Farm Pergola

pergola

Farm Pergola

Spring 2018 - Community + Food

Project Overview

The farm supports over 400 class and individual volunteers annually. In order to create an outdoor learning space that is usable year-round, the pergola is a necessary structure. In a semi-arid desert climate, temperatures can soar to well over 100 degrees (F) in the summer, reducing our ability to teach students outside and conduct hands on learning. In the past we received funding for a vegetable wash station, but due to the lack of shade we were unable to find a proper space. Pergolas are beneficial to humans, but also beneficial for regenerative permaculture design. Pergolas can create microclimates; dappled sunlight can transform a space in winter and summer by creating shade and warmth. Once our pergola is built, we will neatly cover the pergola with shade cloth and plant grapes. Once the grapes begin to grow up the pergola, we will detach the shade cloth. Growing grapes will increase our agricultural yield and variety.