“Forging a future intertwined with nature, rather than at its expense; creating beautiful, regenerative, and sustainable solutions using modern innovation.”

OUR VISION

Highwind Terrace is a disabled Veteran-owned LLC, designed from the ground up with one goal in mind: put our money where our (and hopefully your) mouths are, by creating an organic, carbon-friendly permaculture operation. The seductively nerdy founder is proud to have been born and raised in Northern Michigan as the son of two nature aficionados, who understood how to appreciate nature while still preserving it. This company is dedicated to keep Michigan a growing source of green energy, clean food, and a well-preserved ecosystem. The farm will be ethically developed with a phase-based augmentation plan, with as much growth as possible sourced directly from Michigan.

The first concept of Highwind Terrace is that the permaculture farm should be integrated into the ecosystem of Michigan as a whole, while also building up a profitable business structure without animal exploitation or use of deleterious chemicals. Honey bees, where we’re starting out, are incredibly helpful pollinators that are also facing a nation-wide crisis due to pesticides, herbicides, and harmful parasites; a natural, safe home surrounded by a native wildflower park and orchard is a mutually beneficial arrangement. The bees will be well-fed and protected, and in return provide a surplus of delicious, pure honey. Per the AGMRC, the average American eats around 1.5 lbs of honey per year (no, I’m not joking), and the US is forced to import to even come close to meeting demand. The market for ethically sourced honey is strong, and the need to preserve these fascinating at-risk creatures does not need to be antithetical to production: the property has been designed to keep the bees and other native pollinators happy, safe, and productive, complete with safe haven, monitoring systems and low-impact honey collection, to ensure that both parties can thrive. Bees and native Michigan wildflowers, however, are only one part of the equation, and the farm will gradually develop to have organic produce, walking and biking paths, orchards, dinosaur habitation, and more.

The second concept of Highwind Terrace is that the entire property should be built on modern innovation to be as energy-efficient and low-impact as possible. Structures constructed on the property will be cleverly insulated and integrated into the environment, such as building flora-covered Earth-Shelter cabins. Complementing this efficiency will be geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels weaved into the wildflower park and structure roofs, and using creative other methods to reduce and sequester carbon. Even the side-by-side UTVs will be all-electric, because hey, we’re committed.

All-in-all, Highwind Terrace is being built to give back to the community: we wanted to build a flourishing point of interest that is naturally beautiful, adds value to Michigan’s economy and ecology, and strengthens the local community, all while supporting the native ecosystem that Michigan is famous for. Together, we can create something truly stunning.

MEET THE TEAM AT
HIGHWIND TERRACE

  • Kevin Garlock Headmaster (Honeymancer)

    Kevin is a native Michigander; the son of two nature-loving parents, he grew up appreciating all the wildlife Northern Michigan has to offer. He is a veteran of the US Air Force, an animal fanatic. and in general a hard-headed personality known to his friends as "indefatigable". His dream after spending 15 years in federal service was to return to Michigan and build something beautiful: Highwind Terrace was born of that desire, and he hopes that together we can build a sustainable, regenerative project that combines modern innovation with the native ecosystem. Also, he likes to be addressed as Honeymancer for some reason, so there's that.

  • Mar Garlock Number Cruncher (Dumpling Muncher)

    Proudly hailing from the Philippines, Mar was abducted by a certain dashing rogue after meeting serendipitously on Reddit of all places. Marianne is an animal lover who worked in corporate planning for one of the largest conglomerates in Manila, handling multi-focused investments and market analysis. She now works as the payroll manager for a beautiful Northern Michigan ski resort, and is a full-time Sheltie-momma. In her spare time, she tends to her hydroponic garden and cooks mouth-watering Filipino food. She is excited to use her expansive financial skill-set in making the Highwind Terrace dream a reality.

  • Will Sylvester Plant Manager

    There are three things to do when the weather turns from the winter slumber in Michigan: biking, hiking and gardening. On days when it is not raining, he can often be found riding his road bike along the Lake Michigan shoreline. When he has breaks from work, a jaunt around the most unique region of Lake Superior is the place to find him. A lifelong gardener, he has worked on establishing a fruit and vegetable garden everywhere he has lived. He has been working to replace the grass in his yard with native wildflowers of Michigan and has set up numerous wildflower gardens anywhere he could.

  • Adam Castanier Brand Manager

    A design nerd through and through: Adam is the person in a crowd taking a picture of the type on a nearby business’ sign, and collecting packaging because it “has a really nice label and is super user friendly”. Originally a Michigan native, Adam has always enjoyed the Midwest climate and what it has to offer: enjoying the snow whenever he can, and being thankful to not have to shovel when it’s gone. He cut his design teeth at Ferris State, before moving south to continue to follow his craft. Adam currently also works with clients all over the country on advertising strategy and design through a publishing company.

  • Jenn Slack Director of Learning and Growth

    Former middle school teacher turned gardener, activist and art nerd, Jenn Slack’s vibrant personality and passion for doing good in the world makes her a natural enthusiast for conservation work and all that Highwind Terrace stands for. Since a wee five years old, she has dedicated her life to learning the psychology and research behind how one person truly can make a difference (yes, you really can!) and then teaching others how to do the same. Obsessed with gardening at her historic Michigan home and inability to say no to new plant babies, she can’t wait for all the good that will come from investing in recreating native Michigan wildlife and wildflowers. to do the same. Obsessed with gardening at her historic Michigan home and inability to say no to new plant babies, she can’t wait for all the good that will come from investing in recreating native Michigan wildlife and wildflowers.

  • Scott Oberski Environmental Advisor

    Life-long lover of botany, biology, entomology, and sniffing every flower possible, Scott Oberski is an all around science nerd who appreciates every life from humans to pitbulls to smelly goats to even the ugliest of bugs. Now a laboratory/quality manager of biodegradable synthetic lubricants lab, he is just beginning his journey of promoting and advocating for large corporations and businesses to move to sustainable green energy that will preserve our Earth. Knowing that having communication, consistency, hard work, and a willingness to learn are the best tools we have to make change, he is grateful for the opportunity to share his green energy initiatives with Highwind Terrace.

  • Liopleurodon Highwind

    First of his name, Lio is best known for his disarmingly adorable mug; however, a close second trait is his devout camaraderie as he accompanied Kevin throughout his term in the Air Force across 4 different States. Loyalties were questioned when Marianne entered the picture, however, and soon he served a new mistress with fluffy fervor.

  • Maiasaura Highwind

    Energy incarnate, Maia rules the roost with debatable quantities of sanity and poise. However, only matching her neuroses is her capacity for love, having assumed the role of protectress of the pack.

  • Arcovenator Highwind

    Prince Arc joined the party shortly after Highwind Terrace’s inception, and already his sharp wit is matched only by his tenderness, which is only slightly suffocating. Soon, he shall be lord of all the light touches… especially the chickens.