• Q: What is it like volunteering with the Guild?

  • A: During a typical volunteer event we ask you to show up with appropriate gear like sun protection, water, gloves, tools, and reasonable footwear. When arriving we ask that you locate the host or volunteer coordinator to let them know you made it. Working together generally starts in the morning, helping in any number of ways to steward the land, after which we break for a mid day meal provided by our location host. After we have enjoyed our meal there may be additional work or discussion about permaculture and community, or you can leave depending on the needs of your day. Photos and/or video taken at the event will be shared soon after.

• Q: What is it like hosting with the Guild?

  • A: Getting in contact with the guild begins the experience, after which we help plan the event for your location. Promotion for your event takes place on this website as well as via our social media and with posters as needed. Many of our hosts have provided food and refreshments for their events while giving bathroom access and being available for project questions. No money is ever exchanged between hosts and the guild, but outside monetary transactions are available as needed from contractors who provide services for landscape design, irrigation, or other consultation.

• Q: What is gift economy?

  • A: We participate in the gift economy which happens when we offer our manual labor without expectation of monetary payment. This simplifies our relationships with hosts. There are no complicated contracts. Offering our sweat equity and time gives back more than payment in currency. Site hosts often choose to give back with their time and resources, cooking for the Guild while coordinating for the event itself and by providing the materials needed for their projects. The Guild gives their time, transportation to the event, sweat and bodily energy, as well as their skills and experience in exchange for connections with the site host, learning through work, all while enjoying a nourishing communal meal with friends.

• Q: Does every project include a design?

  • A: No. Many of our events are purely service based which would not include working with a site host to create things like a written analysis of the land or drawings which show how landscaping could be planned. Design for our projects happens independently from the Guild, but we handle connecting a site host with an outside contractor. Typically a design contractor will meet with a host before event planning occurs where goals for the land are established, projects are fleshed out, and budgets are determined. Designs range in size and complexity from as simple as updates for an existing landscape plan to a full project manual outlining many pieces of the puzzle, with designs showing base-maps, zone and sector analysis, phased implementation, planting designations with quantities, and water usage.

• Q: What if I want to host an event but can’t cook?

  • A: We make accommodations for all ability types. If you can’t cook, then maybe you can can agree to pledging your time on our projects at other sites. Maybe the Guild can plan for a potluck to replace your efforts and ingredients for cooking the meal. Your skills and/or time are diverse and valuable when you look close enough.

• Q: How can I design for the Guild?

  • A: You can attend our events to connect with existing Guild members who have designed or helped the group with contractors who have done the work. Connecting with us via email to establish your design availability is also an option. Design focused workshops are available depending on the season and availability of instructors.