Spring Permaculture Design Certificate Course
http://www.solidgroundfarm.com/permaculture-design/spring-pdc/
Weekends March 16-May 4, 2014
Contact
westonlombard@gmail.com for more info.
Finally, the best education you never had. Designed by practitioners for practitioners, each weekend involves hands-on learning, visits to various example sites, and multiple expert regional presenters. Learn to design, implement, and manage the backyard, homestead, small farm, and lifestyle of your dreams, as we explore the intricacy and interconnection of the natural world.
In addition to an in-depth exploration of various topics, each weekend course ties the material to permaculture practice and theory as we explore the standard 72-hour PDC material. Enroll in the individual courses you like or take the whole series to earn your Permaculture Design Certificate from Solid Ground Farm.
THEORY AND PRINCIPLES OF PERMACULTURE
March 15 and 16, 2014
Learn the ethical and theoretical basis of permaculture. Explore the principles and practices that lead to an integrated, low-maintenance, regenerative homestead and lifestyle, as we explore the patterns that connect us all. Teachers TBA
FOREST GARDEN DESIGN
March 22 and 23, 2014
Observing and familiarizing ourselves with native ecosystems and plant communities, we learn to use nature as a model for designing our own “forests”, creating integrated systems that produce year-round supplies of food, animal forage, fuel, fiber, and medicinals. Led by Weston Lombard and Kurt Belser with guest presenters Pete Woyar and Dr. Frank Porter.
BUILDING FERTILITY
April 5 and 6, 2014
The foundation of prosperity is rich, fertile soil. Join us as we explore strategies to nourish and perpetually improve a living soil. Topics covered include the soil food web, desertification, vermiculture, thermophilic compost, cover crops, mulch, bio-char, and compost teas. Led by Marilyn McHugh and Chris Kennedy of the Hummingbird Project and Kathy Jacobson of the Broadwell Hill Learning Center.
INTEGRATIVE LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT
April 12 and 13, 2014
Learn the important roles that animals play in a sustainable agriculture system. Visit traditional and not so traditional farms to learn everything livestock from housing options and animal “tractors”, to foraging and nutrient cycling, rotational grazing, and integration with a permaculture system. With expert help, design the livestock system that suites your needs. Led by Sasha Sigetic from Integration Acres. Includes site visits and special guests JB and Charlene King of King Family Farm, Neil Perin of Arcadian Acres, Blackhaven Farm, and more.
NATURAL BUILDING BASICS
April 26 and 27, 2014
Join us for a tour of the owner built natural homes of Athens, Ohio as we experience firsthand the range of local materials and endless ingenuity of the area. Through numerous site visits and the building of a wood fired cob oven, we will learn the basics of small home design.
Led by Weston Lombard of SGF and Chris Fox of Fox Natural Construction, includes visits to natural builders homes and discussion with Wes Thompson, Piper Avolokita, and more.
SOCIAL PERMACULTURE AND CLOSED LOOP SYSTEMS
May 3 and 4, 2014
This weekend we tie it all together with a big picture look at permaculture in action. Beginning with a panel discussion of “strategies for an alternative nation” we learn to apply permacuture in our own lives and communities. With our toolboxes now complete we will apply our considerable knowledge to designing functional permaculture systems integrating all aspects of permacultre design. Assisted by local practitioners and designers final projects will be completed and presented to the permies. (This weekend is only available to those taking the full course).
