In 1995 while teaching English in Japan I met some folks that were into Sustainable Agriculture and my interest was peaked. I formed a sub-group of the JET Program called Eco-SIG (Special Interest Group) and created Earth Day events for school children and annual conferences for like-minded ex-pats living in Japan. In 1998 I visited Permaculture spots across the country while on my honeymoon and took a course with Farmer Dave at the Omega Institute that fall. In 2003 I obtained certification through PINC in northern California under James and Penny Stark. I've kept my interest but as I live in upstate NY, my biggest challenge is helping water flow properly during snow melts :) I live on 10 acres of land that I manage food production and firewood. My next projects include swaling and tiling front yard and creation of a large wooded pond to start some aquaculture. I can consult but have not pursued this. My permaculture is personal with my family and immediate friends.