Toby Hemenway was an American author, educator, and biologist renowned for his contributions to permaculture and ecological design. He gained widespread recognition for his book "Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture," which became the world's best-selling permaculture title for six consecutive years. His work focused on sustainable landscapes, communities, and workplaces, blending scientific rigor with practical applications for home-scale projects.
Hemenway held academic positions as an adjunct professor at Portland State University and served as Scholar-in-Residence at Pacific University. His expertise extended beyond academia, as he consulted for the Biomimicry Guild and lectured internationally on permaculture principles. His writing appeared in prominent publications such as "Natural Home," "Whole Earth Review," and "American Gardener," establishing him as a leading voice in ecological discourse. Residing in Sebastopol, California, he dedicated his later years to developing urban sustainability initiatives while continuing to teach and advocate for regenerative design practices.