Living LandscapesDESIGN
Module 12 / 25
The plant relationships you have been studying also involve animals. Here you’ll consider both managed animals and wildlife, looking at their needs, their effects on a site, and the care involved in including them in a design.
The farm examples and grazing reading introduce several approaches to managing those relationships. The beneficial-animal reference then shifts attention to habitat and wildlife. Use these perspectives to prepare for a discussion of which animal relationships fit the conditions and responsibilities of your own project.
What you’ll learn
Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.
If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section.
For articles, excerpts, videos, and other resources, use the links in the lesson. If a video player does not load, try its source link. If you cannot access a reading or media resource, or it has no link, contact me with the module number and resource title.
Ask about books, readings or media access ↗Watch
YouTube
Begin with this introduction to grazing among trees, then examine the “Silvopasture — USDA Climate Hubs” case. Compare the relationships among trees, forage, animal movement, and care when considering whether managed animals fit your site and responsibilities.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Read
climatehubs.usda.gov
Read for the relationships among trees, forage, and grazing animals, then compare those relationships with the farm examples.
Open resourceWatch
YouTube
Consider how management decisions connect animal needs with the condition and ongoing care of the land.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Book reading
Ben Falk
Pages 189 to 227: Grazing, animal choices, care, and integration through the author’s examples
Book access & editionsWatch
YouTube
Exercise 1 records the needs and yields of design elements. Use that approach while watching: consider what the animals require, what they contribute, and how those relationships affect placement and access.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
YouTube
Use ducks as a specific example of an animal’s role in a system, considering its care needs alongside the pest-management purpose.
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Consider whether managed animals suit your site and how you could support beneficial wildlife. Bring these ideas to our design discussion.
Book reading
Dave Jacke and Eric Toensmeier
Page 563: skim section and note as ongoing resource
Pages 563 to 568: beneficial-animal niches; consult the tables that follow in that appendix for animals relevant to your site
Book access & editions
Open full-size image
Flowering plants form part of the habitat available to insects in a mixed garden. Use the beneficial-animal reference to consider flower structure, flowering season, and other habitat needs when selecting plants.
Source: Living Landscapes Design portfolio.
Save written notes as a document or PDF. For paper maps or handwritten notes, use a clear photo or scan. You can combine related work in one file.
Attach your animal-integration and wildlife notes.
Email the address listed under “Get In Touch” on my contact page. Do not use the contact form. Include the Permaculture Design Course, Module 12, and “Animals in your design” in your subject or message.
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