I'm Jack... Jack-of-all-trades, that is. My background ranges from auto mechanic to tile-setter; have mainly worked in construction, equal amounts residential and heavy highway. I've been in IT as well, just long enough to discover my allergy to working indoors. I've gardened organically for most of my life, and never thought it was anything special... it just makes sense.

My time in the earthmoving business always bothered me -- destroying farm land and topsoil to pave the way for new subdivisions. The Mollison/Lawton PDC DVD course let me imagine that we can repair some of the damage.

To that end, I have decided to join the permaculture movement as someone with particular expertise in earthworks, heavy equipment, soils, surveying, watersheds, and general construction (including passive solar homes). I can work with any size project, but my interest definitely lies in large projects, broad-acre agriculture, and this being Colorado, anything to do with making better use of water. Hope to work with designers who know all the Latin names of plants, but not necessarily which end of a hammer to pick up. ;) That is to say, complementary skill sets.

Currently devouring every book and article I can get my paws on, and compiling lists of locally adapted plant species into one convenient manual. Willing to collaborate on that as well.

Invasive Trees in Colorado, part 1

A brief discussion on the merits of Ghetto Palm, (Ailanthus altissima)

A Tip for Suburban Gardeners

Where did the topsoil go when they built this place? Mike spills the beans.