The Soil Matters With Leighton Morrison

Matthew Trumm

Jul 12, 2025
Matthew Trumm, a permaculture educator and landscape contractor from Oroville, California, shares his journey of pioneering local initiatives like Treetop Permaculture. He discusses the impact of wildfires on community resilience and the importance of moisture management in sustainable practices. Matthew highlights innovative school garden programs that teach children about composting and soil health, fostering a connection with nature. He emphasizes patience and adaptability in permaculture, advocating for deeper understanding in regenerative practices.
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ANECDOTE

Living Between Valley And Burned Mountains

  • Matthew lives in Oroville and keeps one foot in the valley and one up in Berry Creek where his family's property burned in 2020.
  • He describes the region as "land of fire" shaped by frequent disasters and strong community resilience.
ADVICE

Do Earthworks First To Set The Palette

  • Do prioritize earthworks and hardscaping early to set the site palette for future soil and plant work.
  • Use machines efficiently by consolidating excavation tasks when equipment is available to save time and money.
INSIGHT

Chaos Precedes Regenerative Harmony

  • Initial earthworks look chaotic but create long-term harmony, much like beavers shaping a landscape.
  • Regenerative systems require stretching time horizons and accepting short-term mess for future function.
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