Jerome Osentowski, known for his pioneer-level work in the permaculture world, recently accepted a lifetime achievement award at this past Dandelion Day celebration for his impacts in the Valley and beyond through his education efforts with students and community members from all over as founder of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI), located on […]
Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute
‘Legal’ access puts CRMPI decision on hold, yet again
On Jan. 10, the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) hit another roadblock during what the organization had hoped to be its final hearing before the Eagle County Commissioners addressing its application for a special land use permit. Jerome Osentowski, CRMPI’s founder, filed an application for a special use permit in May 2021 and has […]
CRMPIng along for a better future
Jerome Osentowki — an internationally-recognized permaculture pioneer — began farming on Basalt Mountain in the 1970s. Nearly 50 years later, the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) is one of the oldest established demonstration sites in the United States. Operating at 7,200 feet in elevation, CRMPI has attracted students from around the world to witness […]
Picking fresh figs on Basalt Mountain
The slice of the Roaring Fork Valley population that inhabits a small portion of Eagle County often finds its boundaries baffling, inefficient and frustrating. The State Legislature evidently didn’t consider the watershed or topography when they drew Eagle County’s borders back in 1883. Jerome Osentowski, in turn, probably didn’t take much stock of these lines […]
Zimbabwean Eisenhower Fellow visits local ag innovators
Defining “permaculture” in his own words, Kudakwashe Manyanga said, “In my country, we have what we call ‘farming God’s way.’” On Basalt Mountain, at 7,200 feet, that “way” fills the very air. Red rock cliffs and clear blue skies dazzle the senses. Translucent, new-green leaves unfurl along slender chokecherry stems. Among the plums and apricots, […]
