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October 23, 2012 Contact Information

Owners:

Designers: Jason Gerhardt-Real Earth Design PO Box 4315 Boulder, CO. 80306

720-496-9744 www.realearthdesign.com

Barnabas Kane-T. Barnabas Kane and Associates PO Box 2100 Prescott, AZ. 86302

928-445-3515 www.tbkadesign.com Contrast Ranch Project Manual Table of Contents:

Design • Narrative • 8.5 x 11 Site Sector Analysis • 8.5 x 11 Soil and Water Flow Analysis • 8.5 x 11 Zone Map • 8.5 x 11 Overview Design Plan • 8.5 x 11 Detail Design Plan • Keynote Description (9 of 9) • Suggested Priorities for Design Implementation (3 of 3) • Suggested Ways to Deal with Sewage • Suggested Tree Species (2 of 2) • Soil Improvement Recommendations: Cover Cropping (6 of 6) • Economic Potential (4 of 4) • Construction Caveats

Analysis • Contrast Ranch Mission Statement and Activities (3 of 3) • Dynamic Analysis Narrative: Findings and Suggestions (3 of 3) • Rooftop Runoff Calculations (2 of 2) • Soil Tests (2 of 2) • Contour Maps (3 of 3) • Historical Photos (5 of 5)

Resources • Waste Management • Plants • Animals • Water • Tree Crops

Notes (3 of 3) ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! DESIGN Contrast Ranch: Narrative

Contrast Ranch is 36 acres of dissimilarities, from the sweeping view of the snow- covered continental divide, to the coal plant in the foreground contributing to the diminishment of the local glaciers. From water scarcity to water abundance, this historic property is an agricultural challenge transitioning into agricultural fruitfulness. Historic though the property is, worn-out may better characterize the land’s current productive capacity. There have been many transitions on this property, from dairy cow grazing and hay fields, to intensive horse grazing, to the current herds of black-tailed prairie dogs. What looking at the property through the lens of permaculture design and analysis has shown is there is yet another grazing transition lurking. This time it will be cultivating a micro-herd of soil organisms to replenish the landscape and return it to bountiful capacity.

This design is geared toward setting up the farm-scape so that water, people, plants, animals, micro-herds, and productivity can flow and function in beneficial relationships, each feeding into the other. In order to accomplish this infrastructural change, education in regenerative agriculture and the lifestyle that goes along with it will be the primary feedstock. Therefore the next manifestation of the property will be difficult to undo, not because everything was planned to the utmost of perfection, but because things were put in sensible places, it was a community that built it, and the growing richness of the land will be impossible to deny. 1 of 8 2 of 8 3 of 8 4 of 8 39

30 31

16

38

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10 15

29 6 17

BASIN

10 37 15

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CISTERN

8 35 12 34 13 28 9 33 FUTURE 19 SEPTIC 18 34 11 27 BASIN 13

CISTERN 26 5 2 4 32 36 10 24 24 BASIN 25 7 20 22 23

3 2 24 IRR. POND IRR. POND

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5 of 6 Contrast Ranch: Keynote Description

1. FARM ENTRANCE: The new Farm Entrance will act as the main entrance to the property. The location, increased visibility, and designed in monuments will reduce safety hazards of pulling in and out from Arapahoe Road. The Farm Entrance will be designed for two-way traffic and large vehicle access (dump truck, semi, etc.). This is a permanent infrastructural change that will improve energy flow and safety on the property. 2. ROAD ALIGNMENT: The new Road Alignment will allow for efficient travel through the property, as well as reducing excess roadways, keeping car and foot traffic as separate as possible. The New Residence will be accessed in a private manner, keeping it distinct from the farm operation to protect resident privacy. This is a permanent infrastructural change that will improve human traffic flow and function of the farm. 3. MAIN PARKING LOT: This will be the main parking area for the farm store as well as large events that occur on the farm. A total of 26 parking spaces can fit into this area. 4. FARM STORE: The Farm Store will act as the public face of the Contrast Ranch project in general, as well as an outlet for farm-produced goods. Farm-Stand design is a permanent building, with inviting, open-air design with the option to add a farm café in the future. If kitchen is built for farm café, this should be designed to double as a commercial kitchen for value-added farm product processing. All water from the roof will be harvested, requiring a 20,000-gallon buried concrete cistern. The water stored in this cistern will be plumbed into the Farm Store. The Farm Store will also have educational materials to document the work being done on the farm, as well as Boulder County agricultural history exhibits. 5. DEMONSTRATION GARDEN BY FARM STORE: This is a show garden to publicly demonstrate the innovative agricultural techniques that are being applied at Contrast Ranch. Self-guided signage will attract people in an educational way, as well as child specific design to encourage nature connection. The ditch for the Western Irrigated Pasture will flow through this garden. 6. WESTERN IRRIGATED PASTURE/ANIMAL SYSTEMS: The Western field will be the main pasture area in the core of the farm, as it is already in fairly healthy condition. Flood irrigation via the new ditch from the Demonstration Garden will be provided to increase grass and forb productivity. Meat chickens will be tractored in the pasture, as well as dairy goats and alpaca. Rotational grazing will be accomplished with electric fencing.

! "! Honey Locust and Mulberry will be planted in pockets to provide shade, nutrient to the pasture, and browse for the animals. 7. WESTERN WINDBREAK: The Western property line already contains a struggling windbreak. The windbreak will be more effective when filled out and improved. Three staggered lines of trees should be established with conifers on the windward side. Ponderosa Pine, Honey Locust, and Siberian Pea Shrub would make an excellent species composition for nitrogen fixation and forage production. A lateral ditch should be dug along the length of the Western property line in the middle of the windbreak to provide easy irrigation. This windbreak will slow winds before they enter the core of the property. Snow fence could be oriented along the entire Western property line to assist the trees in getting established. Trees for this windbreak can be purchased cheaply from the Colorado State Forest Service. 8. EQUIPMENT SHED: The Equipment Shed of 40’ x 100’ will house and protect tractors, implements, and other bulky farm machinery. The shed can be three sided, or entirely enclosed, and will add significant new roof surface from which to capture rainwater, requiring a 20,000-gallon buried concrete cistern. Total annual rainfall runoff will be ~41,800 gallons. The shed will also act as another line of defense against the Western wind for the core farm area. The Equipment Shed will be visible from the core of the farm for security purposes. This is an infrastructural change that will permanently improve storage on the farm. 9. ZONE OF ACCUMULATION: The Zone of Accumulation will be on the North side of the Equipment Shed, as well as in the sheds behind the Barn in the core of the property. The area on the North side of the Equipment Shed is better suited to longer term storage for items that can tolerate the elements, whereas the sheds behind the Barn are useful for more frequently used items and those that need protection from rain and sun. 10. ROAD RUNOFF CATCHMENT: Farm roads will be appropriately graded and used to harvest rainwater runoff as much as possible, directing the water uphill and to planted areas in as many cases as possible. The road to the West of the Existing Garden will be graded westward to channel runoff into a diversion swale and capture it in a seasonal irrigation pond for the Staple Crops Agricultural Field. This infrastructural change will improve drainage, reduce erosion, and increase capture and capacity of water storage. 11. GREENHOUSE: The Greenhouse of 40’ x 35’ (combined with Animal Shelter) will be used predominately to establish agricultural seedlings, grow nursery plants for fruit, timber, windbreak, etc. Additionally permanent beds will be established to provide winter growing space and a small subtropical food forest

! #! will be established for high value fruit and medicine production. The Greenhouse location was chosen for orientation to the sun for solar heating and easy access to the gardens and fields. Rainwater runoff will be harvested from Greenhouse and attached Animal Shelter and stored in a wall of repurposed food grade tanks inside the greenhouse that will double as thermal mass and a separation wall between the animals and the plants. The purpose of storing the roof runoff in an internal mass wall is to protect it from freezing for winter water collection and availability for the animals and the Greenhouse. In this scenario runoff collection and storage can occur year round. 12. ANIMAL SHELTER AND PADDOCK: The permanent Animal Shelter will be built off the back of the Greenhouse to provide heat and carbon dioxide exchange between the animals and the Greenhouse. Alpaca, Dairy Goats, Laying Hens, and Meat Rabbits will all be kept here. It is closely situated to gardens, fields, and Greenhouse to provide inputs of garden waste for the animals and outputs of manure for the growing areas. A small Paddock will be included to provide forage and room to roam. Animal feed will be stored in an attached shed. 13. COMPOST AREA: The Compost Area will receive animal shelter bedding and manure, as well as garden vegetation for efficient composting. This area should be kept neat, and the piles kept wet and turned. Water will come from the water wall inside the greenhouse. Two stages of composting are proposed. The first stage will happen directly near the West wall of the greenhouse. The second stage is placed against the existing windbreak to the West and will receive further protection once the Equipment Shed is built. Both of these areas will be wind protected to prevent dehydration of the piles. We also recommend covering the piles through dry periods to slow water loss. 14. NURSERY AREA: The Nursery will be used to grow out grafted fruit trees, windbreak species, and silvopasture species. It is centrally located close to the Greenhouse for in and out movement, so it will receive regular care, and have easy distribution for planting time. A cistern will be situated at the top of the nursery area to receive overflow from the Greenhouse and Animal Shelter roofs so water is nearby for the nursery. Additionally the water wall in the Greenhouse can be drained toward the Nursery cistern as needed. Overflow from the Nursery cistern will go into the seasonal irrigation pond at the bottom of the Nursery. 15. LIGHT DUTY TRAILS: The Light Duty Trails are suggested to improve connectivity on the property. The first is adjacent to the Staple Crops Agricultural Field where one can easily access the Western pasture from the lower half of the property. The second

