To whom it may concern,

I recently traveled from the U.S. to Nova Scotia, to take part in the P3 permaculture design course. For several days our class (with an age range of 16 to 57, including people from Germany, Brittany, the U.S., as well as the Canadian provinces) – came to the Blockhouse school, for a change of scenery, to see previous projects and to have experience in the field implementing what we had been learning.

The Blockhouse school environment added a great deal to my experience, and here are a few reasons why; first off, after camping it was delicious to have a soft couch to sit on! Paula, Linda, and Leah prepared meals for us and made us feel so welcome. I saw examples of energy efficient building practice, even using discarded books as insulation. In the gym during breaks there were several generations playing ball together, with teaching moments and smiles. The farmers market was present on two days, bringing more of the community together, and sharing the delights of fresh food,and original local artwork. We also watched joyful scenes of an equine therapist walking through and around the property with a client on horseback, a dog in tow, and several others walking with her through the soft grass.

As a student observing last years projects, I saw cardboard placed then as compost, now becoming soil. We used the sand box to build models of landscape to learn about the movement of water, and placement of water catchment systems. We recycled used cardboard from shipping cartons to practice drawing designs, which later will be returned to build the soil, with leaves and other organinc matter from the property.

In short this is a hub of multigenerational, international fellowship and teaching. This group of people are using things that would have been waste and are turning them into tools for teaching, community building, gardens,food, and other useful things. And also, they are creating a focus, a feeling of inspiration and belonging,a place for people to meet and participate together in something positive and hopeful. I was delighted by what I saw happening at Blockhouse school and believe that more and more creative ideas will be springing forth.

I had never heard of this area, but was so impressed during my visit I know I will be returning. Thank you for your support of the Blockhouse project.

Nancy Rutherford