Topics for inclusion in SPG wiki Newsletter

I'd like to use this thread for the discussion of what topics people would like to see listed in the  Seattle Permaculture Guild(SPG) Newsletter - Events column. You can send event notices to seattlepermacultureguild@gmail.com also, or add them yourself to the SPG wiki.

When it comes to events that I would like to see happen:

I would like to see a rocket stove workshop.  Like  at aprovecho.net

And how about something working with green wood? 

A workshop on mass heaters or russian stoves.

ferro cement

converting vehicles to be 100% electric

I would like to see a skillmill demonstration

I know there is something by "wolf camp" coming in the fall that has to do with harvesting animals respectfully.

The Bullock Brothers had a course lined up that got canceled, I would like to see that course offered again.  On plant propagation.

something about how to get straw bale to work in the puget sound area.

Annualized geo solar:  http://greenershelter.org/index.php?pg=1

A workshop on how to deal with puget sound specific problems in our gardens.  Organically, of course.  With focus on the symphylans.

Perhaps there are some organizations that have good crossover events:  sustainable ballard; seattle tilth; etc.

The Northwest EcoBuilding Guild would be the best place to get information about straw bale building in this climate;

also check out:
Design of Straw Bale Buildings: The State of the Art - Structure, Moisture, Insulation, Fire, Acoustics, Plasters, Detailing, Codes and Standards by Bruce King

http://www.amazon.com/Design-Straw-Bale-Buildings-State/

Good suggestions Paul.
As I see it they might be classified into:
1)Workshops by SPG members
2)Workshops sponsored by SPG members with outside teachers
3)Workshops sponsored by other organizations,
4)Articles/Links by SPG members,
5)Articles/Links by other organizations.

So we might create some pages on the wiki to solicit contributions to complete our wish list of events/Articles, and see if we get any takers. Of course all of us can undertake to do certain wishes on our own too. SOme of the subjects you mentioned could be treated as Articles/links until someone steps up to organize a hands on demo. Like the annualized solar. the link you provided should be on the wiki, and maybe later we could get the author to make a presentation here.

I'm interested in the rocket stove, so I'll try to get something going with that. And I'll try put some links to the other subjects on the wiki.

Keep the ideas coming, everyone.

steve

And workshop fantasy list is good too!

I would like to go on a monthly wildcrafting expedition.

I would also not mind participating in a workshop in the spring about harvesting, eating nettles, and a workshop in the fall about harvesting and making ropes/nets using nettles.

I wouldn't mind a workshop that would help me remember latin names of plants.  Or to go on botany walks where the purpose is to identify and memorize latin names.

I would like a class in butchering.  Pigs. cattle, chickens ....  I've butchered chickens before, but the hands on experience I have is just part of the overall process.  Maybe a bonus class on making bacon and ham.  I've heard of hams that can be preserved for 25 years at room temperature - I would like to know more about that.

Oh!  And a class in cold smoking!  Fish!

I wouldn't mind some first hand experience in canning with actual metal cans. 

I would like to go on those monthly wildcrafting expiditions, too.  It seems to me I saw such a group getting started somewhere, but I've been wracking my brain and haven't come up with anything solid yet.  If/When I do, I'll post it.

Do you know Karen and Frank Sherwood of Earthwalk Northwest?  They offer classes that cover much of what you are looking for.  www.earthwalknorthwest.com  (How do I put this in as a hyperlink?)

the wild edibles class sounds good too.  I would prefer something closer to the $50 range, and maybe a half day or one full day.

classes/workshops on root cellars or springhouses would be great.

Here's a wacky one:  harvesting, preparing and eating unusual, small animals.  Squirrel, pigeon, quail, snake, etc. 

I would like to take a class/workshop on creating a natural swimming pool:  no chlorine, no chemicals ...  http://www.grit.com/article/2007/07/Swimming-Hole.html

I would also like to study the building of eco friendly docks.

paul wheaton wrote:
the wild edibles class sounds good too. 

I've thought for a long time that I'd like to take a hands-on wild edibles class.

How about a class on tanning hides.

I'd like to have an ongoing link with the Homestead Community Land Trust to explore sustainable land tenure, especially in the city for both residences and small businesses.

I'd like to create an organized force to convince the city building department to revise building codes to make all sorts of natural building, composting toilets, rainwater & graywater possible.

I'd like to see presentations on right livelihood and a discussion on how people are making a living in the city.

I'd like to see an exchange setup for people to share thier excess of food and other resources, in the city.

I'd like to learn how to play real peruvian flutes.

That's all I'm looking for. Well, maybe.........one more..........??

Time has passed and today I was involved in some discussion about "what classes would we like to see happen?"

And so I dug up this thread!

And a new one to add to the list:  a PSP structure (a certain kind of underground structure - really good for root cellars although many people make them their homes).

And in a similar vein:  greenhouses that use that PSP technique.

I think the future of SPG will eventually be more neighborhood based, cool projects can be undertaken by folks who are neighbors.

As such, what I'd like to see SPG offer is 'permie tour of ballard', 'permie tour of west seattle', etc. Where people bike around, check out cool gardens and cool house retrofits, and maybe end it all with a potluck at someone's house.

Not only would it be fun for neighbors to show off, but it would be a great way for someone new to the neighborhood (and especially if they're fresh out of a permaculture design course) to get to know what's going on around them.

And then to get involved in something nearby...

I just created a custom map using "My Maps" at Google.
It is somewhat private in that you have to recieve the following link to view it.
I am hoping that this will make it easier for people to organize more in their neighborhood, by seeing a map overview of people interested in being connected.

http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=114918619132346755791.00045ee836d93cea7db77

I would appreciate comments and additions to the map.

steve