! $! Light Duty Trail can be used as an access to the High Pond through the Seasonal Pasture from either side of the barn, and beyond to the New Residence. This will be a non-motorized trail that provides quicker access to and from the New Residence to the farm core. It has the potential to double as an underground utilities corridor to the New Residence if desired. The third Light Duty Trail will be non-motorized as well and already exists running around the Big Pond through the Riparian Woodland to the New Residence. 16. STAPLE CROPS AGRICULTURE FIELD: This area is best suited to staple crops such as grains, pulses, and tubers. Irrigation will come from the Big Pond in the form of flooding slightly off- contour channels. The seasonal irrigation pond that will be situated at the Southwest corner of this field can supply additional water. Rows of short-lived berry crops can be integrated here as well. 17. EXISTING FENCED GARDEN: The Existing Fenced Garden will be utilized for high value crops, perennial vegetables, and tender annual vegetables. Existing swales will be further implemented to have appropriate overflows. The lower half of the garden will be permanently utilized for tender annual vegetables and irrigated via drip irrigation from the High Pond, while the top of the garden will continue to develop into a food forest. 18. BUNK HOUSE: The use of the Bunk House will largely be kept in tact as a muddy shoe office and workstation. It is a field office. Additionally the Bunk House can accommodate many chest freezers for frozen farm product. Runoff from the Bunk House roof will be split, with the North slope flowing into the two 1,000 gallon cisterns on the Northeast corner, and the South slope flowing into the Produce Wash Station cistern. The Produce Wash Station is situated on the East side of the Bunk House. 19. PRODUCE WASH STATION: All farms need a produce processing station. The requirements are a covered space protected from rain and sun, protection from harsh Western sun and wind, central location to production areas, access to water, and a place to outlet wastewater for productive use. The biggest limitation is regular access to potable water. A 2,500-gallon underground cistern can collect roof runoff from the Produce Wash Station. It will likely need to be contributed to from another water source, potentially pumped from the Equipment Shed cistern or off-farm water. Greywater can be plumbed to the first contour swale inside the Existing Garden. A floor area of 20’ x 15’ would be an excellent size. This area would also be best suited for animal slaughter. 20. INTENSIVE ANNUAL AGRICULTURE GARDEN: This area will provide additional annual agriculture space. Things that will receive less predation from wildlife should be grown here. Since the

! %! location is so close to the core of the farm it will still be suitable for crops that need close care in the form of staking, irrigation, and regular harvest. In years where the production is not needed or able to be cared for, this area should be planted to biennial or perennial cover crop. Irrigation will come from existing westward running ditch lateral. A seasonal irrigation pond will be established in the highest corner of the garden to store water for irrigation during dry periods. Include an insectary garden over septic. 21. REMOVE AND RESTORE CURB CUT: Removal of the existing (Easternmost) entrance to the property will facilitate greater safety for residents and visitors to the property as the entrance has poor visibility due to the natural topography. Restoring and re-vegetating the curb cut will provide greater privacy and reduce the dominance of vehicles in the core of the farm. 22. STAFF AND GUEST REPURPOSED PARKING: The old driveway to the Farm House will be repurposed as parking for the heart of the farm activity, as well as to keep vehicles of workshop participants close and yet out of the way. 9 parking spaces can fit into this area. 23. FARM HOUSE: The existing Farm House, once vacated as a residence, will be repurposed as guest housing for teachers, students, and family visitors. This can be an income-generating feature to the property owners as educational endeavors can charge residential fees. The kitchen will be preserved as a cooking facility for educational courses and workshops. Additionally, an office space will be included as a formal meeting area, also known as a clean shoe workspace. The Farm House will use the existing septic system and water from cistern filled by rainwater from barn roof as much as possible. Optional inspection and re- establishment of existing well is another possibility for domestic water supply. Farm House roof runoff will be used to passively irrigate the Farm House Gardens via water-harvesting earthworks. The basement of the Farm House will be cleaned and converted into a Root Cellar for farm produce storage. 24. FARM HOUSE GARDENS: Low maintenance edible, medicinal, and ornamental gardens will surround the Farm House. This will provide an attractive and appealing space to be for visitors as well as a small productive space. Gardens will be solely and passively irrigated from Farm House roof runoff. 25. EVENTS LAWN: This area will be preserved and enhanced as a formal lawn-scape to host events, farm dinners, parties, and educational course dining area. The Barn Ramp will also connect the top of the barn to the Events Lawn for free flow and movement between events spaces. The historic gazebo will provide a beautiful backdrop and covered space for events.

! &! 26. BARN RAMP: The Barn Ramp will improve access to the Barn and flow between the second story events space, the Farm House, and the Events Lawn. It will also allow ADA access to the events space. This is an infrastructural change that will improve connectivity and people flow on the site. 27. BARN: The Barn will be utilized as a work and tool shop on the ground level and an events space on the second level. Gutters will be put on the roof to harvest all runoff into the existing cistern for the Farm House. This water will then be split between the Farm House and the Bath House. Foundation shoring will be implemented through a raised planting bed on the North side of the Barn to protect that section of the foundation. The South facing pitch of the Barn roof will also make an excellent photovoltaic solar array placement for on-site power generation. 28. BATH HOUSE: The new Bathhouse will accommodate the needs of farm workers, educational participants, and other visitors. It will contain two solar showers, two sinks, and two composting toilets each with two chambers. Composting toilets will be moldering in process. The slope behind this area provides excellent gravity for moving the finished compost to tree crops just downhill. Greywater from the showers will be used to irrigate tree crops downhill in the Existing Garden and Forest Garden Expansion. Water for the Bath House will be supplied from the existing Farm House cistern. 29. FOREST GARDEN EXPANSION: This area is below the main lateral ditch line and can be 100% gravity irrigated. Fruit and nut trees, can be planted along contour swales. Due to our experience with the previous forest garden inside the Existing Garden, we recommend doing soil prep in the form of sheet mulch and digging the earthworks one to two years prior to planting the trees. This will allow the area to build up organic matter and soil nutrients while also getting rehydrated so as to minimize hand watering. The trees could be purchased immediately and grown out in a nursery so as to be of good size until planting. Planting can be done in a mosaic pattern without neat rows, gaining a woodland feel. At the lowest spot of this area we propose two research contour rows of Juneberry as a specialty small fruit crop. 30. TREE CROPS BELOW POND: The area below the pond provides a unique environment that is moist and lush. The potential is to produce crops more reminiscent of an eastern deciduous forest. Black Walnut, Hardy Pecan, Heartnut, and Sweet Sap Silver Maple will form a canopy over shade tolerant fruit crops of Paw Paw and brambleberries. The Big Pond overflow can be channeled to this area to provide passive irrigation. Similarly to the Forest Garden Expansion we recommend soil prep and rehydration

