Permaculture Principle #1: Observe and Interact

By Becca Cowser, Board Member

The first principle of permaculture is "Observe and Interact," which emphasizes the importance of careful observation and thoughtful interaction with nature before making any changes. 

Observation: Before starting a permaculture project, we should spend time observing the natural patterns, cycles, and interactions within the environment. For example, a homeowner can spend the first year observing the movement of water, sunlight patterns, wind direction, and soil conditions on a piece of land. Then they can decide where to place key elements like ponds, swales, or garden beds in their landscape design. A birdwatcher may consider which local birds he sees before selecting the proper food for his bird feeder. 
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Interaction: After observation, we interact with the environment in a way that works with nature, rather than against it. This involves thoughtful planning and finding ways to apply sustainable practices to problem-solve. For example, a homeowner observes how rainwater runoff creates erosion in an area. Then she interacts strategically by reducing erosion naturally (planting cover crops, building swales to capture and retain water, etc.). This principle encourages a proactive and respectful approach to design and management. It ensures that interventions are well-informed and work with nature to promote sustainability and resilience. 
 
Take Action: Nature Journaling 
Nature journaling is a great way to practice the first permaculture principle. By taking the time to look closely at nature and write down what you see, you can learn a lot about the world around you. When you draw or describe plants, animals, and landscapes in your journal, you start to notice small details you might have missed before. You will also notice subtle shifts in flora and fauna and seasons and develop a greater understanding of local ecosystems. By keeping a nature journal, you not only get to appreciate the beauty of nature, but you can also learn how to take care of it better. 

“Nature Journaling will enrich your experiences and develop observation, curiosity, gratitude, reverence, memory, and the skills of a naturalist. It helps you discover, think, remember, and integrate new information with your existing knowledge.” – John Muir Laws [To learn more about natural journaling from Mr. Laws, check out his webpage https://johnmuirlaws.com/  ]