're hoping to form connections between community and these gardens so Common Ground Spokane can facilitate start-up and then hand-off. Life deliberately is not an even playing field and we meet people where they're at.

We also built the Bowdish Community Garden and Food Forest with Mary Bishop.

Craig Madsen — Healing Hooves:

Alex Machado — Hunters of Color:

Taylor Birdtail — RedUrban:

Chrys Ostrander — BZ Permaculture Farm Collective:

"A good number of former Love Family members continue to use their communal surname Israel long after the commune disbanded. We do not condone the genocide perpetrated by the nation of Israel against the Palestinian People."

Michael Pilarski Friends of the Trees Botanicals:

Break-Out Group Discussions

Permaculture / Regeneration

  • Regarding PFAS: Is it possible for AFB to not deploy?
    • willing to do some public education?
    • How can permaculture community help mitigate?
      • fungi (Paul Stamets)
        • excellent metal and select pollutants accumulators
        • mycelium connects all plant roots, beneficial
  • biodiversity + native growth (how to increase)
    • Spotted Knapweed problem toxic to goats
    • Controlled burning? --> seeds are burn resistant
    • If we check how an invasive species' native system keeps them in check, we can mimic to mitigate invasive-ness.
      • Knapweed Beetle (Weevil) Fly keeps it under control
    • increase INW native biodiversity
    • medicinal plants
  • regeneration begins with manure and wood chips
  • most weeds are simply plants that grow best in that environment
  • know your soil
    • health and nutrition starts with soil
      • must be free from toxins/pollutants
      • must contain nutrients and microbes
    • biochar can help remove toxins so can plant in healthy soil
  • What are permaculture solutions?
    • Going out with someone who knows invasives (Michael Polarski)
    • research what you have

Community Gardens & Food Forests

  • Self sustaining-ish once mature
  • Need to work with government
    • city land (Latah 100 acres) Hatch Road DNR
      • Land Back
  • Neighborhood councils to get people interested
    • Find your Spokane neighborhood council here.
    • Help the older generation garden

Increase Local Food Production

  • Challenges: healthy food (cost, access, education, transportation)
    • Healthy food without pesticides costs more and isn't accessible for many
    • Spokanites may not know how to buy/support our local farmers
      • increase education for buying direct
      • campaign advocating groceries to support our local farmers
    • transportation costs are less when local
  • turn grass monoculture lawns into natural food forests
    • pollution from road particulate is an issue, not healthy
    • HOAs may be a barrier
  • Need:
    • Grocery Stores to buy/sell local
      • Transport to stay local
      • Link boxes
    • Education: nutrition, local food, teachings, seasonal foods
    • Water (better utilized and stored in soil than in degrading dams)
    • Clean pollution from road/tire particulate matter
  • This has been successful in Syracuse, NY
  • Need:
    • Connect farmers with helpers
    • Connect produce to local consumers
    • Change food consumed to seasonality
    • Farmer and Consumer education
    • Group/communal processing/tools
    • Renewable Energy
      • small scale solar, WSU offers free

Fire / Disaster Preparedness

  • Prepare access roads for fire trucks
    • Open access gates and large turn around area so they can leave
    • Fire road around perimeter of property, limb up — 1 acre a year
  • Rock mulching/stone mulching
  • Crater gardens
    • water in middle, terrace up sides
    • if too big, can become frost pocket
  • Hugelkulture: removing/composting flammable debris so no longer kindling
  • Educational material at Spokane Firewise
  • Bullock Bros videos
  • Quonset hut (metal building)
  • New tech — sound to put out fire
  • Good Fire - Vol 2 Feb 25 - Red Bird Collective
  • Vegetation least burnable