! '! prior to planting the trees. Planting can be done in a mosaic pattern to make the best use of the space. 31. BIG POND: As the main water storage on the property this pond is essential. It can be pumped out of for spot irrigation as well as used as to flood the Staple Crops Agricultural Field via siphoning. The Big Pond is also the primary swimming hole on the property as well as a general relaxation area in the beauty of this location. Aside from irrigation, agriculturally, the Big Pond can be used for aquaculture of cold tolerant fish species as well as edible aquatic vegetables. Duckweed can be cultivated as a floating water crop to provide high protein fish food and to keep nutrient levels low. 32. DITCH DETAIL: All downhill flow and overflow areas need to be lined with rock to protect from erosion. One problem area is the main feeder ditch into the Big Pond. This cuts straight downhill and is demonstrating significant erosion. This entire channel would be best lined with rock and fabric to prevent scouring. Some areas even need check dams or Zuni bowls to repair the erosion that has already occurred. We also recommend concrete gates be laid in the ditch for areas where significant water diversion is occurring. One such area is the main lateral from the Big Pond feeder ditch that goes into the Existing Garden. 33. HIGH POND: Additional water storage in the form of the High Pond will be essential to farm the property. The location is such that it can be filled from the lateral ditch, siphoned from the main ditch directly above, or pumping water from the Big Pond up into the High Pond. This allows for redundancy of gaining more water storage on the property. The location offers not just more capacity, but more ability to use gravity to move water around the property. This water is probably best used via drip irrigation versus flood irrigation so as to conserve water, allowing the storage to last longer. Additionally, a connector line can be dug from the High Pond to the cisterns behind the Bunkhouse. There is enough elevation difference that these cisterns can be filled and then emitted into the Existing Garden without the use of a pump. When the ditch stops flowing these cisterns will act as additional water storage. 34. SEASONAL PASTURE: The area to the East of the barn is already in grass in places and annual and biennial weeds in others. This is an area in primary ecological succession. Some of the plants such as burdock would be good to thin out. Dairy Goats can be used to clear out troublesome vegetation by providing additional pasture area. Animal grazing is the method by which this will turn into healthy pasture. The goats and alpaca can be used to keep it cleared of tall vegetation perpetually. The High

! (! Pond is also nearby to provide water for the animals. Electric fencing will accomplish measured grazing. 35. SEASONAL ANIMAL SHELTER: The animal shelter by the High Pond will provide seasonal grazing and vegetation management in this area. This will largely be for dairy goats and alpaca. Moving and/or improving one the existing sheds on the property can accomplish the simple and temporary shelter for this pasture area. 36. TREE CROPS ABOVE DITCH: The flat area between the main ditch and the Southern property line already hosts Black Walnut trees and this existing pattern will be reproduced to grow high quality timber and nut trees. The combination of passive water availability and the demonstrated success of the existing trees make this expansion straightforward. 37. RIPARIAN WOODLAND: The existing Riparian Woodland is a treasure of the property. As it is naturally developed along the Keyline springs we propose leaving it to its own devices for the most part. Some tree thinning would be useful to the ecosystem as it is very dense. This is a great place for mushroom production on the property, and the continuously suckering cottonwood will provide substrate for a century or more. Oyster mushroom has already been documented in the woodland and we suggest culturing the native strain to be used as spawn for future inoculations. Other than the above, adding a few walking paths into the woodland will accomplish the concept for this area. 38. NEW RESIDENCE: The location is shown on the design plans and several references have been made to the New Residence as connections in the other keynotes. Though the New Residence is beyond the scope of this design phase, the location factored in heavily to a lot of the decision making so that it could be a well- integrated piece of the property. The location has been chosen due to privacy from the farm operation, natural beauty, protection from the Western wind, and access to sunlight for passive winter heating. 39. TREE SOUND BARRIER FOR NEW RESIDENCE LOCATION: On the Northern property boundary, North of the Big Pond, East to a few hundred feet of the New Residence road should be lined with coniferous trees to protect the New Residence from railroad noise. Ponderosa Pine or Juniper would make excellent choices and are readily available from the Colorado State Forest Service for low cost. Additionally, berming around the New Residence might be considered as plans for that area are developed. 40. PRAIRIE DOG TOWN REHABILITATION: A significant prairie dog town takes up the largest chunk of the property, and it will take many years to rehabilitate this area into additional

! )! agricultural production areas. The unnatural concentration of prairie dogs and the lack of predation are leading to a vegetation- denuded environment. In order to rehydrate the landscape to get vegetation growing, we are proposing a series of strategies. First, a Yeoman’s plow should be used to rip the entire field. Once ripped on contour, contour swales are proposed throughout the fields on both sides of the railroad tracks, starting at the topmost point first. These swales should be made in a very gradual way to avoid significant topographical alteration. Once swales are dug, vegetation biomes can be established using root and above ground caging to exclude prairie dog feeding. Pioneer trees of Black Locust would make ideal species for these biomes as they are fast growing, nitrogen fixing, and provide excellent lumber. Native small-fruited plants such as Chokecherry should be planted at the base of the Black Locust to set fruit and attract small bird life to bring in further seed as well as phosphate rich manures. Additionally, snow fencing should be placed in North-South running strips 10 feet to the windward side of each vegetation biome. This method was developed as a way to force ecological succession on the prairie dogs, to accumulate water and biomass, and to draw in predators of the prairie dog. With more cover, foxes and coyotes will have an easier time hunting in the prairie dog colony. As the fast growing Black Locust gain height, raptors will have better roosts from which to hunt prairie dogs in the middle of the colony. To speed up the process, raptor poles can be staged in the vegetation biomes immediately.

! *! Contrast Ranch: Suggested Priorities for Design Implementation

The design for Contrast Ranch has largely been one of improving the infrastructure of the farm so that it can be a highly functional integrated landscape for food and medicine production, timber production, education, and community generation. The infrastructural changes that we are recommending will improve time efficiency, irrigation, and general traffic and materials flow on the property.

We have chosen priorities for implementation based upon the desires of the property owners/residents, as well as availability of materials, namely lumber, and based on the elements that are needed to attract the thriving farming culture that is desired and necessary for farm sustainability.

HIGH POND Approval from the ditch company to build water storage capacity on the farm in the form of the High Pond should be sought, however, if approval is not granted, the pond still makes sense. It can still be used to legally store water for 48 hours and can be used to pump water from the Big Pond up to the High Pond when necessary. As enhanced irrigation potential this element should be high priority to begin attracting the farming community that is necessary to pull off the farm concept.

ROAD ALIGNMENT, GRADING, CULVERTS AND RUNOFF CAPTURE BASINS Improving access and traffic flow on the property should happen sooner than later as patterns of movement are easy to ingrain, but difficult to uproot. Along with Road Alignment and Grading comes the ability to harvest road runoff water, and therefore increase irrigation potential.

EQUIPMENT SHED AND ZONE OF ACCUMULATION As a way to protect machinery and implements from excessive wear, we think the Equipment Shed should be built soon. You likely have some lumber that could contribute to this as well. With the Zone of Accumulation being established it will free up many areas of the property to begin with implementation of other design priorities. We also think the cistern should be put in place when the Equipment Shed is built as the roof acts as a significant capture of very clean water. This water can be used for irrigation purposes and could even be potable.

GREENHOUSE AND ANIMAL SHELTER From an agricultural standpoint, a greenhouse is highly necessary. With the strong desire for animals sooner than later, we think it makes sense

! "! to build a permanent structure for both, and since they are integrated together on the design both can be built simultaneously. These will be additions to the farm that will create the conditions for agricultural productivity to happen.

SOIL IMPROVEMENT Soil Improvement on the farm needs to begin as soon as possible. Anywhere that soil can and needs to be improved should be planted to cover crops and supplied with irrigation. Please reference the Contrast Ranch Soil Improvement: Cover Cropping document for choosing appropriate species for the amount of care and time that each area will be given.

TREE CROPS As the old saying goes, the best time to plant trees was 20 years ago. Any long-term trees should be put in the ground as soon as possible keeping in mind how much time, energy, and water there is to irrigate them and keep them cared for. Trees should be planted in designated areas to prevent replanting. Such areas include all western windbreaks, keynotes #20 and #25, railroad sound barrier trees for the New Residence Location, and any new fruit and nut trees in Forest Garden Expansion areas. Trees are relatively cheap investments for property improvement. We recommend planting in focused areas each year so that appropriate care can be given to limited areas, and then can be expanded out from there each year.

INTEGRAL CISTERNS FOR ROOF RUNOFF CAPTURE AS IRRIGATION SOURCES Cisterns that are integral for enhancing irrigation potential on the property should be set-up sooner than later. Focus should be placed on areas that will be cultivated, and therefore need the water. The Existing Garden is an obvious element that could benefit from this. The cistern on the back of the Bunkhouse will be most useful for this area. This cistern can be filled from the water dog temporarily until roof water can be collected.

BARN RAMP The Barn Ramp also ranks high on our recommended priorities list, as it will improve connectivity for educational and other events. Since the Barn Ramp is largely a wooden structure, you probably have some of the lumber to complete it.

BATH HOUSE In the same vein as the Barn Ramp, the Bath House is integral to hosting events. As discussed we agree that the Bath House will make an excellent first project to gain county approval for. If a dry-toilet is

! #! approved this has implications for the rest of the property, most immediately, the New Residence.

