Our Story

The vision for Omaha Permaculture (OP) first formed in 2013, when founder Gus von Roenn joined with the City of Omaha Planning Department to help fashion a Seasonal Gardening Agreement for city-owned vacant land in low income communities. Gus saw a unique need for sustainable land management that reduced mowing maintenance, absorbed more storm water, reduced dumping, provided edible landscapes for people and wildlife, replanted forests, and built picnic tables for the community to enjoy on Omaha’s most forgotten and blighted properties.

 In December of 2015, Omaha Permaculture was established as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization to meet that need. Between March 1st and October 31st, OP began working on 9 city-owned lots with ambitious plans of creating edible landscapes throughout North Omaha. OP now manages 17 properties, runs a robust portfolio of programs, and maintains partnerships with the City Planning Department, Omaha Municipal Land Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and other community collaborators.  

Vision

We envision cities teeming with permaculture gardens, where neighbors gather to harvest organic food, build relationships, and learn about the natural world. Previously vacant lots are reimagined as hubs for environmental restoration and community pride.