Youssef
For nearly a decade, Youssef was involved with the Grand Valley State University’s Sustainable Agriculture Project. He began as a student of Natural Resource Management and then moved on to become the Farm Manager and Educator. His unique skills reap abundance in the world which is why he is so passionate in demonstrating the copious potential of nature!
Through his studies of ecology and interactions in the field, he has gained insight into many patterns of nature that will directly benefit us, should we make the appropriate changes. He has stated that “often the most difficult thing to change is between the ears. Nature has it figured out, it is our ego that gets in the way!”
He offers a FREE twenty minute live site analysis and design work. Make sure to fill out the form on the "Plan A Project" page to get started!
Jake
From an early age, Jake was influenced by strength athletics, specifically World's Strongest Man. Having competed in both local and national events, his experience and knowledge led him to obtaining his bachelor's degree in Exercise Science from Grand Valley State University.
While attending GVSU, Jake happened to run into Youssef, a good friend of his from high school. They soon found themselves discussing various ideas in regards to bringing the incredible aspects of nature to one's home. Since then, he has incorporated his love for nature and strength of the human body in designing and building lasting living oases for clients!
He is thrilled that his love of the outdoors and background in functional strength have merged into a business that enhances the outdoor experience for their clients.
Our Motto for Water, Stone, and Gardens
Water is what first brought me to the SAP, GVSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Project, as I realized our biggest issues with water come from an over abundance of fertility from the land and agriculture was the primary contributor. This led me down the path to find solutions at the source rather than treating symptoms in a downward spiral of effectiveness.
Our biggest problems in the world are the result of our arrogant attempts to dominate nature without the humility of understanding we are of the same tree of life!
I firmly believe most people want to do good in the world but most people are overwhelmed by the scope and day to day stress can lead us astray. Countless students I've interacted with, and "grown-ups" alike, have the hearts and minds to create natural abundance but need to see an example, along with encouragement, which the SAP provides beautifully. Now I want to bring those lessons I've learned to gardens, parks, farms and all the places we interact with on a daily basis.
We are blessed with an abundance of water in Michigan and it's one of my biggest goals in life is to help restore our watersheds to the point where I can drink right from a flowing stream! A lofty dream of course, but it starts by showing the beauty of natural systems and the potential to enjoy right where we live. As a testament of this value I hand dug a natural swimming pool right in my backyard! I could not have done this alone and I'm thrilled to have my best friend and Viking strongman Jake alongside me as we dig more ponds and make more waterfalls!
Most of my greatest lessons in life have come from the garden. It's amazing how much can come from a small space with good care. Pests and disease are no issue with the proper balance of nutrition! Too often our problems are because we try to apply something that works in one place but we lack the big picture wisdom to understand our own context and force something that doesn't fit. I wish to share the lessons I've learned from the best farmers around the world, right in your backyard!