! $! Contrast Ranch: Suggested Ways to Deal with Sewage

Problem Statement: There is limited water on-site for flushing toilets, and little to no chance of tapping into the existing City of Boulder utilities for water and sewage (City of Boulder Planning Department told Barnabas Kane in August 2012 the property would need to be annexed into the city limits in order to qualify for municipal utilities, and this is not in the interest of the City).

Solution: Option #1. Close existing permit ticket with Boulder County on the septic for the Farm House. Once this is operational in the eyes of the County, progress can begin on gaining approval for a dry, two-chamber composting toilet as part of the Bath House design. If approval can be gained for this project, then no new septic will be needed for the central portion of the farm.

Facts for Making a Case: 1. There is no water to flush toilets. 2. Septic fields take away growing space on the farm. 3. Composting toilets can be used to generate fertility for a nutrient deficient farm (best kept to trees).

Option #2. If a new septic is the only option, we think a small system should be built just for the Bath House. This would be best located on the Eastern edge of the Staple Crops Agricultural Field.

Note on New Residence: Though the New Residence is beyond the scope of this design, we want to leave you with our thoughts on wastewater treatment for this area. Since a well will most likely need to be dug for the New Residence, we will leave it up to the owners of what to do as their preferred method of waste treatment, as a small septic field can be easily accommodated in that location. However, it would certainly be good to utilize wastewater and nutrient to keep it on the farm in a productive capacity. Options include dry-composting toilets, flushing toilets with a black-water wetland system, or integrated Watson Wick wastewater treatment system.

Note on Farm Store: Since it is yet to be decided what will become of this space, we believe it is best to deal with separate wastewater treatment for this area when the time comes. Options are as above. The outline of a small septic field is drawn on the detailed design plan. Contrast Ranch: Suggested Tree Species

WESTERN WINDBREAK (#7): Ponderosa Pine, Siberian Pea shrub, and Honey Locust would make ideal species for the Western Windbreak. This can be planted in three offset lines for maximum effect. Ponderosa Pine is already established in places and should be filled in. Siberian Pea Shrub can be established with very little water, and can be purchased from Colorado State Forest Service (along with Ponderosa Pine) very cheaply. Honey Locust is one of the best windbreak trees in the high plains region as well. Colorado State Forest Service occasionally has these available. They can also be easily grown from seed or purchased wholesale from any of the large nurseries. The Pea Shrub and Honey Locust will add nitrogen to the soil and cast nitrogen rich mulch as well as protein rich seeds and pods on the animal pasture.

FOREST GARDEN EXPANSION (#29): The traditional temperate climate food forest can be planted here, extending and expanding the species dynamics of the forest garden inside the Existing Fenced Garden. Fruit trees of Apple, Plum, Pear, Peach, and Apricot are recommended. We especially recommend grafting the very old Apricot that is on-site to preserve the variety for the area. Amorpha fruiticosa is recommended for nitrogen fixation, as it will continue to thrive in the shade of a mature food forest. Two on-contour rows of Juneberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) are prosed as well as a research project to evaluate Juneberry as a specialty fruit crop for sale locally. In addition to the above, we highly recommend establishing a ground cover of nitrogen fixing Bird’s Foot Trefoil as well as numerous other edible plants, like asparagus (which has proven itself to do very well on-site), perennial onions, and perennial salad crops of French Sorrel, Sea Kale, and Salad Burnett. Multi-functional and high value medicinal herbs, such as Echinacea, Passiflora incarnata, Yarrow, Monarda, Lemon Balm, and Stinging Nettle can be established from seed in the greenhouse and planted out in this area. Rebecca’s Apothecary in downtown Boulder would be a happy buyer of these products.

TREE CROPS BELOW POND (#30): This area is the Eastern deciduous forest mimic, and so edible and otherwise useful species from the East are suggested for this area. A mixture of nut, fruit, and timber trees are recommended with Black Walnut, Hardy Pecan, Heartnut, Black Locust, and Bur Oak as the canopy. Underneath Paw Paw, Allegheny Juneberry, and a few domesticated fruit trees are suggested for the understory. Trees should be planted considering the felling path of the occasional harvest of a larger tree for timber, especially quick growing Black Locust.

! "! TREE CROPS ABOVE DITCH (#36): Black Walnut is already established in this area and we recommend planting more of it. The timber value of Black Walnut is significant especially if harvest is done in-house, and in the mean time nuts can be produced in good years in this region.

TREE SOUND BARRIER FOR NEW RESIDENCE (#39): Evergreen trees are in order for the sound barrier and we suggest either Ponderosa Pine or Rocky Mountain Juniper. Both are drought hardy and are proven to succeed on the ranch already. Juniper can cast somewhat noxious pollen and cause severe pollen allergies in some, so this may be a factor in deciding between these two species.

PRAIRIE DOG REHABILITATION (#40): Black Locust is the highest soil-improving tree that we have in this climate and we recommend it strongly for the Prairie Dog Rehabilitation areas. Singular Black Locusts grow quickly, are very drought tolerant, and make extremely valuable and useful lumber once mature. We also recommend adding some chokecherry to the tree biomes in these areas as it will draw in small birds that will bring in other plant and tree seeds as well as phosphate rich manures.

! #! Contrast Ranch: Soil Improvement Recommendations: Cover Cropping

Contrast Ranch Cover Crop Seed Inventory: As of 2/1/2012 ! 50# approx., Yellow Clover, Peaceful Valley ! 50# Buckwheat, Dirt Works ! 15# Organic Hairy Vetch, Peaceful Valley ! 15# Organic Soil Builder, Peaceful Valley--Contains: Bell Beans, BioMaster Winter Peas, Purple Vetch, Lana Vetch, Common Vetch and Cayuse Oats ! 2# Summer Edible Mix Cover Crop, Peaceful Valley-- Assorted Beans ! 1# White Dutch Clover ! 1# Med. Red Clover, Seeds of Change

What’s missing? ! Bird’s Foot Trefoil- This exists on the property currently and could be harvested for seed. ! Rye- I will supply a small quantity of this.

A note on shelf life and storage: Seed companies are constantly under-dating the shelf life of their seeds. Most cover crop seeds will last at least 5 years if stored in dry, cool, dark, and rodent proof conditions.

Purpose of Cover Crop ! Soil Building: The primary purpose of cover crops is to build soil organic matter levels throughout the soil profile via root matter and above ground vegetation, as well as through the addition of nitrogen via Nitrogen Fixing species and other accumulated nutrients. ! Ground Cover: Cover crops provide much needed soil cover to reduce weeds, prevent erosion, reduce evaporation, and increase condensation. ! Compaction Reduction: Certain types of cover crop are excellent soil compaction menders. Species with long taproots will gradually reduce compaction on old roads and the like, allowing water percolation and organic matter to build up. ! Animal Forage: Certain cover crops are excellent pasture plants for grazing animals be it cattle or poultry. ! Beneficial Insect Attraction: Many cover crops are excellent beneficial insect attractors.

! "! Types of Cover Crop ! Perennial: Plants that for multiple years. These tend to be more drought proof with substantial root systems. Perennial cover crops make great pasture species and long- term ground cover. ! Biennial: Plants that live for two years. In the first year these plants tend to form a rosette of vegetation and a long deep taproot. In the second year these plants produce massive quantities of above and below ground biomass, then flower and make seed. Biennial cover crops tend to make great compaction reducers, nitrogen fixers, and overall soil improvers. ! Annual: Plants that complete their life cycle in one year. Annual cover crops are excellent vegetable garden soil improvers. They are useful anywhere a quick dose of organic matter is needed. ! Cool Season: Species that thrive in cool conditions, Spring and Fall, with some overwintering. ! Warm Season: Species that thrive in heat. ! Nitrogen Fixers: Species that fix atmospheric nitrogen via a symbiotic relationship with root bacteria and/or fungi. In the cover crop world, these are generally legumes. ! Nutrient Accumulators: Species that bio accumulate nutrients across the periodic table. ! Growth Habit: Different species have different growth habits. It is important to be aware of this for each species that you use as it will determine your ability to access certain areas or not, as well as your cultivation methods. ! Water Requirement: Certain species require less or more amounts of water. Be aware of the characteristics for each species you plant. ! Seed Treatments: Nitrogen fixing species of cover crop need to be inoculated with the appropriate bacteria for the species. Sometimes cover crop seed is available with a pre-applied bacteria/clay mixture. This is preferable to powdered inoculate as it reduces bird predation of broadcasted seed.

