Omaha Permaculture has merged with Comunidad Maya Pixan Ixam (CMPI).
Indigenous traditions and knowledge have always been at the heart of the permaculture and regenerative agriculture movements - yet Indigenous individuals and communities are often limited in receiving sufficient financial and material resources to enact ecological restoration and develop sustainable economic systems.
By integrating Omaha Permaculture's resources into CMPI, we will provide accessible community education for all Peoples and facilitate the growth of Indigenous-led environmental initiatives worldwide. Omaha Permaculture will become a programming resource within CMPI and continue to serve everyone in Nebraska through our 8-acre community center in North Omaha. Through this partnership, we will bring together our collaborative efforts with Maya and Indigenous Peoples-led organizations in Nebraska and our strategic alliances with local activists, gardeners, academic institutions, and policymakers through Omaha Permaculture.
If you'd like to learn more and connect with our team, please get in touch at info@pixanixim.org or 402.625.3031.
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.
“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”
— CHINESE PROVERB
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.