permaculture farm tour

© Bending Oak 2022

Bending Oak Permaculture Farm is an educational farm committed to our mission of exploring what is possible as we create a more permanent culture.

Through self-guided tours, hands-on  classes, workshops, school tours, and community programs, we invite you to explore with us how to better the lives of all people as we move into the future. 

What Makes Our Farm Unique?

Get a preview of the features of this farm that make it unique. See what our self-guided tour can teach you.

We are constantly planning events at the farm such as pizza nights, plant sales,  basic permaculture workshops, and guided tours!

To ensure an environment that is family friendly and to mitigate the risk of injury Bending Oak does not permit smoking, e-cigarettes,  vaping, alcoholic beverages, or recreational drugs at the farm.

Bending Oak is proud to be a family owned and family-first workplace; In an effort to honor our staff and their families we will be closed on holidays.

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100 cottage grove dr., youngstown, oh 44505, (330) 942-0950, open during events please see our schedule here.

We offer the following discounts in person:

• 50% off admission to families that bring in their EBT card or WIC card
• 20% off admission with a military card, student ID, and to seniors.

PERMACULTURE COURSES

Permaculture Design Course

01 - 12 of july 2024.

30 of SEPTEMBER to - 11 OF OCTOBER 2024

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THE ART AND SCIENCE OF PRODUCTIVE ECOSYSTEM DESIGN

Our courses aim to leave you feeling:

Meet Our Students

Inspirational

Weruschca kirkegaard.

Feeing unified

It's Opened Me Up

Kathy doner.

It's been a Real Joy

"Zaytuna Farm is an amazing place with amazing teachers like Geoff Lawton, Darren Hey and Ben Cains. Its feels like a great family and its really been a joy to be here."

Walid Khalfaoui

Here goes your catchy caption.

Farm Tour Signup:

Saturday December 2nd we are inviting anyone to self host farm tours across the state and even in other states that are coming this direction for the 2023 Florida Permaculture convergence. Basicly host a pre convergence gathering and get people in your area excited and start building community and excitement the weekend prior to the main event.  Fill out the form below and we will publish a list of the tours a month out.  We encourage you to make your own facebook event and advertise with your friends.  You will meet the people in your area prior to the event.

We Teach Permaculture

IN PERSON   or  ONLINE  

These are the tools and education necessary to move ourselves, and our culture,

From a life of consumption, to a life of creation..

We Have Been Delivering the World Recognized Permaculture Course for Over 17 Years. We teach the internationally recognized 72-hr. Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course… honoring the original curriculum while updating students on the amazing progress that has occurred since permaculture’s inception.

4.9 Star Student Rating

Our trainings are alive, fresh and real. Our passion is to make each course a little better than the last. 

Learn How to Turn This...

Home of Midwest Permaculture BEFORE...

...into this.

Home of Midwest Permaculture Now - About 55 Species of Plants

Or turn this....

Bec Hellouin 5-acre Farm in 2005

Bec Hellouin 5-acre Farm in 2015

-our signature training-, the 72-hr. permaculture course.

This is the full Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC) Course

Take the course, in person, at any of the multiple sites we host around the Midwest (and sometimes beyond). Come and learn permaculture while seeing how its application has manifested at the site you choose. There is nothing like seeing it in person and kicking the tires.  Registration is opening soon for our 2024 schedule.

Locations we have Hosted Courses Previously (click picture to enlarge)

This course contains the recordings of a full 72-hr. Permaculture Course taught by Bill Wilson and access to our teaching team in multiple ways. Enjoy the recordings at your own pace. Turn in notes and exercises to earn the PDC Certificate if you are interested. If you don’t need a certificate and just want the course material, it costs $200 less. We also offer sequential live review sessions via Zoom over a 9-week period where Bill and the team answer student questions and tease out any important details. These sessions are available to all online PDC students at no additional charge. We know the support and structure of live interaction can be helpful! The 9-week Review Sessions are Offered Seasonally – See Dates

Sample the Course!

By signing up, you'll receive occasional email newsletters with valuable permaculture insights and updates on our courses. We respect your privacy and won't send spam. You can unsubscribe at any time.

"I just took this course because my wife and I had recently purchased a plot of land to retire on and wanted some practical ideas on how to develop it. What an amazing surprise. This course was a feast of tangible and realistic ideas. Bill and his team tied the course together beautifully. Best educational experience of my life (and I've experienced a lot over my 57 years). I wish every high school child in the world could take this course. It would change the trajectory of their lives and provide the seeds for a better world."

“Bill, this PDC course was the best training I have ever had! It was in-depth, practical, hopeful, and applicable everywhere.”

"An amazing month online. I learned so much more than I could have imagined through a Zoom course. And I loved getting to know everyone else in the class and seeing their exciting projects unfold. Bill and his team are amazing teachers. I have to give this course a 10 out of 10. So inspiring and loaded with useful information."

“I took the online PDC in the fall of 2021 and it is easily the best online educational experience I have ever participated in. I now feel like I have resources and direction instead of just drowning in googled information with no idea of how to connect the dots and implement them into my life. No regrets. Midwest Permaculture was fantastic!”