Land Access

  • Agricultural parks, incubators, on-farm
  • Lacking in Spokane area
  • Collective Efforts
  • Veterans outreach
  • Land Grabs-Legislation, Lobbying, Advocacy
    • Prevent public land sales to private parties
    • Raise Cain at public hearings transfer to public benefit
    • Engage local elected officials
  • Focus on Local Economies and agriculture
    • Be prepared for collapse and land transfers
  • Education for small to mid sized farms
  • Engage with conservation district: They are friends but not well funded now
  • Capital Collectives to fund co-op projects

Soil Health

  • Simple: Research what soil is needed for what you want then add soil amendments and organic matter
  • Large Scale: Protecting soil, Keeping plants growing at all times
  • Definition:
    • Life system-diversity and abundance of organisms fungi, nematode, bacteria, arthropods
    • Connection with the rest of the ecosystem-watershed, animals, etc.
    • Structure/textures for different potentials
  • Feeding microbes
    • Different types of compost
    • Adding organic matter
    • Cover cropping-divisified rather than monoculture (5+families of plant ideally)
    • Tilling in covercrop to add Nitrogen
    • Biochar
    • Red wrigglers
    • Compost tea (must be aerobic)
    • Layering compost and mulch (such as bark or cardboard)
  • Develop a goal for the soil — What do we want to do with it?
    • Factors: texture, moisture content, content of organisms, some soils work better in different situations
  • Facts:
    • Too much carbon-microorganisms will feed on all the nitrogen, leaving none for plants so carbon/nitrogen ration is important for this reason!
    • Fungal inoculated woodchips (myccorhizae or saprotrophic endo vs. ectomyccorhizae
    • Starting a garden from a lawn by laying cardboard and adding manure, organic materials, willow leaves, wood chips on top. Round hay bale.
  • Book-Braiding Sweet Grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
  • If you do something to a “weed” may make roots go deeper?
  • Know what’s on your land
    • Know your soil what’s in it, what it’s lacking: critters, minerals, composition
  • Milk Thistle-cultivate? Harvest for medicinal use
  • “Weeds” can be edible, can use apps to identify
  • Good soil affects taste
  • Biochar (help remove contaminants)
  • Educating about soil, what resources are available?
  • Understanding what the land wants (water flow, sun)

Bioregional Planning

  • Bioregional Resource Guide
  • "Cascadia"
  • Diversify Perspectives: with priority for indigenous naming
    • Research group = outreach
    • Permaculture fits! Spokane Permaculture
    • Promoting regional food shed
      • Study indigenous food ways
    • Native land-ca (map)
    • Tribal connections
      • The Lands Council (org)
  • Watershed: regional watershed councils
    • Hazel Ward
    • Social Forestry
    • Forest bathing
  • Governmental Agencies - reviewing concepts
    • Bioregionalism (pending collapse)
  • Media Plan(?) Inlander (e.g. substack versatility)
    • Write articles
  • R3.0-Action Plan-website 15th Conference

Confluence Event

    • Olympic Group
    • Spokane (Maurice Robinette)
  • Goal(s): together, attend free
    • Contact: stephanie.nicole.watson@gmail.com

Book Recommendations

Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Nch'i-Wana by Eugene S. Hunn

Mourning Dove a Salishan autobiography by Mourning Dove

Indians, Fire, and the Land of the Pacific Northwest by Robert Boyd

Smoke Screen by Chad T. Hansen

Reflections

  • know your farmer
  • fungi and biochar can be helpful for removing PFAS/PCBs
  • technology can help provide tools for obtaining your objective
  • fire/disaster preparedness is important for the INW
  • trees are pumps and humidifiers
    • crops get water from deep tree roots
  • you have power, ask for focus on measuring nutrients in veggies at market to pressure for healthier soil
  • Billy's Cafe in Airway Heights buys local produce and rotates a seasonal menu

For the Future

The Tilth Conference is in Spokane Valley this year and will pair with the Farm and Food Symposium, hosting both 12-15 November 2025.

Spokane's bioregional planning group is forming a more formal group and will continue to meet. We plan to send delegates to a western Washington conference of multiple bioregional groups for larger regional coordination.

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