Work With Nature, LLC offers educational services for forest-based agriculture systems that
preserve and enhance northeastern forests and support farm economy.Offering resources and educational classes for landowners, farmers, and community organizations.
Steve Gabriel, principal owner, is an ecologist, educator, and forest farmer living and working in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York.
Since returning to his hometown of Ithaca in 2005, he has co-founded the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute, worked three years as land use manager for Cayuga Nature Center, co-owned a 500 tap maple sugaring operation, and taught hundreds of students about ecological and sustainable design.
Since returning to his hometown of Ithaca in 2005, he has co-founded the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute, worked three years as land use manager for Cayuga Nature Center, co-owned a 500 tap maple sugaring operation, and taught hundreds of students about ecological and sustainable design.
He currently spends his time working for the Cooperative Extension at Cornell University, splitting his efforts between the Garden-Based Learning program and coordinating the Northeast Mushroom Growers Network. He also teaches for the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute and is a mentor for Earth Arts, a nature awareness program for children and teenagers. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Permaculture Institute of the Northeast.
Having recently purchased 6 acres in Schuyler County, about 10 miles from Ithaca NY, he and his partner Liz have plans for developing a mixed-use site with mushroom production, animals, and tree crops. He currently manages a farmer grant through NE-SARE, looking at the use of ducks as pest control agents in forest grown shiitake mushrooms.
He is also currently co-authoring a book on Forest Farming with Cornell professor Ken Mudge, which is expected to be published through Chelsea Green in 2014.
Having recently purchased 6 acres in Schuyler County, about 10 miles from Ithaca NY, he and his partner Liz have plans for developing a mixed-use site with mushroom production, animals, and tree crops. He currently manages a farmer grant through NE-SARE, looking at the use of ducks as pest control agents in forest grown shiitake mushrooms.
He is also currently co-authoring a book on Forest Farming with Cornell professor Ken Mudge, which is expected to be published through Chelsea Green in 2014.
His experience draws from a diverse educational and organizational involvement, including completion of a BS in Environmental Studies from Empire State College, and participation in several unique learning environments including Castle Rock Institute, Living Routes, and Prescott College.
Strategic Partners
New Leaf Environmental - forestry & land use consulting
The Mushroom Forager - collaboration on mushroom workshops
Affiliations:
Certified New York State Logger
Member, American Chestnut Foundation
Member, New York Forest Owners Association
Member, Tompkins County/NY Farm Bureau
Member, Tompkins County/NY Farm Bureau
Member, Northeast Organic Farming Association - New York