Methods of Cover Cropping ! Sowing: Most cover crop seeds are small enough that they can simply be broadcast by hand. Some however, need to be planted under the soil. Fava beans and peas are the two most common that need to be pushed into the soil. ! Timing of Sowing: Species of cover crop should be sown at the appropriate time based upon their requirements. For example cool season species should be sown in late summer or early spring so they have a long period of cool weather to grow in. Warm season species should be established in Spring or Summer and ideally timed to make use of a wet period or regular rainy season. ! On-going Care: Many species of cover crop will need to be irrigated

! #! to establish them and keep them going. Annual cover crops need the most irrigation. Once perennials and biennials are established, water requirements are very low.

! Harvesting: Cover crops can be harvested in a few ways. First, it is important to consider that the root systems of the plants are adding significant amounts of organic matter that remains unseen below the ground. What you do with the tops is generally what is meant by harvesting. The aboveground vegetation can be tilled into the soil to add organic matter directly. Alternatively, the aboveground growth can simply be chopped at soil level and dropped in place as mulch. Last, aboveground growth can be cut, gathered, and incorporated into a compost pile. All of these strategies have their place, however the chop and drop method is by far the easiest and extremely effective. For perennial cover crops, you can simply let them complete their seasonal cycles and chop and drop in place or run animals through them to harvest. ! Timing of Harvest: It is important to harvest cover crops at the right time. Harvesting is best done before seeds form to reduce weedy growth. For perennials, reseeding is desired however. Nitrogen fixing species should be harvested right when the first few flowers show to keep the nitrogen in the soil. Timing of harvest may depend on the Additional Yields section below as well.

Additional Yields ! Seed: You can choose to harvest your own seed for many types of cover crop, thereby gaining an additional yield of free and well- adapted seed. Harvesting should be done when the seed heads are completely dry, but before they shatter. You can simply clip or pull off most seed heads and bring them under cover to complete drying. All of this should be done on a dry day. Threshing the seeds is fairly easy, as when the seed head is fully dry the seed can be rubbed right out and winnowed off. ! Medicinal Flowers and Plant Parts: Some species of cover crop flowers and other plant parts can be harvested for use or sale as medicine. Red Clover blossoms are particularly useful and should harvested at the peak of color in the blossom. Others include Alfalfa and Oat Straw. ! Honey: Cover crops produce copious amounts of flowers that increase the productivity of honeybees. Honey yield can dramatically increase with the presence of more flowers. Allowing the flowers to bloom for as long as possible will benefit the bees.

Prescription for Contrast Ranch ! Species: Perennials and Biennials:

! $! - Yellow Sweet Clover: is a leguminous biennial cover crop with a long taproot useful for reducing compaction and general soil improvement. Yellow Sweet Clover already exists on the property and should be used on any lands that are not currently being used to improve the soil for later use. These should be inoculated with clover inoculant and established in the Spring with seasonal rains to maximize nitrogen fixation. This is a great roadside species as well to make use of an

edge not commonly thought of as productive. In the second year, Yellow Sweet Clover can grow to 4-5 feet tall and is extremely drought hardy. Once its life cycle is complete it makes relatively wood biomass excellent for use in compost piles. - Red Clover: is a leguminous perennial cover crop useful for wetter areas. This species already exists on the property along the ditch that feeds the pond. Red Clover should be established with Spring rains and inoculated with clover inoculant to maximize nitrogen fixation. The flowers of Red Clover are a very common and gentle medicinal and can be sold to Rebecca’s Apothecary in Boulder for a premium. Red Clover grows to medium height, generally one to two feet. Red Clover is not drought hardy. - White Dutch Clover: is a leguminous perennial cover crop useful as a ground cover under fruit trees and in pathways. It can withstand foot tread. White Dutch Clover grows very low to the ground and is minimally drought hardy. It should be established with Spring rains and inoculated with clover inoculant. - Bird’s Foot Trefoil: is a leguminous perennial cover crop that already exists on the property. It has a lovely yellow and red flower and grows about 1 foot tall. It is very drought hardy, requiring water only for establishment. This species can be broadcast throughout the entire property to maximize soil improvement. Bird’s Foot Trefoil should be inoculated with clover inoculant and established with Spring rains. ! Species: Annuals: - Buckwheat: is an annual cover crop with a very short life cycle. Buckwheat is not frost hardy and should only be sown between May 15th and September 15th. Buckwheat completes its life cycle in 30-50 days and has the ability to smother weeds in a very short amount of time. It is possible to get 2-3 sowings in per summer. It grows 1-2

! %! feet tall in the Front Range. Buckwheat bio accumulates phosphorus, a very essential plant nutrient. It is also a phenomenal bee plant and beneficial insect attractor. Buckwheat requires regular water to produce well and is therefore useful in vegetable garden areas and under fruit trees that are irrigated. - Hairy Vetch: is an annual leguminous species that is useful in vegetable garden areas in conjunction with rye or oats. It should be inoculated with a general garden inoculant and sown in the late summer (late August). It will overwinter and produce the most biomass in the Spring, which acts as a great mulch for summer plantings. Hairy Vetch needs irrigation. - Rye and Oats: are two grasses species that produce thick fibrous root systems. They are useful in conjunction with Hairy Vetch as they provide something for the vetch to grow on. Plant as for Hairy Vetch.

- Soil Builder Mix: is a combination cover crop useful for early Spring sowing in vegetable garden areas and under irrigated fruit trees. It should be inoculated with general garden inoculant and irrigated.

! General Cultivation: All cover crop seed sowing should be timed to make use of rainfall. In the Front Range climate that means watching the forecast in April and May to wait for significant Spring rains. Monsoon rains in the summer can also be used to generate cover crops. ! Broad-scale Soil Improvement: Bird’s Foot Trefoil should be sown in all areas of the farm for nitrogen fixation and general soil improvement. Yellow Sweet Clover should be sown in all un-used areas of the farm for nitrogen fixation and general soil improvement. It can be used to reduce compaction is areas where that is needed. It is also a great roadside plant to utilize an edge area. Due to thick growth it should not be used in heavily accessed areas. ! Garden Soil Improvement: In all vegetable garden areas where tilling is not being practiced Hairy Vetch and Rye/Oats should be sown in late August to maintain soil fertility. Soil Builder Mix is useful as a back up to the Hairy Vetch combo in case you forget to plant in the late Summer. Soil Builder Mix can be sown in early March to grow quickly before summer crops. Buckwheat makes a great cover crop during summer for taller growing plants like grains, tomatoes, etc. It will help to reduce evaporation and attract beneficial insects to the garden. Buckwheat can be sown anytime

! &! after May 15th in areas that are receiving irrigation. ! Under Trees Soil Improvement: All trees, fruit and woodland trees included, will benefit from a ground cover of clover. White Dutch Clover can be sown where a low ground cover is desired such as on paths and at access points. Red Clover can be sown where a thicker ground cover is desired is lesser-accessed areas. Flowers of Red Clover should be harvested and dried for sale as medicine.

! '! Contrast Ranch: Economic Potential

The property owners have made it clear the implemented systems on the property don’t need to make them regular income. Due to this we have focused less on income generation for the property owners and more on planning the property in a way that can have individual projects picked up by future farmers. These areas are left with suggested use and energy flows, though much less designed to suit the needs of partnering farmers.

The most important point we want to make in regards to income generation is that the land in the current condition needs improvement in order to accommodate productive farming. The soils need significant improvement, the water storage and availability needs to be increased, and the infrastructure needs to be built. As the property owners intend to leave the farm as a permanent working-demonstration of regenerative agriculture we feel, based on the analysis performed, that the regeneration of the soil and water availability is paramount to the sustainability of any income generating farming operation now and in the future. We also recognize that significant capital improvements will be required to do this and so are outlining a few ways that income can be generated to help fill out essential elements of this design. We are also concisely sketching out potential income from the farming operations themselves. Since data for small-scale farming on the Front Range is sparse, areas of this document are unfortunately lacking in hard figures. We instead are focusing on generating unconventional/creative yields and considering how to maximize productivity versus work input. This document is a simple snapshot of a few areas of income generation. Much more detailed analysis could be performed to gain a clearer picture of income potential.

Financially, important decisions will need to be made about how many people can realistically derive an income from farming operations on the Ranch. While we believe there is potential to derive 3-5 livelihoods from various micro-agroecological-businesses once all the systems are established, it might be more feasible as a singular enterprise for a farming family or other such arrangement in the early years. It all comes down to how production is managed, who the people are, skill level, etc.

