GUILDA PERMACULTURE

BIO

SARA ELLEN WUERSTLE

ECOSYSTEMS DESIGNER & PERMACULTURE EDUCATOR

With over two decades of experience working in land stewardship, agriculture and design, Sara has developed a highly integrated understanding of regenerative systems and sustainable development at any scale. More than 50 of her whole system designs have been implemented and continue to be successfully managed. She has worked internationally for the greater part of her career, building and fine-tuning the ability to think, create and act in a truly holistic and innovative way. She even utilized the whole systems design approach to grow a design and installation business twofold in less than 5 years in the highly competitive California Bay Area. While there, she was able to not only design but direct the implementation process of the designs to ensure accuracy and effective monitoring for long-term success. Her innovative designs have out performed conventional approaches and act as models for the validity and value of Whole Systems Design by combining Permaculture and Holistic Management.

To gain this design acuity, she spent many years studying and working internationally with the leading practitioners in the field as well as farmers and growers, while teaching and supporting more than 2 dozen Permaculture Design Certification courses as well as Advanced Permaculture Design Certification courses and related trainings worldwide. As a consultant and designer, she has collaborated on numerous international development projects in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. She has also lived as part of numerous intentional communities and education centers throughout the world. She is most inspired when people savor the nutritious, delicious, and beautiful food that can come only from healthy ecosystems. In all of these endeavors, her unique sense of style and aesthetic as an artist is ever-present.

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PERMACULTURE DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Sara designed and guided the implementation of more than 50 permaculture systems of various scales and contexts, which are now thriving. 

Here a few of the highlights:

FARMS, DEMONSTRATION SITES &

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

• Wikiup Commons (began 2018)

• Willow Creek Restoration (began 2017)

• Freestone Farm (began 2016)

• Nature Retreat Ranch & Farm (began 2016)

• Cider Orchard Biological Restoration (began 2016)

• Occidental Arts & Ecology Center Stormwater Management and Greywater System for Guest Accommodations (began 2016)

• Flood Mitigation Orchard (began 2015)

• Biodiversity Orchard & Pond (began 2015)

• Integrated Community and School Garden with Park (began 2014)

• Yelmani Food Sovereignty Project Strategic Planning (2013)

• Estancia Ranquilco Curriculum & Garden Design (2011-2012)

• Balkan Ecology Project Curriculum Design (2010-2012)

SMALL FARMS & HOMESTEADS

• Mixed Livestock Farm (began 2017)

• Wildlife Refuge (2016)

• Homestead with Market Flower Garden (2015)

• Suburban Food Resiliency (2015)

• Cozy Homestead (2015)

• Parkside Food Forest (2015)

SMALL SPACES

• Barefoot Backyard & Garden (2014)

• Recreation Garden (2015)

• Cat-friendly Backyard (2015)

• Edible Front Yard with Native Buffer (2016)

• Dog-friendly Backyard (2016)

• Backyard Food Forest (2017)

See also

Eunice's Portfolio & CV