Community Hügelkultur & Disaster-Avoidance Project

Turning Free Resources into Resilient Landscapes

The Vision
We are shifting our community from expensive Disaster Recovery to proactive Disaster Avoidance. By using free local materials and simple nature-based methods, we can reduce flooding, build healthy soil, grow food, create habitat, and lower long-term costs — while training local people in valuable skills.

What is Hügelkultur?
Hügelkultur is a proven method of building raised beds filled with logs, branches, leaves, cardboard, and other organic materials. These beds act like sponges, hold water, create rich soil as they decompose, and help manage stormwater.

Why This Project Matters

• Uses materials that would otherwise go to the landfill or cost money to dispose of

• Reduces/manages flooding and improves water absorption

• Builds long-term soil fertility with almost no ongoing irrigation

• Creates space for food, medicine, and pollinator gardens

• Trains students and community members in practical, future-ready skills

• Helps lower future insurance and disaster-recovery costs

How It Works

1. A core team of local residents, students, and experts designs the project.

2. Free materials are collected (tree trimmings, yard waste, cardboard, food scraps).

3. Beds are built in strategic locations that currently have problems (flooding, poor soil, etc.).

4. Beneficial plants are added.

5. The team documents results and trains others so the model can spread.

The Bigger Goal
Create living Eco-Oases that serve the community for years while building a local pipeline of “Disaster Avoidance Experts.”

Get Involved
This project belongs to the community. Whether you want to help design, build, plant, document, or simply learn — there is a place for you.

Simple • Low-Cost • High-Impact

Hügelkultur beds are a great way to add beauty & give great function to fallen trees.

These beds can also be created on purpose to form berms and swales to direct and manage stormwater for the purpose of Disaster Avoidance and Stormwater Management.

Materials Needed (mostly free)

• Logs and large branches (base layer)

• Smaller branches, twigs, and brush

• Leaves, grass clippings, straw, or wood chips

• Cardboard or newspaper (without glossy color print)

• Compost, aged manure, or finished soil

• Food scraps (optional, buried deeper)

• Topsoil or finished compost for the final layer

• Mulch (wood chips, leaves, or straw)

Tools

• Gloves, wheelbarrow or tarp, pruning saw or loppers, shovel, rake

• Optional: skid steer or tractor for moving large logs / big project days

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose the Location
   Pick a spot that floods, has poor soil, or needs better water management. Ensure good access for materials and volunteers. Mark the shape and size of the beds needed during design (3–6 feet wide works well; lengths can vary).

2. Prepare the Base
   (Optional) Remove grass or weeds if desired (or sheet-mulch over them with cardboard). Loosen the soil slightly if it is heavily compacted.

3. Lay the Largest Logs
   Place the biggest logs and thick branches at the bottom, running the length of the bed. Leave small gaps between them. This is the water-holding sponge layer.

4. Add Smaller Woody Material
   Fill gaps with medium and small branches, twigs, and brush. Pack them in reasonably tightly but still allow some air flow.

5. Add Soft Organic Matter
   Layer on leaves, grass clippings, straw, wood chips, and cardboard. Water this layer well so it begins to settle and compost.

6. Add Nitrogen-Rich Material (Optional but Helpful)
   Bury food scraps, fresh grass, or manure in pockets within the middle layers to speed decomposition.

7. Shape and Cover with Soil
   Mound the materials into a rounded or sloping shape (higher in the center or on one side). Cover everything with 4–8 inches of topsoil, compost, or a soil/compost mix. Water thoroughly.

8. Mulch the Surface
   Apply a thick layer of mulch (wood chips, leaves, or straw) to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

9. Plant
   Plant immediately or wait a few weeks. Choose plants that help with water absorption, provide food or medicine, support pollinators, and suit your sun/shade conditions. Start with hardy species if the bed is very fresh.

10. Maintain Simply
    Water only during the first season if needed. Add mulch as it breaks down. In following years the bed will need very little care while continuing to improve.

Safety & Tips

• Wear gloves and eye protection when handling branches.

• Work in teams for heavy lifting and intertwining materials

• Use Skidsters to move large materials while project workers intertwine other materials and water thoroughly.

• Avoid treated or painted wood.

• The bed will settle over the first year — this is normal.

• Document before-and-after photos and simple measurements (water pooling, plant growth, etc.).

Goal: Gather everything needed for hügelkultur beds at little to no cost.

