Regenerative Land Stewardship
Wayfinding incorporates the principles of self-discovery and purpose-driven navigation to chart a course towards holistic wellness and balance. By embracing a holistic perspective, one recognizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and environment, and seeks to create a harmonious relationship between all aspects of life. Through intentional practices such as mindfulness, physical activity, and sustainable living, one can cultivate a deeper connection to self and the world around them, leading to a more fulfilling and impactful existence. At its core, wayfinding is a journey towards holistic fulfillment, empowering individuals to create a life that is in alignment with their values, passions, and the greater good.
At the heart of Wayfinder Holistics agricultural philosophy lies, the principles of regenerative agriculture and the synergistic relationship between land, animal, and human health. Our mission is to cultivate a thriving and regenerative agricultural landscape that serves as a model for sustainable and holistic land management and providing nourishment to all living beings.
We begin by excluding livestock from ponds and streams and setting up verdant riparian areas planted with native flora, chosen specifically for their medicinal properties and ability to support pollinators and wildlife. Our emphasis is on creating diverse and abundant ecosystems that foster resilience and vitality.
We understand that true regeneration takes time and resources, which is why we establish leases of at least 10 years, with the aim of displaying such exemplary stewardship that it will lead to another decade or even a lifetime lease. Our focus is on building a holistic foundation of soil health, recognizing that the same principles that drive soil fertility are also essential for our own personal health and wellbeing.
The foundation of our practices rests on four key elements: shelter, diversity, rest, and amendments. To ensure adequate rest for the soil, livestock will not graze on the same ground for more than four days and will not return for a minimum of 90 days. This is complemented by practices such as restorative yoga and wintering, which encourage renewal and rejuvenation. To address highly damaged soil, we incorporate amendments such as compost sprays, inter seeding of diverse cover crops, and the application of lime, to bring the soil back to a basic level of health. This is echoed in our approach to self-care, where we encourage the use of botanical remedies, herbal medicine, and organic foods to heal and nourish the body.
Our goal is to create a model of regenerative agriculture that is replicable, inspiring communities from conventional producers to urban youth. We are committed to supporting and uplifting Global Majority, Indigenous peoples, and other communities to promote resilience and food security, addressing inequity, promoting food sovereignty, and dismantling systems of oppression.
Work with us! Join the movement for a brighter tomorrow.
Alone we can only make a small impact, but together, our collective efforts can leave a lasting legacy on the land and our community. Be a part of something greater and join the movement for a better future. Fill out our survey to schedule a consultation today.
Foundational Elements
Shelter
Shelter, or cover, plays a crucial role in the success of our regenerative agriculture practices. The soil must never be left bare, as it needs armor and protection to sustain life. A green cover of growing vegetation with roots in the soil is optimal, but in its absence, straw, hay, and wood chips can serve as substitutes. In addition to providing shelter for the soil, we also focus on building structures for our livestock, utilizing natural, salvaged materials to create safe and comfortable spaces.
This concept of shelter extends beyond the realm of agriculture and into the realm of human experience. Our homes serve as the foundation of our personal well-being and provide comfort and security, much like how a green cover offers the same for the soil. By incorporating principles of regenerative agriculture, our structures, such as timber frame homes, are built with a focus on sustainability and the use of natural materials. These practices not only provide shelter and comfort, but also promote a deeper connection to the natural world, inspiring us to continue our efforts towards a healthier, more sustainable future.
Diversity
At Wayfinder Holistics, our approach to agriculture is rooted in the belief that diversity and interconnectivity are key to the health and resilience of both the natural world and human communities. Our polycultural farming practices, including companion planting and edible food landscapes, promote soil health through the use of diverse crops, manures, and organic matter. We also incorporate agroforestry along creek beds to further enhance biodiversity.
We understand the importance of addressing systemic inequalities in access to nutritious food and the role of agriculture in supporting marginalized communities. By prioritizing diversity in our farming practices and promoting equitable access to healthy food, we aim to create a more just and harmonious world. Our commitment to diversity, food sovereignty, and more just outcome for our societies, supports our mission to promote regenerative agriculture and build a more sustainable future for all.