EDUCATION Permaculture education opportunities abound on-site, and with a few improvements (see “Suggested Priorities for Design Implementation” doc) courses would be able to be hosted very soon. Hosting one or two Permaculture Design Courses per year would be very possible in the next year or two. Fees for space usage can be charged to the course

! "! organizers. These can be anywhere from 25-50% of total course income. This can generate anywhere from $5,000-$15,000 (depending on # of participants) for the ranch per course, depending on what specifically is provided (indoor housing can charge a premium). Additional yields from hosting Permaculture Design Courses can include detailed design for specific projects, hands-on implementation projects, and publicity/interest for the ranch in general. If you choose to do course organization in-house, fees can reach the higher end of the above.

EVENTS Similar to hosting educational events, the property can be used to host other events such as wedding receptions, parties, spiritual retreats, etc. Fees can be charged as appropriate to the event based upon what the Ranch is providing.

FARM STORE One option for the Farm Store is that a farm store operator can be pursued to run a local foods and products business and/or cafe out of the Ranch. A build-to-suit agreement can be made and a lease negotiated. This could help move along operations on the farm in a financially sound way. Ability to build a commercial kitchen will be a great incentive. Several businesses could even share the commercial kitchen.

ANIMAL SYSTEMS Focusing on pastured poultry, meat chickens specifically, the economic return is supplementary at best when it comes to livelihood. There is enough healthy pasture currently in the Western Irrigated Pasture to accommodate 500-600 meat chickens in a chicken tractor scenario. Healthy stocking rates are not to exceed 500 birds per acre. The published upper end profits from pastured poultry are at $2.50 per bird. In the unique gourmet food market of Boulder we feel one could do better, but for the math we will stick to the $2.50. At 500 birds, with two batches per year, that yields $2,500 per year per acre. For the workload this is fairly low return on investment, but when combined with a few other agricultural operations it can be a good contributor to farm income. Additional yields should be considered, as animals on the property are one of the quickest ways to build fertility, and animal protein is highly desirable in the diet.

ANNUAL AGRICULTURE Data for small-scale, less than 20 acres, in mixed vegetables is non- existent for the Front Range. Economic analysis (Front Range specific) of small-scale vegetable farm income that has been performed suggests financial yields of $600-$15,000 per acre. Obviously this varies widely. Factors such as growing practices and marketing ability are what largely

! #! determine final yields. It is no secret that small-scale vegetable farming on the Front Range is incredibly challenging, but since permaculturists consistently gain far higher yields than traditional agriculture, one can presume that the higher end of the above figure is possible under the right management. Essentially it all comes down to who is making the decisions. We highly recommend that any farmers on the Ranch complete a Permaculture Design Course to be trained in the creative thinking processes that permaculture can provide.

PERENNIAL AGRICULTURE As with annual agriculture, perennial agriculture comes down to marketing savvy and good decision-making. A food forest farmer would be able to generate enough creative yields to be able to develop a livelihood with appropriate knowledge and skill. Forest gardens can significantly out-produce annual agriculture if appropriate species stacking is accomplished. It all comes down to vertical space, by using plants and trees of varying heights to in essence gain more growing area. Data for food forest production on the Front Range is completely non- existent, so whoever decides to take this on will need to be creative, courageous, and adaptive. We recommend considering only those with appropriate training in food forestry for this area of management. Based upon traditional orchard yields from prime fruit growing regions there is not enough landscape for fruit trees to provide for a livelihood, but with creative design, marketing, and decision-making, and food forestry we believe one could very well develop an income from the area of forest garden in the design plans.

MUSHROOM MICROBUSINESS A woodland mushroom business could be established by thinning out the Riparian Woodland for mushroom logs. There is easily enough thinnable wood in the Riparian Woodland right now where one could start a mushroom business. Here is a sample of income potential from such a business. With 300 inoculated logs, 3-6 in. diameter and 2-foot lengths, (which cost around $1 per log for inoculant and various other supplies), 3 fruitings each year, at 2 pounds per log per fruiting, selling the mushrooms at a woodland mushroom premium of $10 per pound, one could bring $18,000 per year. This has a very high yield to work ratio. There is an easy market for this product at the abundant gourmet farm to table restaurants in Boulder. At the current stage of experimentation with fungi cultivation in the region we would only suggest attempting this with Oyster Mushroom, though small-scale experiments could be made with other species to determine suitability. The above figures are based on yields that have been regularly actualized by Jason Gerhardt in Boulder County for the species described. A detailed study of the Riparian Woodland would be advised to determine the sustainability of this level of operation.

! $! TREE CROPS A long-term financial yield plan can be developed around tree crops and timber harvest. High quality timber trees such as Black Walnut, Black Locust, Honey Locust, Oak, and other nut trees can yield significantly well. In the meantime, the nut producing trees can provide high quality product and potentially nutmeats for sale. The history of nut tree cultivation in Boulder County is not well established, but we do know that many farmers, including previous tenants of Contrast Ranch, planted Black Walnut abundantly. In good years nutmeats were harvested and the surplus sold, but mostly on a very small-scale. Thousand Canker Disease has wiped out many of the Black Walnuts in the region, and it may not be advisable to plant them heavily, though the disease has moved through many areas, so a window may be opening to plant them again. Even trees with the disease have good lumber quality. Trees in ideal microclimates have been proven to survive the disease. Most of the Black Walnuts on the Ranch appear healthy, which is an indication that they could do well on the Ranch despite the disease. Thousand Canker Disease can be avoided entirely by planting non- juglans species.

The timber value of hardwood trees is highly variable dependent on market factors, investment costs, growth rates, reforestation tax credits, etc. While the Front Range of Colorado is by no means considered timber country, there are areas on the Ranch that are highly suited to small- scale timber production. We have identified those areas as “Tree Crops” areas. In the “Resources” page we have included a link to a credible study of timber as investments.

! %! Contrast Ranch: Construction Caveats

1. The positions of existing underground utilities as shown on the construction plans were determined from site inspection, and other “Best Available” information. Contact “Blue Stake” to verify utility locations and carefully excavate (including potholing if required) to determine the true horizontal and vertical positions of utilities prior to construction. The contractor is responsible for protecting existing utilities and shall notify the owner of any conflicting conditions.

2. Contact utility companies prior to extending or expanding use. Verify capacity of all utilities prior to construction.

3. Drawings are diagrammatic and drawn to scale, but are primarily for design purposes. Measurements can be taken from plans, but they are not meant to be full-scale construction documents.

4. Verify dimensions and layout with designers prior to construction.

5. Owner is responsible for acquiring all applicable approvals and permits prior to construction. ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ANALYSIS Contrast Ranch: Mission Statement and Activities Composed by:

MISSION STATEMENT

Create an active community-based model for sustainable land use that both enhances Boulder County’s agricultural resources and deepens people’s individual and collective connections to the Earth.

Methodology and Guidelines

All activities will reflect a high-ethic, focused on long-term preservation of the land and affected eco-systems. Only organic and natural methods will be used to achieve results and manage issues. All persons participating in established specialties practiced on The Contrast Ranch must agree and actively integrate their work within the overall Permaculture- based farm systems and plan.

--Contract with highly motivated and/or experienced local agricultural professionals, who don’t yet have the resources for their own land, to both teach, create, and maintain their own economically productive demonstration plot (i.e.” organic produce farmer, permaculture farmer, organic orchardist, laying chicken farmer, goat dairy farmer, alpaca farmer, etc.).

--Producing and selling wholesale, on-site and at community farmers markets sustainable, organic crops, dairy, meat, and fiber products.

-- Using both on-site farmers, and other relevant local specialists, provide small scale* agricultural education, cultural, and spiritual events and ongoing projects that support our mission.

*Mostly 8- 30 people, with occasional events, once or twice a year of 50-75 people.

THE CONTRAST RANCH PERMACULTURE FARM COLLECTIVE

! "! Eight to 15 Local Experienced Ag Professionals --each working commercially viable demonstration quality operations for:

Growing Organic or Permaculture Orchard Permaculture Food Crop Production Organic Food Crop Production Biodynamic Food Crop Production Other crops that support sustainable living (wood coppice, animal feed, plant fibers, etc.) Wild Food & Medicine Forest Mushroom Production Green House for Microgreens/Sprouts and extended season growing Educational studies to compare and contrast various farming methods

Animals Goat and Miniature Cows for milk and cheese Chickens for eggs and meat Alpacas for fiber Rabbits for meat Bees for pollination and honey Aquaculturist (edible fish stock in pond)

Food Processing Cleaning/Packaging Fresh Produce Dairy and Meat Canning

CSA type shares in exchange for labor to assist with all the above. Some paid workers to assist in integration and maintain the farm. Farm Caretaker to oversee general property management.

Contrast Ranch Collective Sales Channel—On-site, local farmer’s market booths

EDUCATION

Agricultural (Class sizes between 6-30 students) -Permaculture Certification Classes 1-4 per year depending on local demand. -Individual workshops on each of the agriculture activities listed above depending on local demand and interest of local experts.

