Urban Permascapes
Blending ecological design with urban spaces — from digital tools to hands-on permaculture.
The Name
"Permascapes" is built from two words: permaculture and landscapes. When combined with "Urban", it represents exactly what we do: the intentional design of permaculture-inspired landscapes within urban settings, blending ecological principles with the spaces where people live.
Our Vision
Cities that blur the line between urban and natural environments by transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant, productive ecosystems.
Our Mission
We reduce barriers to climate activism by showing people how to become ecological agents who heal their local ecosystems and improve their cities. We focus on three core tenets:
Education
We build tools and share resources freely, helping people learn how to connect with nature and live more sustainably.
Empowerment
Through knowledge-sharing and hands-on support, we help people take direct action to restore ecosystems in their own neighborhoods.
Ecology
Supporting local ecology is at the core of everything we do. Not just "nature" in the abstract, but the living relationship between all organisms, including us. We are part of our ecosystems and play a role in helping them flourish.
How We Work
We operate on two fronts:
Ecological Technology
We develop digital tools, including data-driven plant intelligence and site ecology analysis, that make ecological knowledge accessible to everyone: from homeowners to conservation professionals.
Hands-On Design & Implementation
We design and build permaculture landscapes in the greater Cleveland area: native plantings, garden beds, composting systems, and full-property ecological design. Every project is rooted in supporting the local ecosystem, not just aesthetics.
What is Permaculture?
Permaculture is a whole-system approach to land management that cultivates landscapes that replicate the diversity and resilience of natural ecosystems. Unlike conventional landscaping or mono-crop agriculture, permaculture shapes land for human use while also supporting native plants, animals, and insects.
In an urban setting, that looks like: vacant lots becoming food forests, lawns replaced with wildflowers, rainwater systems that cut your water bill, and sidewalks lined with edible fruit trees.
The Mind Behind UP
Hey, I'm Ryan — a certified permaculture designer and the founder of Urban Permascapes. I started UP after two years of running Vel's Purple Oasis, a small urban farm in Cleveland's University Circle neighborhood.
My background spans ecology and technology. I build digital tools that help people understand and support their local ecosystems, and I design physical landscapes that restore ecological balance while serving the people who use them. Everything I do comes back to the same goal: making it easier for people to take meaningful climate action.
Individual action matters — but it only makes an impact as part of a collective effort.
Join us, and communities worldwide, in restoring native ecosystems big and small.