Join us as we journey through the profound intersection of history and ecology with the insightful Zach Elfers, whose passion for native plants and permaculture has reshaped his path into sustainable agriculture. Zach shares tales of his fascination with spring ephemerals and edible plants, leading to the rediscovery of century-old trees at the John Hershey Orchard. These living relics of the past, untouched by urban sprawl, hold lessons in resilience and wisdom that continue to inform modern agricultural practices.

We unravel the underappreciated history of tree crops in North America, spotlighting visionary figures like J. Russell Smith and John Hershey. Zach's journey through native ecosystems on his own eight-acre plot demonstrates a commitment to ecological restoration and human subsistence gardening. His work with the Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative seeks to breathe new life into these ancient agricultural traditions, blending the old with the new to foster sustainable and thriving ecosystems.

As we imagine the future, the potential of tree crops to transform our understanding of sustainability becomes clear. We explore the role of cooperatives in creating viable economies centered around nut trees and the innovative uses for byproducts like press cakes. Through stories of historical and international cooperative models, we reflect on the rich legacy of communal resource management and indigenous horticultural practices. Together, we envision a world where the lessons of the past guide us toward sustainable land stewardship and a harmonious relationship with our environment.

Check out Zach's work with the Keystone Tree Crop Cooperative:

https://keystonetreecrops.com/

Find Zach on Instagram at:

To support this podcast, join our patreon for early, ad-free episode access at https://www.patreon.com/poorprolesalmanac

For PPA Writing Content, visit: www.agroecologies.org

For PPA Restoration Content, visit: www.restorationagroecology.com

For PPA Merch, visit: www.poorproles.com

For PPA Native Plants, visit: www.nativenurseries.org

To hear Tomorrow, Today, our sister podcast, visit: www.tomorrowtodaypodcast.org/

Key Words:

History, Ecology, Zach Elfers, Native Plants, Permaculture, Sustainable Agriculture, Spring Ephemerals, Edible Plants, John Hershey Orchard, Urban Sprawl, Resilience, Wisdom, Agricultural Practices, Tree Crops, North America, J. Russell Smith, Nut Trees, Keystone Tree Crops Cooperative, Sustainable Markets, Press Cake, Cottage Industries, Maple Syrup, 3D Printing, Diversification, Scalability, Homesteading, Nut Depot, France, Italy, Indigenous Practices, Land Ownership, Stewardship, Land Trusts, Agroecology Easements, Non-Timber Forest Products, Cultural Shifts, Private Property, Native Horticultural Practices, Landscapes, Inherited, Future Generations