“I’m so glad I took the course when I did because it has changed everything in my thinking especially about how to purchase property. I was deeply moved, inspired, and challenged by the material. I can’t stop thinking about it. The course was just a feast of new possibilities!”

“What a wonderful surprise. This course was one of the most inspiring, informational and useful experiences of my life. Bill and his team are exceptional teachers. I feel I got as much out of this short training as I did from my 4 years of college! Brilliant.”

Want a Shorter-form course?

The property design mini-course (20-hrs.).

The PDMC is a recorded, info-packed course built to help you design productive, resilient, and beautiful properties. This course contains "the juice" of the full PDC as it applies to residential, homestead, and/or small farm design. It focuses on the practical information you need to get started designing your own space.

Design Projects

Here are the recent projects we have been focused on.

recent posts from our

Permaculture Magazine Offer

This weekend (May 4 & 5) our friends at Permaculture Magazine (UK) are offering those who are on our email

Discover the Wild Leek (Ramps)

Learn how the influence of ramps has built relationships within human and nonhuman communities.

DIY “Super Clean Composting Toilet” Design

What is a composting toilet? A composting toilet is a waterless toilet that works by digesting waste through composting by

Design and Tour of MWP Home Residence

Here is the latest presentation and virtual tour of how our residential property has evolved over the last 15 years.

Super Easy Cold-Compost-Pile Harvest

Spring is here at Midwest Permaculture.  It’s time for the annual harvest from the bottom of our cold compost pile.

Simple Mills Supports Regenerative/Permaculture Farmers

Update: March 2024 To all our friends from Simple Mills and Elsewhere… Here is the story of how we met

join us for

'quick design' charrettes.

Second Sunday of Every Other Month. 2:00-4:30pm central

• Look Over our Shoulders as we Create a Framework Design for a New Project
• Ask Your Questions
• Learn New Ideas and Techniques
• Submit Your Own Project for Consideration

Charrette Design Example We will look at a fresh participant submitted design each session.

Becky & Bill Wilson

Co-founders of midwest permaculture.

  We started Midwest Permaculture in 2007 on a shoestring.

Deeply inspired by the brilliance and relevance of this life-design science we could clearly see how the application of permaculture design could solve so many of the challenges in the world today.

Though the problems of the world seem increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple. Bill Mollison - A Founding Father of Permaculture

A Sustainable Journey from Farm to Table

Nestled in the heart of the jungle, La Loma’s Permaculture Farm offers an educational and inspiring experience that celebrates sustainability, biodiversity, and the rich flavors of the tropics.

This lush haven is not only a paradise for nature enthusiasts but also for those who appreciate the art of permaculture and the magic of cacao cultivation. 

We’ve built a space where every element, from the farm to the architecture, is meticulously designed to be in harmony with nature.

Nestled in the heart of the jungle, La Loma’s Permaculture Farm offers an educational and inspiring experience that celebrates sustainability, biodiversity, and the rich flavors of the tropics. 

Permaculture

At La Loma, we take pride in our commitment to sustainable living and farming practices. The Permaculture Farm is the embodiment of our dedication to nurturing the land while providing fresh, organic ingredients for our meals. As you explore our jungle farm, you’ll be immersed in the world of permaculture and its principles. A holistic approach to farming that mimics natural ecosystems to create a regenerative and self-sustaining environment.

You’ll learn how we grow a wide variety of tropical fruits and other ingredients directly on our farm. Our permaculture process not only ensures a healthier and more diverse ecosystem but also enhances the flavors and quality of the food we serve. It’s a true farm-to-table experience that will tantalize your taste buds. Check our documentary below!

CACAO & CHOCOLATE FARM

A highlight of the Permaculture Farm is our cacao groves, where thousands of cacao trees thrive in the jungle’s shade. These trees produce the beans that form the heart of the world’s favorite treat – chocolate. The cacao we cultivate is entirely free of pesticides and fertilizers, creating a sustainable and natural environment for these precious crops. Cacao processing is an art and science in itself, and you’ll have the opportunity to observe this process from start to finish. From the vibrantly colored pods to the fragrant fresh beans, you’ll see how cacao is fermented, dried, and roasted to perfection. It’s a hands-on experience that will deepen your appreciation for the craft of chocolate-making.

As you wander through the cacao groves, you’ll witness the thriving ecosystem that surrounds this beloved crop. Keep an eye out for White-faced capuchin and Western Night Monkeys, who call these groves home and feast on the cacao pods, adding to the rich biodiversity.

Step into the heart of our unique farm experience, where nature’s wonders await your discovery. From the bountiful fields of our permaculture and cacao plantations to the art of creating exquisite chocolate, join us in one of the most immersive farm experiences in the middle of Bocas del Toro!

Cacao & Permaculture Tour

Included for all of our guests but also open to outside visitors, this captivating journey welcomes you to explore our Farm Tour, wandering through the array of fruits, veggies, and thriving plants on our farm. Immerse yourself in the heart of our Cacao plantation and witness the fascinating process of transforming these beans into delectable chocolate, starting right from the raw ingredients.