Rest
Welcome to a holistic approach to regenerative agriculture and personal wellness. At the core of our foundation lies the importance of rest - not just for the soil, but also for ourselves. In regenerative agriculture, we understand the critical role that rest plays in rejuvenating the soil, allowing it adequate time to recover and replenish its nutrients. Livestock are rotated frequently, never staying on the same ground for more than 4 days, and then managed holistically to ensure a 90-day rest period for the soil.
The benefits of rest extend far beyond just the soil. It is a fundamental aspect of human health and mental wellness. Ancestral knowledge, as exemplified by indigenous cultures, emphasizes the significance of synchronizing with the seasons and incorporating rest into one's routine for rejuvenation and restoration.
Research has shown that taking breaks and engaging in self-care activities such as napping, wintering, or practicing restorative yoga can lead to reduced stress levels, improved cognitive functioning, and overall enhanced mental health. By recognizing the vital role that rest plays in both our personal and ecological well-being, we are able to create a holistic approach to health and sustainability.
At Wayfinder Holistics we believe that soil amendments such as compost, mulch, biochar, and manure can improve soil properties, increase organic matter and enhance soil fertility, leading to higher crop yields and reduced dependence on synthetic fertilizers. Inoculants can specifically improve soil microbiology. Using soil amendments along with other regenerative farming methods and incorporating compost sprays, cover crops, and lime can help restore depleted soil. We amend and add to our soil instead of tilling. Restoring the balance of nature through responsible management of ecosystems also has significant benefits, referred to as ecosystem services. In essence, effective land management considers the entire system and its interrelated parts.
The incorporation of various self-care products, such as herbal medicines and organic foods, and herbal teas into one's daily routine can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being. These products have been traditionally used to support and heal the body, with a focus on nourishing it from within. By consuming nutrient-dense, organic foods, individuals can provide their bodies with the necessary building blocks for optimal health. Additionally, the use of herbal medicines, such as those produced in the apothecary, can help address specific health concerns and promote balance within the body.
Our on-site apothecary provides herbal smokes. These natural remedies for example, can be used to clear and rejuvenate the mind, body, and personal spaces, contributing to a more holistic approach to health and wellness.
Additional practices to keep one's mental health in check include: incorporating habits like yoga, meditation, eating a well-balanced diet, exercising regularly with a focus on aerobic activity, and getting enough sleep.
Amendments
Collaboration and Support
At Wayfinder Holistics, we recognize the crucial role that localized farming efforts play in sustaining human well-being and ecological health. As a company, we believe that the best solutions emerge from a collaborative network of diverse perspectives and expertise.
It is essential to understand that a farm is a complex and dynamic living system, where the interplay of our soil health, the crops we grow, the animals we raise, and the way we manage the land, sustains the production of food and other resources. However, many modern farming practices are increasingly artificial and unsustainable, relying on intensive use of fossil fuel-based input, consumer waste, and decline in biodiversity. Such practices not only degrade the ecological health of the farm but also have detrimental effects on the physical and mental well-being of farm workers and families.
At Wayfinder Holistics, we advocate for a holistic approach to farming that recognizes the intrinsic interdependence between human health and ecological health. This approach prioritizes regenerative farming practices that reduce reliance on external inputs and aim to restore the natural fertility and resilience of the soil. By promoting these practices and fostering a collaborative community of stakeholders, we aim to create a more sustainable and equitable food system that benefits both people and the planet.
Join Wayfinder Holistics in supporting a regenerative and sustainable food system by purchasing locally grown, eco-friendly meat from the Common Wealth Network through Commons Provisions. By collaborating with human-scale farms, Commons Provisions, provides consumers with access to nutritious and environmentally conscious meat products while supporting local farmers who operate within a living ecological system. With 84% of every dollar going directly to the farmers, this is a vital step towards creating a more sustainable food system. But there is still a long way to go, and the only way to achieve real solutions is through the power of collaboration and networking within smaller localized farming communities. Let's work together to protect the natural functions of our farms and support each other in growing diverse and healthy food for a brighter future.
We are what we imagine. Our very existence consists in our imagination of ourselves. Our best destiny is to imagine, at least, completely, who and what, and that we are. The greatest tragedy that can befall us is to go unimagined.
— N. Scott Momaday