! #! - Possible Local High School or CU Projects related to Organic Food Production (6-30 Students plus teaching staff) New Vista High School (across the street) Farm To Table for Catering Program

Spiritual Enrichment (6-25 participants) Primarily aimed at reconnecting people with values that reinforce man’s connection to the Earth. -Indian sweat lodge ceremonies -Eastern type outdoor meditation spaces, and meditative walking spaces and/or labyrinth -Small-scale solstice ceremonies

Environmental and Cultural Activities The size and frequency of these events would be limited due to the desire to control the wear-tear on the land with most events between 8-30 people. -Elder speaks (native American, Boulder County Ag, or Nature related) -Transition Colorado small-scale meetings and workshops falling outside the Ag workshops listed above -Limited-size cultural presentations (musicians, poets, visiting experts) that reinforce man’s connection to nature and the land. -“Farm to Table” cooking classes and related special celebration dinners

! $! March 14, 2012

Dynamic Analysis Narrative: Findings and Suggestions The purpose of this narrative is to record dynamic observations that are not easily conveyed through the site analysis maps.

We have spent days walking the property, exploring in detail existing energy flows and sectors to identify the unique qualities and characteristics of the site. Based on our observations and research we believe your property has amazing potential to exemplify a truly sustainable agriculture.

A sustainable agriculture will be defined here as one that develops the function of the farm as an ecosystem, where the energy transactions between the parts of the system are more important than the parts themselves. Through comprehensive design using permaculture planning methods, as well as wise management decisions, we believe we can create an agricultural landscape that regenerates the capacity of the farm to become productive. Productivity is meant here to include farm products, conventional and unconventional, as well as the ability to cultivate less visible yields such as the building of community interactions, skills, resources, etc.

Geologically, the farm sits on the Northwestern slope of a highly weathered yellow sandstone ridge on the edge of the Rocky Mountain foothills and the Great Plains. The site exhibits vegetation communities from both foothills and short-grass prairie, exemplifying a dynamic mosaic of ecosystems. Additionally, due to the proximity to South Boulder Creek, the shared border of man-made Hillcrest Reservoir, and the Enterprise Ditch, there is a significant wetland and aquatic influence on the site as well.

The Enterprise Ditch best characterizes human development and management of the site. This ditch runs along the highest point of the property allowing the far majority of the landscape the potential for gravity fed irrigation during water flow season. It is obviously a major benefit to have this resource. The potential limitations lie in the unpredictable nature and short duration of flow. The ditch is not sufficient for growing-season-long irrigation. On-farm water storage will be a major focus of the overall design. Design of runoff collection surfaces, such as roads, will play a big role in this as well.

Aside from the ditch, the human uses of the site through time are relatively well known. As an old dairy farm and horse boarding operation, the land has been heavily grazed for nearly a century. Due to this overgrazing and the nature of the highly weathered sandy loam soils, the nutrient and water holding capacity at the surface is compromised. We have included on the Water Flow Map a representation of the USDA Soil Survey for Boulder County, Colorado. This closely depicts the distribution of different soil classes on the farm. We want to note that the Soil Survey provides a solid overview, but by no means a detailed close- up of the varied areas of the farm. Based upon our observations and interactions there are clay layers in various parts of the farm not represented by the Soil Survey. Additionally there are significant clumps of woodland and nitrogen fixing plants that have improved the soil to a very healthy state beyond the time that the Soil Survey covers.

Grazing and soil degradation continue to this day via the large presence of Black-tailed Prairie Dogs on the Eastern half of the property. We recognize that prairie dogs can be a beneficial component of the ecosystem, but in their present state of lacking predatory influence they are causing more harm than good. This area deserves special attention and careful design to value the function of the prairie dog in the ecosystem, while also instituting a more dynamic set of ecosystemic and agricultural interactions.

Another area of special concern is the mosquito population. Mosquitos are similarly out of balance (like the prairie dogs) with reduced predation. Introduction of bat and small bird habitat will help immensely, but can also be kept in check through active minimization of standing water and ecological management of water bodies on the property.

The last two areas of special attention are the crime sectors along the railroad tracks, from Arapahoe Road, and the neighboring industrial parks are to be kept in mind and designed for throughout the process. Equally important are the access points to the property from Arapahoe Road due to low visibility and the hazard that that poses. We believe design features are in order to achieve better visibility and awareness of the property for traffic on Arapahoe Road.

Ultimately, the property boasts benefits beyond detractions. Looking Northwest from nearly anywhere on the property one can see Valmont

2 Butte off in the distance. Ecologically there are many similarities between Contrast Ranch and Valmont Butte. Both land formations are oriented in the same direction and the soil types are almost identical. We believe the Northern slope of Valmont Butte harbors a pattern that can be followed for the development of Contrast Ranch. Rich woodland exists on the North side of the Butte including large stands of black locust, a very multifunctional tree species. With the right design and careful management of Contrast Ranch, rich woodland will be merely a stepping- stone on the way to a diverse and abundant cultural/agricultural wonderland.

Comparing a photo from the 1930’s to the present time is all it takes to realize the Ranch is already on its way!

The journey has only just begun,

Jason Gerhardt, Permaculture Designer & Barnabas Kane, Principal

3 Contrast Ranch: Rooftop Runoff Calculations

All figures in this document represent ideal scenarios with year round collection. Cisterns and tanks above ground will need to be drained November 1st to April 1st. Cisterns and tanks below ground represent ideal water collection scenarios as collection can occur year round.

A note of roofing materials: Roofing materials can significantly impact the amount of water that can be collected and the quality of the water collected. Metal roofing has the highest runoff rates and quality, while asphalt has a lower runoff rate and less potable water quality. Areas that represent ideal water collection scenarios would be best put in metal roofing so as to have the greatest number of uses for the water.

Central Farm Roof Runoff

Bunk House Roof Runoff: 726 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 7,602 Gallons

Farm House Roof Runoff: 1,073 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 11,236 Gallons

Barn Roof Runoff: 1,575 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 16,493 Gallons

Existing Storage Shed Roof Runoff: 682 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 7,141 Gallons

Produce Wash Station 300 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 3,141 Gallons

Future Bath House Roof Runoff: 160 Sq. Ft. 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 1,675 Gallons

Future Greenhouse Roof Runoff: 880 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 9,215 Gallons

! "! Future Animal Shelter Roof Runoff: 480 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 5,026 Gallons

Central Farm Total:

56,503 Gallons

Western Farm Roof Runoff

Future Equipment Shed Roof Runoff: 4,000 Sq. Ft. x 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 41,800 Gallons

Future Farm Store Roof Runoff: 2,200 Sq. Ft. 1.4 Ft. Annual Precipitation x 7.48 Cu. Ft./Gal. = 23,038 Gallons

Western Farm Total:

64,918 Gallons

Colorado Specific Water Use Statistic: A family of 3 in Colorado with some of the most water efficient appliances and aerators uses 2,800 gallons per month, or 33,600 annually.

! #! Foodweb Analysis Soil

Report prepared for: Report Sent: For interpretation of this report please contact: Sample#: Soil Foodweb Oregon Unique ID: [email protected] Plant: Not Indicated (541) 752-5066 Invoice Number: 7796 [email protected] Sample Received: 10/5/2011 Consulting fees may apply Organism Dry Weight Active Bacteria Total Bacteria Active Fungi Total Fungi Hyphal Nematode detail (# per gram or # per mL) Biomass Data (µg/g) (µg/g) (µg/g) (µg/g) Diameter (µm) Classified by type and identified to genus. (If section is blank, no nematodes identified.) Results 0.930 15.0 350 14.6 269 2.85 Bacterial Feeders 1.01 Comments Above Range Above range Above range Above range In range Cephalobus 0.49 Eumonhystera 0.15 Expected Low 0.45 1 175 1 175 Panagrolaimus 0.26 Range High 0.85 5 300 5 300 Plectus 0.04 Rhabditidae 0.07 Protozoa (Numbers/g) Total Mycorrhizal Colonization (%) Fungal Feeders 0.07 Flagellates Amoebae Ciliates Nematodes #/g ENDO ECTO Eudorylaimus 0.04 Mesodorylaimus 0.04 Fungal/Root Feeders 0.94 Results 4952 14906 49 2.17 Not Ordered Not Ordered Aphelenchoides Foliar nematode 0.26 Comments Low High Low Low Aphelenchus 0.04 Expected Low 5000 5000 50 10 40% 40% Ditylenchus Stem & Bulb nematode 0.64 Range High 100 20 80% 80% Organism Total Fungi to Active to Total Active to Total Active Fungi to Plant Available Actino Biomass Ratios Tot.Bacteria Fungi Bacteria Act.Bacteria N Supply Bacteria (lbs/ac) (µg/g) Results 0.77 0.05 0.04 0.97 50-75 6.16 Comments Low Low Low Good

Expected Low 0.8 0.15 0.15 0.75 Range High 1.5 0.2 0.2 1.5

635 SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97333 USA (541) 752-5066 | [email protected] www.oregonfoodweb.com 01-112688: Page 1 of 2 Report Sent: For interpretation of this report please contact: Sample#: Soil Foodweb Oregon Unique ID: [email protected] Plant: Not Indicated (541) 752-5066 Invoice Number: 7796 [email protected] Sample Received: 10/5/2011 Consulting fees may apply Dry Weight: Add organic matter to improve soil biology, build soil structure, increase water holding capacity.

