HSP was founded by a group of permaculturalists, educators, and activists seek-ing innovative and practical approaches to the pressing environmental and eco-nomic crises of our day. Much of the Institute’s work addresses the challenges of creating democratic communities that are ecologically, economically and culturally sustainable. HSP’s programs combine research, demonstration, education, and or-ganizing to develop collaborative, community-based strategies for positive social change and effective environmental stewardship.