2010 Ohio Solar Tour: Broadwell Hill Farm & Learning Center

ADDRESS	OPEN TO PUBLIC
22215 Mayles Ridge Road* Stewart, OH 45778 *Address is approximate	Saturday, October 2, 2010 - Afternoon (1-4) Sunday, October 3, 2010 - Afternoon (1-4)

TYPE	stewardship - all
AGE OF BUILDING	7 years
SIZE	900 square feet
TOTAL COST OF PROJECT	N/A
TOTAL COST OF PROJECT AFTER INCENTIVES	N/A
PROJECT STATUS	Occupied

Renewable Energy
Technology	Size	Units	Manufacturer	Years in Operation
Biomass	65 acre sustainable woodland farm			10
Photovoltaics	2 kw off-grid	kW	Sharp panels, Surrette batteries, Outback	4
Solar Thermal	74 BTU	BTU	Gobi & Heleodine	4
Other:
Green Design
Feature(s)	Designation	Architect/Builder/Manufacturer		Years in Operation
Energy Efficient Features	N/A	Steward		10
Passive Solar	N/A	Steward		7

DESCRIPTION:
This site has been described as a model example of permaculture practices. It is the home base for the following sustainability related adventures:
- The Broadwell Hill Sustainable Woodland Farm, Learning Lab and Retreat Center
- Athens' Own, a sustainability driven entrepreneurial venture
- The Community Health and Civic Resilience Alliance with a scalable model for neighborhood efforts everywhere.

The principles of reconnect, reduce, reuse, repair and recycle are all at play as weather related factors greatly influence our consumption, conservation and general lifestyle patterns.

A forest stewardship plan and Holistic Management processes guide our decision making and numerous other models are also utilized in our efforts to avoid reinventing the wheel.

There is not enough room here to provide you with a description of all the various energy and conservation strategies that were incorporated while building the Motherhouse or all the projects that are currently underway at this site. Additional information can be gleaned at http://www.broadwellhill.org site.

This site provides numerous examples of what individuals can do to live more in balance with the rest of the world, reduce costs, increase self-reliance, develop neighborhood relationships and promote community health and well-being now and in the future; even if folks live in an urban apartment, suburbia or a student dorm.

We agree with the Transition Initiative folks that "if we wait for the governments, it'll be too little, too late; if we act as individuals, it'll be too little
but if we act as communities, it might just be enough, just in time."

We are therefore taking active steps to reach out and join forces with our neighbors in this rural area while developing a scalable model that address the gaps in other systems. We also host reskilling workshops, community councils and provide consultation and maintenance services in a variety of arenas.

Incentive Program(s) Utilized:
Ohio Department of Development Rebate programs; also cost sharing woodland stewardship grants.

Directions to Site:
GPS raw LAT/LON Coordinates for the Driveway Entrance off Athens County Road 38:
In Decimal Degrees: 39.376225° -81.866829°
In Degrees, Minutes, Seconds: 39°22'34.41"N 81°52'0.58"W
In Degrees, Decimal Minutes: 39° 22.573'N 81° 52.010'W

Also see http://www.broadwellhill.org/maps.htm

Estimated Utility Savings:
Huge - there are no utility bills and very few other expenses associated with this site.

Challenges/Lessons Learned:
See http://www.broadwellhill.org for more information via the solar rebate grant reports and the spreadsheet data.

Installation Company & Contact Information:
Self-installed with the assistance of volunteers, interns and local contractors: GreenFire helped with the solar thermal water system and Dovetail Solar and Wind helped with the photovoltaic electrical system.

Other Comments:
What if folks in every neighborhood came together to assess their situation, their strengths, weaknesses, etc., and took steps toward building localized resilience while also addressing the more acute challenges? What if one person in every geographical neighborhood decided to create a site with independent systems, e.g. PV with battery bank, water, etc., that would provide a battery charging station and communication base, i.e. HAM radio, internet, and access to power for those with electrically dependent medical needs? In addition, such a site could be a gathering place for electrically powered entertainment, e.g. movies, etc.

The Broadwell Hill site is manifesting such a vision but will only be able to assist a limited number of people. If you have the resources please consider taking an active role in citizen based preparedness and resilience building efforts in your respective neighborhoods.

Kathy provides consultation services regarding such matters as well as other transition midwifery related services like off-grid battery maintenance, vermiculture, reskilling and related efforts.

She recently provided on-site off-grid PV services at the Ojai Foundation in California and met with the Santa Barbara Emergency Services Manager regarding civic engagement and resilience building efforts.

Kathy's efforts are also an example of how parenting can produce generational change. One of her sons is now serving as a solar specialist with REC Solar in Ventura County, California (http://www.recsolar.com/aboutus.aspx) and the other is working with the Redwood Coast Energy Authority in Humboldt County, California.

Kathy and her partner, Constantine, are excited about sharing the Broadwell Hill experience, answering any questions you may have and invite you to join them in the celebration of her son's birthday during the 2010 Ohio Solar Tour!