In September, we sponsored a workshop for community leaders to explore how regenerative development practices can improve the economy in the Shenandoah Valley. The workshop was facilitated by Bill Reed, featured in the video below, an internationally recognized leader in sustainability and regenerative development. Bill is a Principal at The Regenesis Group, a pioneer in the field of integrating land use, community development and the built environment.
Regenerative development is really the next generation of sustainable design and often referred to as “green development on steroids”. We first introduced it in previous blogs "Taking Environmental Responsibility to the Next Level" and "Regenerative Development and Tim Murphy".
We included the video to share how Regenesis is framing our "developer" role, and also teaching us about being the best partner for Shenandoah Valley that we can be. One of the core concepts is about going beyond identifying and solving problems to activating potential. Another major concept is exploring how we can move away from operating as a silo and building reciprocal relationships that can positively impact the greater region.
To that end, we shared five broad areas of potential that we identified during our site assessment, who’s benefits extend well beyond the borders of our 550 acres:
Agriculture: Facilitate formation of a farmer network (that consistently produces and delivers high quality organic products) by providing visible and consistent demand
Forestry: Implement a master test-and-learn plan with key partners for gaining rapid and far-reaching feedback across varied flora, fauna, forestry and ecological practices.
Environment: Use integrated carbon sequestration methods to remove carbon from the air and waste stream and return it to the soil, thus creating a virtuous cycle that impacts local weather patterns.
Livelihood: Create economically sustainable career paths where individuals can align with their innate talents and calling.
Wellness: Identify and facilitate place-based and mindful alternatives, including both educational and experiential components, that take advantage of the natural environment while reinforce wellness and having fun.
We are excited to continue discussions with the community about how we can use regenerative development practices to integrate all living systems, in a way that aligns modern living with Mother Nature. We would love to hear your thoughts on what we have shared in this blog, and also your ideas and visions for the future of this beautiful place.
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