About

Dave and Nicky Schauder are co-founders of Permaculture Gardens, a Virginia-based company dedicated to helping families grow their own food and live more sustainably. Together, they blend their passion for ecological gardening, technology, and faith to inspire others to cultivate not only their land but also a deeper connection with God through the practice of permaculture and regenerative agriculture. Nicky Schauder is a certified permaculturist, farmer, and award-winning environmental educator. In 2023, she was honored as a Mother Earth News Voice, amplifying minority voices in ecology. She has spoken at national conferences on topics such as permaculture, ecological gardening, and compost teas, and has received multiple grants from the Southern Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education (SARE) program for her work in soil microbiome diversity. Nicky’s mission is deeply rooted in her belief that growing ecologically can lead to freedom, abundance, and a closer relationship with God. She also actively supports her local community through her involvement with the Loudoun Environmental Education Alliance and the Loudoun Beekeepers Association, while leading educational gardening programs in local schools. Dave Schauder is a Senior Software Engineer at Janelia HHMI, a neuroscience research institute in Ashburn, VA, specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. He is the creator of the SAGE app, a digital tool that simplifies garden planning and supports sustainable food production. By combining AI-driven recommendations with principles of permaculture, SAGE helps users build healthier gardens that honor nature’s design. Dave’s ability to merge cutting-edge technology with the timeless wisdom of ecological gardening has made SAGE an innovative platform for those looking to live sustainably. His faith-driven vision is to show how technology, when applied thoughtfully, can help people reconnect with the land and find God in the process. Through Permaculture Gardens, Dave and Nicky are committed to teaching others how to grow food ecologically and experience the abundance of creation. Their work has been recognized with awards such as the Most Innovative Sustainable Brand at the Green Festivals in Washington, DC. They continue to inspire families and individuals to not only grow their own food but also deepen their spiritual journey through sustainable living, showing that caring for the earth and nourishing the soul go hand in hand.

Skills

  • Permaculture Design
    7
  • Sustainable Agriculture Education
    7

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