Following this tour, a mouthwatering lunch crafted from the freshest farm ingredients awaits. Be sure to leave room for our signature chocolate dessert, accompanied by refreshing water and fresh juice to complete this wonderful culinary experience.

This tour is included for all of our guests but it is also open to outside visitors, please make sure you book 24 hours prior. 

• Cost: $40 USD + 7% tax per person
• Start Time: 10:30 AM
• Lunch time: 1:00 PM
• Plan your return boat around 2:00 PM
• Please arrive 10 mins before the start of the tour. 
• Let us know if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
• The minimum age requirement is  8 years old.
• Boat rides to and out of the property are not included, and we do not arrange them. You can coordinate with Bocas Water Excursions +507 6867-6188

In the making

At the outset of establishing our farm, we collaborated with Stephen Brooks, who played a pivotal role in assisting us with the initial setup. In the video, Stephen is showcased pointing out the diverse array of trees that will breathe vitality into our permaculture farm!

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Parking passes are required on Saturdays. The Orientation Center and Cafe are open Thursdays – Saturdays. Trails and bike rentals open Tuesdays – Saturdays. The property is closed to the public on Sundays and Mondays.

Plan Your Visit

Explore & Engage

Visiting duke farms.

At Duke Farms, you’ll find 1,000+ acres of land to explore native species, sustainability efforts, and the area’s natural beauty. Walk, bike, take a class, or eat and shop local at our award-winning café and farmers market.

General Admission

Visiting the property is always free, but a parking pass is required for Saturday visits from March to October.

Trails open Tuesdays through Saturdays 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM

Farm Barn Orientation Center is only open Thursdays through Saturdays.

1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough, NJ 08844

(908) 722-3700 | [email protected]

Reserve Saturday Pass

Enjoy Your Visit at Duke Farms

Visitors begin their trip to Duke Farms at the Orientation Center in the historic Farm Barn. Grab a map or get coffee from our award-winning cafe. From there, cross the street to explore our 20 miles of trails. Download the Duke Farms app for turn-by-turn navigation to notable landmarks.

Know Before You Go

Explore our frequently asked questions so you know what to do before your visit.

Group Visits

To request a group visit (12+ people), please complete our form. Group visit requests must be made at least two weeks in advance. When submitted, a staff member will be notified and they will contact you to confirm your visit request.

Field Trips

Duke Farms provides the opportunity for teachers to lead their students independently through outdoor habitats.

Eat at Duke Farms

Delicious, local, thoughtfully-crafted food that strengthens the local food system while reducing our ecological footprint.

Farm Barn Café

Did you know.

The food served in the café is either grown on-site or sourced from local growers and producers.

Nature is for everyone

Accessibility shuttle.

The shuttle is a service available by reservation for visitors with limited mobility. It is not a property tour. The shuttle runs every hour on the hour and it is available every day Duke Farms is open, weather permitting. We are closed Mondays and Sundays.

Accessibility at Duke Farms

Activities at duke farms.

From bike trails to fun for the whole family, Duke Farms offers a wide range of activities for your visit.

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate.

Orchid Range

Great falls, bike rental, visitor education, duke farms app.

• About Duke Farms

Upcoming Classes & Events

Habitat hike.

Learn about different types of habitats and the wildlife within them!

Thu, Jun 6, 6:00 PM

Duke Farms  •   1112 Dukes Parkway West Hillsborough Township , NJ 08844 United States

Weekend Walk

Embrace nature's wonders through Weekend Walks, our free, educator-led walks on Saturdays. Each walk is roughly 1-hour and explores a...

Sat, Jun 8, 1:00 PM

Sat, Jun 15, 1:00 PM

Sat, Jun 22, 1:00 PM

Our Resources

Duke farms unveils new jersey’s first electric vehicle fast charging station powered by electricity from on-site solar, demonstrating leadership in the transition to clean transportation, duke farms' pioneering efforts in the american kestrel nest box program, us department of the interior designates duke farms with a federal master bird banding permit, bee-friendly flowers: snakeroot.

One of the last natives to flower, white snakeroot (Ageratina altissima) is a late-season boon to hungry pollinators like bees, butterflies, and moths. Its frothy white disc flowers bloom from late summer through fall and provide vital nectar and pollen before the weather turns cold and food becomes scarce.

Spotted Lanternfly: Beat that Bug!

In 2014, an unusual, but beautiful insect was discovered in Berks County, Pennsylvania, and it wasn’t long before residents of neighboring counties began to see the same bright flashes of red and spotted wings in their yards and parks. We hope that this lesson plan will allow you to learn not just the facts about these insects, but also how you can help us to protect our native environment!

Observing Nature from your Window

Have you counted the windows in your living space? Have you ever taken a few minutes to look out of each one and observe the outside world? Now is the perfect time to discover what is right outside your windows!  

We Are Leaders in Conservation & Sustainability

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