Permaculture Principles for Fidalgo Island
Principle 2: Storing Nature's Energy
Catch and Store Energy
On Fidalgo Island, where the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest highlights a unique maritime climate, the permaculture principle of "Catch and Store Energy" is particularly meaningful. This principle encourages us to develop systems that collect and conserve resources during times of abundance to be used later when they are scarce. Whether it’s capturing rainwater, preserving soil fertility for another growing season, or harnessing the sun’s energy while we have it, working with nature’s rhythms helps build resilience in our gardens and landscapes.
Storing Water for Dry Spells
Our cool, wet winters and dry summers make water conservation a key focus. One of the most effective ways to catch and store energy on Fidalgo Island is through rainwater harvesting. While Fidalgo is in the rain shadow and experiences slightly drier winters than Skagitonians east of I-5, it can be very beneficial to store water for the ever-drier summers. Start small by setting up a rain barrel or larger cistern under a downspout to capture runoff from your roof. For those ready to take the next step, consider adding swales or rain gardens to retain water in the soil. These techniques not only conserve water but also reduce runoff and erosion, keeping moisture available in the landscape. By slowing the flow of water, they also prevent sediment from flushing into the sound and bays too quickly—a process that can negatively impact salmon habitats, eelgrass beds, and orca populations. By beginning with even a single rain barrel, you can quickly make a positive impact while exploring larger systems at your own pace.
Building Soil Fertility
Soil is another crucial energy storage system in our gardens. Organic matter, such as compost and mulch, acts like a battery, holding nutrients, atmospheric carbon, and moisture for plants to access over time. Cover cropping is an excellent way to build soil fertility, capturing solar energy through plant growth and storing it in the form of biomass. Cover cropping also helps slow runoff—a valuable benefit and a small preview of another permaculture principle we’ll explore in the future. On Fidalgo Island, nitrogen-fixing legumes or deep-rooted dynamic accumulators can enhance soil structure and fertility, even in areas with rocky and thin top soils.
Harnessing Solar Energy
The proverb "Make hay while the sun shines" reminds us to use available sunlight effectively. In permaculture design, this means positioning plants and structures to maximize solar gain, whether for passive heating, food production, or drying herbs and seeds for later use. Thoughtful garden planning—such as placing heat-loving plants in sunny microclimates and using thermal mass like stone or water features—can extend the growing season and make the most of available energy. By catching and storing energy in your garden, you create a more sustainable, low-maintenance system that supports both you and the ecosystem. By strategically planning and positioning these systems, we create low-maintenance designs that harness natural forces. The sun will shine, and the rain will fall—allowing the elements and plants to take care of much of the work for us. Harnessing nature’s abundance not only ensures resilience but also strengthens the connection between you and your environment, making your outdoor space a thriving sanctuary for years to come.
Share Your Photos!
We’re looking for images that highlight the upcoming principle "Obtain a Yield" in action! Here are some ideas to inspire your submissions:
Harvest Time: Show off your garden’s bounty with photos of ripe fruits, vegetables, or herbs ready for picking.
Sustainable Livestock: Share images of chickens, bees, or other animals providing eggs, honey, or other yields in a harmonious system.
Creative Compost: Demonstrate how you transform waste into rich compost to feed your soil and grow more abundance.
Foraged Delights: Capture moments of sustainable foraging, like collecting wild berries, nuts, or mushrooms.
Energy Yields: Submit photos of solar panels, rainwater collection, or other systems generating renewable energy for your home or garden.
Community Abundance: Highlight gatherings where people share the yields of their efforts, from potlucks to food exchanges.
Crafted from Nature: Show us the beautiful and functional items you’ve made from your harvest, like herbal remedies, baskets, or preserved foods.
Selected photos will be featured in next month’s article to showcase how our community is living out permaculture principles!
For more information on permaculture design and how to implement these principles in your space, visit eco-restore.com. Submit your photos and descriptions to hello@eco-restore.com by the 15th of next month.
And a bonus opportunity:
Eco-Restore's Founder and Lead Designer Lisa Miller will be sharing Permaculture Principles with us at our Quarterly Gathering on April 29 at the Anacortes Senior Center! Come learn from Lisa!
Doors open at 6, Potluck at 6:30 Presentation at 7
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