Woody Materials (Base Layers)

• Contact local tree service companies and ask for free drop-off of logs, branches, and wood chips - coordinate project days

• Sign up on ChipDrop.com and request loads or work to coordinate project days

• Reach out to municipal public works / parks departments for storm debris or pruning waste - coordinate project days to coordinate with pick-ups

• Ask neighbors and community groups for yard waste after storms or seasonal clean-ups

• Check with local landfills or transfer stations about clean wood, yard waste, concrete, or cardboard they may give away

Soft Organic Materials

• Collect fallen leaves in autumn (neighborhood leaf piles or coordinated with municipal leaf collection)

• Gather grass clippings (untreated)

• Source cardboard from grocery stores, appliance stores, or recycling centers (remove tape and labels)

• Collect newspaper (non-glossy)

• Ask coffee shops or restaurants for used coffee grounds

Nitrogen-Rich / Compost Materials

• Partner with schools, restaurants, or grocery stores for food scraps (set up simple collection during project days)

• Ask local farms or stables for aged manure

• Collect unfinished compost or yard waste from community gardens

Soil & Mulch

• Request leftover topsoil or compost from landscaping companies

• Use finished compost from municipal composting programs if available

• Source free wood chips for mulch via ChipDrop or tree services

Coordination Tips

• Create a simple shared calendar for drop-off days

• Designate one or two people as materials coordinators

• Have a clear drop-off location that is easy for trucks to access

• Keep a running inventory of what has been collected vs. what is still needed

• Thank every supplier — relationships make future loads easier

Notes / Contacts
(Add local phone numbers, emails, and preferred contact people here)

Hügelkultur Site Assessment Worksheet
Project Name: _______________________________
Date: _______________ Assessed by: _______________

1. Location Basics

• Address or description of site: ________________________________

• Size of available area: _______________ (approx. length × width)

• Current land use: ______________________________________

• Ownership / permission status: ____________________________

2. Water & Drainage

• Does water pool or flood here? Yes / No / Sometimes

• How long does standing water typically remain? _______________

• Slope of the land: Flat Slight Moderate Steep

• Direction water flows: _________________________________

• Nearby downspouts, pavement, or runoff sources: ______________

3. Soil Conditions

• Current soil quality: Poor Average Good

• Compaction level: High Medium Low

• Visible problems (erosion, bare spots, contamination concerns): _______________

• Existing vegetation: ___________________________________

4. Sunlight & Microclimate

• Sun exposure: Full sun Partial sun Mostly shade

• Hours of direct sun in summer: _______________

• Wind exposure: High Medium Low

• Nearby trees or structures that create shade or windbreaks: _______________

5. Access & Logistics

• Can trucks or heavy equipment reach the site? Yes / No

• Distance from material drop-off point: _______________

• Parking / staging area available? Yes / No

• Any restrictions (HOA, city rules, underground utilities)? _______________

6. Community & Safety Factors

• Visibility to neighbors / foot traffic: _______________

• Potential for volunteer access and safety: _______________

• Any known hazards (sharp debris, steep drops, etc.)? _______________

7. Opportunities & Goals for This Site

• Primary problems we want to solve: _______________________________

• Desired outcomes (flood reduction, food production, habitat, beauty, education, etc.): _______________

• Priority level for this site: High Medium Low

8. Quick Sketch / Notes
(Space for a simple sketch of the area, existing features, and proposed bed locations)

Overall Recommendation
Suitable for hügelkultur? Yes Needs modification Not recommended
Priority actions before building: _______________________________________________

Plant Selection Guide for Hügelkultur & Disaster-Avoidance Beds

Goal: Choose plants that produce food or medicine, support pollinators, help manage water, and build soil — while thriving in newly built hügelkultur beds. This is a small list of options, and this is why the key leaders include a permaculture expert and landscape architect to create your ideal local flora and fauna mixture to maximize your climate.

Recommended Plant Categories

1. Water Managers & Soil Builders

• Willows (shrub willows)

• Dogwoods

• Elderberry

• Comfrey

• Clovers (white or red)

• Vetch

• Native grasses and sedges

2. Food Producers

• Perennial vegetables: asparagus, rhubarb, walking onions, Egyptian walking onions

• Berries: raspberries, blackberries, serviceberry, currants, gooseberries

• Fruit trees/shrubs (once bed is more settled): hardy apples, pears, plums, pawpaw, hazelnut

• Annuals for the first seasons: squash, beans, tomatoes, kale, chard, lettuce

3. Medicinal & Useful Herbs

• Echinacea

• Yarrow

• Mint (in contained areas)

