We imagine (envision) Western Pennsylvania lush and green with food growing in yards, colorful flowers blooming, and birds, bugs and wildlife singing, chirping and quietly visiting…
Pittsburgh Permaculture creates abundant and bio-diverse landscapes that nurture ecological and human health. We do this by designing, installing and maintaining productive spaces. We also offer educational opportunities that connect people to food and nature.
The Team
Michelle Czolba and Juliette (Jones) Olshock began working together with the design and planting of the Hazelwood Food Forest in 2009. Since then they have been working to share their passion and knowledge of sustainability and plants through edible landscape designs and educational opportunities offered by Pittsburgh Permaculture. Seth Nyer joined the team in 2013.
Michelle Czolba, M.S., came into the study of permaculture while pursuing her Master of Science in Sustainable Systems at Slippery Rock University. Permaculture made so much sense that she sought to study it further by obtaining a Permaculture Design Certification under the tutelage of Christine Glenn and Darrell Frey. After graduation, Michelle and partner Juliette Olshock began the Hazelwood Food Forest to implement permaculture theory, have a living laboratory and demonstrate a creative reuse of vacant lots. Some design projects Michelle has led include the Borland Green garden and various residential designs.
In addition to being a permaculturist, Michelle is the author and owner of Wildly Natural Skin Care. Through intensive self-directed and formal study, Michelle’s scope of experience encompasses plant identification, botany, ecology, chemistry, metaphysics, Earth-based spirituality and natural cosmetics. She also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science with a Minor in Chemistry.
Juliette Olshock, M.S., M.Ed., has always had a passion for nature, art and teaching. Her work with Pittsburgh Permaculture allows her to combine all three as she designs natural spaces, plays in the dirt and shares her knowledge via workshops, speaking engagements and classes.
She studied sustainable agriculture and permaculture design at Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania. She completed a permaculture apprenticeship at the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute and has worked with and learned from permaculture experts, Dave Jacke and Darrell Frey, teaching courses on Edible Forest Gardening and Permaculture Design. She is an adjunct professor with Chatham University’s Food Studies program. Notable design experience includes, design and installation of Pittsburgh’s first food forest in Hazelwood, demonstration gardens for Phipps Conservatory and an edible garden for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh along with many residential designs.
Seth Nyer, M.A., moved to Pittsburgh in 2011 to attend Chatham’s Food Studies program where he focused on sustainable growing systems, ecological design, and public food models. His research looked at the viability and potential for a public food forest model in the city of Pittsburgh. He originally became interested in permaculture while working a non-profit organization in South Africa installing community and school gardens for educational and nutritional purposes.
At Chatham, Seth studied under Juliette who was then teaching an agroecology course. Upon completing his PDC (Permaculture Design Certificate) with the Phipps Conservatory, he soon began working with Pittsburgh Permaculture. Seth received his Masters in 2013 and has now been one of our lead designers for the past two years.
Seth’s interests include medicinal and edible plants, native forest systems, sustainable building, and social and environmental justice.