About Nate Downey

Author of the recent award-winning book, “Harvest the Rain,” published in 2010 by Sunstone Press, Nate brings an extensive background to his current work and practice as a designer, “landscape-changer,” and forward-looking writer. For over a decade, Nate has spoken, taught, and penned numerous columns, guides, and publications extending permaculture practices in vitally important ways. At home, in our backyards, in the workplace, regionally, nationally, and internationally, Nate’s work addresses what he calls “changescapes,” “permapatterns,” and “permaDesign” — providing practical and visionary ways to be productive and add value to our lives, homes, communities, and environment.

Nate and Melissa’s PermaDesign firm believes decisions that “green” our daily lives should add beauty, comfort, and value to our most-important investments. While impacting our world at home, we can all positively affect the environment upon which we depend. Each of us can make a difference by the way we see and the way we act.

About Melissa McDonald

Melissa holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from Virginia Tech. She is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a certified permaculture designer, and certified master gardener. She has designed many residential and institutional landscapes since 1991. Melissa worked closely with the legislature and state officials to pass the New Mexico’s greywater law and has worked on the development of educational materials about greywater for the public. For the last ten years, she also serves as the Vice Chair of the City of Santa Fe’s Water Conservation Committee. Melissa is a designer, an educator, and an advocate. She believes that when people have the tools to see their landscapes, their homes, their lives connected and interwoven into the global community, powerful designs — with more sustainable solutions — are developed. Melissa seeks to encourage, inspire, and learn from each of her projects.