• Lemon balm

• Calendula

• Bee balm (Monarda)

• Comfrey

• Holy basil / Tulsi

4. Pollinator & Habitat Plants

• Native milkweeds

• Asters

• Goldenrod

• Coneflowers

• Joe-Pye weed

• Mountain mint

• Native sunflowers

5. Dynamic Accumulators & Mulch Plants

• Comfrey (cuts for mulch and mineral accumulation)

• Artichoke / cardoon

• Rhubarb

• Hostas (in shadier spots)

Quick Selection Tips

• Prioritize native or well-adapted regional plants when possible

• Mix deep-rooted and shallow-rooted species

• Include plants that flower at different times for continuous pollinator support

• Start with hardy, forgiving species in brand-new beds

• Place water-loving plants lower on the bed and drought-tolerant ones higher

• Consider mature size so plants don’t overcrowd

Simple Starter Palette (easy for first projects)

• Comfrey + clover + yarrow + echinacea + raspberry + squash/beans (first year) + native milkweed or bee balm

Help Build a More Resilient Community
Join Our Hügelkultur & Disaster-Avoidance Project

Want to turn waste into healthy soil, reduce flooding, grow food, and learn skills that matter — all while earning service hours or real experience in a niche career path?

What You’ll Do

• Help design and build hügelkultur beds using free local materials

• Learn practical skills in permaculture, soil building, and water management

• Work alongside experienced mentors and community members

• Create lasting positive change you can see and measure

• Follow the career path to become a Disaster Avoidance Expert

Who We’re Looking For

• High school students needing service hours or real-world experience

• College students interested in environment, sustainability, or community development

• Community members who want to learn or share skills

• Anyone who cares about cleaner water, healthier soil, and stronger communities

Benefits for You

• Hands-on experience and new skills

• Service hours / internship credit potential

• Letter of recommendation available

• Opportunity to co-lead & lead future projects

• Be part of a pioneering “Disaster Avoidance” movement

• Meet like-minded people and make a visible difference

Time Commitment
Flexible — join for single project days or become part of the core team.

How to Join
Email: cpiercerecordsconsultant@gmail.com / Or insert local point of contact.
Subject line: “Volunteer / Student – Hügelkultur Project”
Or scan the QR code / visit: www.remediatingtherustbelt.com

You don’t need experience — just willingness.
Let’s build something better together.

Hügelkultur Project Day – Run of Show
Project Location: _______________________ Date: _______________

Pre-Day Checklist (Day Before)

• Confirm material deliveries / ChipDrop

• Confirm volunteer headcount

• Stage tools and safety gear

• Mark bed locations

• Check weather and have a rain plan

• Send reminder text/email to volunteers

Recommended Daily Schedule

Time

Activity

Notes

8:30–9:00 AM

Arrival, check-in, name tags

Coffee/water available

9:00–9:20 AM

Welcome, safety briefing, overview

Assign volunteer roles

9:20–10:30 AM

Site prep & base log placement

Heavy lifting first - Skidsters

10:30–10:45 AM

Water & stretch break

10:45–12:00 PM

Layering branches, cardboard, organics

12:00–12:45 PM

Lunch break

12:45–2:15 PM

Soil covering, shaping, mulching, watering, and integrating materials

2:15–2:30 PM

Break

2:30–3:30 PM

Planting & final watering or day 1 of multiple day project.

3:30–4:00 PM

Clean-up, group photo, wrap-up

Thank everyone

Core Roles to Assign

• Site Lead / Safety Officer

• Stormwater Expert

• Landscape Architect

• Permaculture with Hügelkultur Experience

• Materials Coordinator

• Tool Manager

• Volunteer Welcome & Check-in

• Documentation (photos + notes)

• Water & Break Captain

Safety Briefing Points

• Wear closed-toe shoes, gloves, and eye protection when cutting or moving branches

• Lift with legs, not back; ask for help with heavy logs

• Stay hydrated and take breaks

• Watch for uneven ground, tripping hazards, and tool swing zones

• Report any injury immediately

• No running with tools

• Know where the first-aid kit is located

Essential Tools & Supplies

• Gloves (multiple pairs)

• Safety glasses

• Pruning saws / loppers / hand saws

• Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows or tarps

• First-aid kit

• Sunscreen, insect repellent, water coolers

• Marking paint or flags

• Camera or phone for documentation

• Trash bags + recycling bags

End-of-Day Tasks

• All tools collected and cleaned

• Site left neat and safe

• Photos taken (before/during/after)

• Quick debrief with core team

• Thank-you message sent to volunteers.

