I only know the smallest fraction of the beautiful contributions of Chuck Marsh in the service of mother earth and from that glimpse alone he is a hero to me.

Permaculturist Chuck Marsh died yesterday, his spirit set free to echo on in the lives of the plants and people he tended joyfully, generously, with laughter, skill, and devotion.

I am grateful I had the opportunity to learn from him even a little and to bathe in the peace of the place he helped to create, the courageously always flowering and reflowering Earthaven Ecovillage.

The last thing he ever said to me was, “nice hat, brother!” This is probably the point I decided to permanently wear a hat whenever I ‘do permaculture.’

To honor Chuck last night, I made a biochar fire in the site of our future forest garden. I’m sure those at Earthaven were offering their own beautiful prayers as I know they have so powerfully learned as a village to do.

Here is a Permaculture Podcast where this dear human talks about the neo-horticultural revival: http://www.thepermaculturepodcast.com/2012/chuckmarsh/

…and if you tend to fruiting perennials of any kind, his free videos from the Useful Plants Nursery he started at Earthaven are a tremendously helpful resource: https://www.usefulplants.org/

May the seeds he planted in the hearts of so many all flourish. Peace, Chuckster. We’ll watch for you in the garden.