I grew up in dairy and fruit country on the shore of Lake Ontario in Western New York. I spent my youth in milk parlors, on hay wagons and turning ground. I also worked for the local fruit farmers, trimming trees, tying grapes and picking apples.

I received a free issue of Organic Gardening Magazine about 18 years ago and that sparked my interest in a different, less harmful way of gardening. Soon, we were composters, coldframers and companion planters.

After getting laid off as a welder at a rock quarry in 2009, I decided to pursue organic gardening a bit further and discovered the term "permaculture". I understood the concept right away and had a place in mind. We now reside on a 108 acre Century farm where we are steadily restoring barns, smokehouses a 115 year old house as well as raising chicken, growing fruits and vegetables.