Active Bacteria: Bacterial activity above expected levels; Bacterial biomass will increase as long as nutrients are available

Total Bacteria: Higher than normal bacterial biomass suggests high bacterial species diversity

Active Fungi: Fungal activity above expected levels; fungal biomass will increase as long as nutrients are available

Total Fungi: Aerobic fungal biomass in desired range

Hyphal Diameter: Good balance of disease suppressive and normal soil fungi

Protozoa: Low flagellate numbers suggest lack of species diversity. Nutrient cycling will be limited. Need inoculum of protozoa to build populations, restore missing species.

Total Nematodes: Low numbers, low diversity. Need to add beneficial nematodes, improve conditions to allow their survival.

Mycorrhizal Col.:

TF/TB: OK ratio for a wide variety of plants, though slightly bacterial dominated for some

AF/TF: Low activity relative to total biomass; need to add fungal foods to encourage fungi

AB/TB: Low activity relative to total biomass

AF/AB: Soil is bacterial dominated, and becoming more bacterial; addition of fungal foods might help maintain balance

Interpretation Comments:

Actinobacteria Biomass = 6.16 ug/g Fair fungal diversity, hyphal diameter: 1.5 to 5um

635 SW Western Blvd Corvallis, OR 97333 USA (541) 752-5066 | [email protected] www.oregonfoodweb.com 01-112688: Page 2 of 2 Colorado'State'University Soil%Test%Report Soil,'Water'and'Plant'Testing'Laboratory Room'A319,'NESB Phone:'970S491S5061'/'Fax:'970S491S293 Lab'ID'Number: H769a Report'Date: 1/26/2012 Sample'ID: #1

Company'Name: Invoice'#: CC04999

County: Boulder

Client'Type: Homeowner

Current'Plant'Type: Landscape:'(Flowers'S'Shrubs'S'Trees)

Proposed'Plant'Type: Vegetable'Garden Date'Rcvd: 1/23/2012

Current'Irrigation: ditch'system,'by'hand Date'Tested: 1/24/2012

Current'Amendments: manure'dressed'selected'plants Test'Performed'By: JS''TD''TCP pH: 7.8 pH'is'High.'pH'6'to'7.2'is'the'preferred'pH'range'for'growth'of'most'plants,'but'most'plants'tolerate'this'higher'pH' with'little'problem.

Electrical'Conductivity'or'Salts: 0.5 'mmhos/cm E.C.'is'Low.'When'E.C.'<'2,'salinity'is'not'a'problem'for'plant'growth.

Lime: Very'High Very'High:'Lime'is'greater'than'5%.'Plants'can'still'grow'quite'well'in'soil'with'this'lime'content.

Texture'Estimate: 'Sandy'Clay'Loa

Sodium'Absorption'Ratio:' This'value'not'requested.

Organic'Material: 2.2 % Plant'Type: Vegetable'Garden Organic'Matter'is'Low.''Gradually'increase'the'OM'content'to'about'5%'over'a'period'of'years.''For'2S3'years'in'the' spring'and'fall,'apply'2S3'inches'depth'of'plantSbased'compost,'or'1'inch'depth'of'animalSbased'compost,'and' incorporate'into'the'top'6S8'inches'of'the'soil'in'flower'beds.'When'planting'trees'and'shrubs'mix'the'backfill'soil' with'low'salt'OM'such'as'peat'moss'at''a'rate'of''15S20%.'For'established'trees'and'shrubs'add'OM'to'the'soil'surface' at'a'depth'of'0.5'inch.

Nitrate: 6 'ppm N'is'low:'Apply'0.3'lb'N/100'sq'ft'to'the'soil.'For'each'0.1'lb'of'N''needed,'apply'about'1/4'lb'urea,'or'1/2'lb' ammonium'sulfate,'or'3/4'lb'bloodmeal,'or'1'lb'corn'gluten'meal,'or'5'lb'alfalfa'meal'pellets'per'100'sq.ft.'Other' fertilizers'can'be'used'as'well.'Check'with'your'local'garden'center'or'home'improvement'store'to'determine'what' fertilizers'are'available'in'your'area.'When'calculating'fertilizer'rates'take'the'amount'of'N'needed'and'divide'by'the' %'N'in'the'fertilizer.'For'example,'if'your'fertilizer'contains'30%'N,'take'0.30'lbs'(N'needed)'divided'by'0.30'(N'in'the' fertilizer))to)get)1)lb)of)the)30%)N)fertilizer)that)is)needed)to)apply)per)100)sq.ft.)For)rates)per)1000)sq.)ft)multiply)the) quantities)by)10.

Phosphorus: 3.2 )ppm Phosphorus)is)Very)Low;)Add)0.5)lbs.)P2O5/100)sq.ft.)or)5)lbs.)P2O5/1000)sq.ft.)Bone)meal)can)be)added)at)3.5) lbs/100)sq.ft.)or)triplesuperphosphate)can)be)added)at)1)lb/100)sq.ft.)Multiply)rates)by)10)to)convert)to)lbs/1000) sq.ft.

Potassium: 239.4 )ppm Potassium)is)High;)No)additional)K20)is)needed.

Zinc: 0.8 )ppm Zinc)is)Low;)Add)4)oz.)of)Zn)per)1000)sq.ft.)or)10)lbs)Zn/acre.

Iron: 7.1 )ppm Iron)is)Low;)Add)2)oz.)of)Iron)(Fe))per)1000)sq.ft.)as)iron)chelate.

Manganese: 3.9 )ppm Manganese)is)Adequate;)No)additional)Mn)is)needed.

Copper: 1.3 )ppm Copper)is)Adequate;)No)additional)Cu)is)needed.

Boron: 0.17 )ppm Boron)is))

Gypsum: )

Additional)Comments: Chromium)0.01)ppm,)Molybdenum)0.06)ppm,)Cadmium)0.02)ppm,)Lead)0.85)ppm More)information)on)landscaping)and)gardening)can)be)found)at)www.ext.colostate.edu)Be)sure)to)check)out)our) website)at)www.soiltestinglab.colostate.edu)for)a)list)of)garden)centers)where)you)can)find)a)variety)of)fertilizers)and) soil)amendments.

James)R)Self,)Ph.D,)Director,)Soil,)Water)and)Plant)Testing)Lab

Design+by:[email protected] Copyright:+Colorado+State+University+2011

RESOURCES

Waste Management

-Watson Wick- Waste Management System: http://oasisdesign.net/compostingtoilets/watsonwick.htm

-Sunny John- Composting Toilet: http://www.sunnyjohn.com/toiletpapers2.htm

Plants

-St. Lawrence Nurseries: Affordable, quality, organic, fruit and nut trees (all apples are grafted onto ‘Antonovka’ rootstock which has drought tolerance, a very important trait for the Ranch). http://www.sln.potsdam.ny.us/

-Colorado State Forest Service Tree Program: Low cost windbreak trees. http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/seedling-tree-nursery.html

-Peaceful Valley Farm Supply-Cover Crop Seed. http://www.groworganic.com/seeds/cover-crop.html

Animals

-Pastured Poultry Profits by Joel Salatin: Excellent book on profitably raising meat chickens. http://www.polyfacefarms.com/2011/07/25/pastured-poultry-profits/

-Slideshow on Pastured Poultry Economics www.sustainablepoultry.ncat.org/downloads/economicborn.ppt

-Quivira Coaltion: Resources on range management, rotational grazing. http://www.quiviracoalition.org/

Water

-Locally Made Concrete Underground Cisterns- Doug Jatcko http://www.flxx.com/

Tree Crops

-Hardwood Timber Production Economics http://www.uky.edu/Ag/Forestry/extension/pub/pdf/for101.pdf NOTES NOTES

NOTES