Daniel Sonnenberg
Permaculture Program Associate
In his current role, Daniel (he/him) supports and helps teach about permaculture, demonstrating his commitment to environmental practices. With his in-depth knowledge of permaculture principles and practices, Daniel is dedicated to sharing his expertise with others and fostering a culture of sustainability and resilience. In his teaching role, Daniel employs a hands-on approach, guiding individuals and groups in design, soil biology, water conversation, map making, and more. He educates about the interconnectedness of natural systems, emphasizing the importance of regenerative practices that promote ecological harmony, social equity, and just transitions.
Daniel’s passion for ecological land design shines through in his teaching style, as he engages with learners of diverse backgrounds and experiences, inspiring them to adopt sustainable practices in their own lives and communities. He is known for his patience, creativity, and ability to simplify complex concepts, making permaculture principles accessible and actionable for learners of all levels. Daniel’s commitment to being a regenerative ecosystem designer and his dedication to sharing his knowledge and expertise make him an enthusiastic and creative educator and practitioner in the field. His work in supporting and teaching about permaculture in his current role reflects his unwavering commitment to creating a more sustainable and abundant future for our planet.
On Staff Since: 2023 Email >
In Their Own Words
My Background
I grew up in Nevada City (originally home to the Nisenan people), basking in the beauty of the Yuba River and everything the Sierra Foothills had to offer. Exploring the watershed taught me a lot about the natural systems that cultivated that land and inspired me to major in environmental studies at UC Santa Cruz (originally the land of the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band). While the details of the natural systems differed greatly between Nevada City and Santa Cruz, this allowed me to recognize and learn about the larger patterns and interconnectedness of Gaia. From those experiences, I understood it’s my responsibility to help be a regenerative and probiotic force during my time on this earth. Educating and designing around soil and water management have been my focuses and points of intervention in my vision of helping tend the land in ways that will support all life including humans.
My Passions
I love to spend time in and around trees. I’m deeply fascinated by the interconnectedness and communities that they form and how symbiotic these relationships can be. Inspired by the weaving of roots, mycorrhizae, and other natural patterns in forest ecosystems, I create suspendable tree nets out of climbing rope and paracord that are dynamically woven to the trees. I’m also very passionate about developing my relationship with movement in the forms of dance, stretch, and sports/play.
My Work At OAEC
As an enthusiastic member of the permaculture department, my work centers around supporting the many different programs and projects in diverse capacities. From designing and implementing sustainable solutions to teaching and organizing courses, I am deeply committed to supporting students and communities. With a specialized focus on soil microbiology and agroecology, my research endeavors contribute to our understanding of ecological systems and inform innovative practices. Through my work, I strive to foster resilient and regenerative approaches to agriculture, aligning with my passion for sustainable and holistic solutions.
Why My Work Matters
My work matters because I get to help spread and deepen people’s connection to natural systems and how they interact with and tend to the land they may reside on. I think teaching about soil is one of the more important elements of my work as the health of the soil directly impacts the health of our food and the health of our ecosystems. I think it’s important to give people back their autonomy when it comes to growing their own food through a larger environmental lens that supports the rest of their life in their bioregion.
My Favorite Resiliency Resource
A Strategic Framework for a Just Transition -Movement Generation
How I regenerate
By dancing, swimming, laughing, tree net weaving, gardening, playing chess, and stretching.