Hügelkultur Project – Progress & Impact Tracker
Project Name: _______________________________
Location: _______________________ Start Date: _______________

1. Basic Project Metrics

Metric

Target

Actual

Notes

Number of beds built

Total length / area of beds

Volunteer hours contributed

Number of unique volunteers

Students / youth participants

2. Materials Diverted from Landfill

Material Type

Estimated Volume or Weight

Source

Logs & large branches

Small branches & brush

Leaves / grass / chips

Cardboard

Food scraps / other

Total diverted

3. Environmental & Community Impact

• Flooding / standing water reduction observed: Yes / No / Too early Notes: __________

• New plants established: _______________

• Pollinator activity observed: _______________

• Food produced (if applicable): _______________

• Photos taken (before / during / after): Yes / No

• Community feedback received: _______________

4. Skills & Capacity Building

• People trained in hügelkultur construction: _______________

• Participants who co-led or led a session: _______________

• Interest in future projects expressed: _______________

5. Cost & Resource Notes

• Money spent (if any): $__________

• Value of free materials received (estimate): $__________

• In-kind donations or support: _______________

6. Next Steps & Lessons Learned

• What worked well: ________________________________________________

• What to improve next time: _______________________________________

• Recommended follow-up actions: ___________________________________

• Date of next planned work day: _______________

Simple Monthly Check-in (after construction)

• Date: _______________

• Plant survival / growth notes: _______________

• Water performance after rain: _______________

• Maintenance needed: _______________

• Additional volunteer interest: _______________

Hügelkultur & Disaster-Avoidance Project – Funding Talking Points

Project Summary
We are turning free local waste materials into resilient landscapes that reduce flooding, build healthy soil, grow food, support pollinators, and train community members — especially students — in practical skills. This shifts our community from expensive Disaster Recovery toward proactive Disaster Avoidance.

Key Points to Emphasize

• Cost-Effective
  Uses primarily free materials (tree trimmings, yard waste, cardboard, leaves, food scraps). Very low cash cost compared to traditional infrastructure or remediation.

• Multiple Benefits in One Project

  • Stormwater / flood management

  • Soil building and carbon sequestration

  • Food production and pollinator habitat

  • Youth training and workforce skill development

  • Landfill diversion

  • Long-term reduction in municipal maintenance and disaster costs

• Community-Driven
  Designed and built by local residents, students, and experts working together. Builds lasting local capacity instead of one-time outside contracts.

• Scalable & Replicable
  Once the first beds are built and documented, the model can be repeated in other neighborhoods with trained local leaders.

• Measurable Impact
  We track volunteer hours, materials diverted from landfill, number of people trained, and observable improvements in water management and plant growth.

Possible Funding Angles

• Environmental education / youth development

• Green infrastructure / stormwater management

• Community resilience and climate adaptation

• Food security and urban agriculture

• Workforce development and service-learning

• Beautification and neighborhood revitalization

A modest investment allows us to leverage thousands of dollars in free materials and volunteer labor while creating lasting environmental and social returns for the community.

Supporting Documents Available

• Project overview

• Site assessment

• Materials sourcing plan

• Volunteer engagement plan

• Impact tracking template

Thank You
This template was created by Christine Pierce via Remediating the Rust Belt to help communities shift from Disaster Recovery to Disaster Avoidance using practical, low-cost, nature-based methods.

Free Community Use
You are welcome to download, adapt, and use this template to help your own community or other communities at no charge, provided you:

• Keep the original acknowledgement and credit to Christine Pierce & Remediating the Rust Belt

• Do not remove this licensing notice

Donations are gratefully accepted but not required for this use.

Professional / Compensated Use
If you or your organization will receive any payment, consulting fee, contract fee, or other compensation for work that uses this template:

• A $200 deposit is required

• The deposit is applied toward a 20% usage fee of any compensation or benefit you receive that is connected to the use of this template

Government / Cost-Savings Use
When a municipality, agency, or similar entity uses this template to achieve cost savings or cost avoidance:

• A $250 usage fee applies, plus

• 3% of the documented cost savings and/or cost avoidance realized

When Both Apply
If one party is paid to implement the template for an entity that also receives cost savings, both fee structures apply.

By downloading or using this template, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

This fair-share approach keeps the tools available and continuously improving for everyone.

Contact
Questions or ready to share your results?
Email: cpiercerecordsconsultant@gmail.com
Website: www.remediatingtherustbelt.com