Colleen Donovan

Super informative, comprehensive look at the healthiest way to keep hens that no one is talking about. Highly recommend!!

PDC + PLANT MEDICINE + REGENERATIVE LIVING  

This unique course melds two broad interdisciplinary studies, exploring the impact the health of our environment directly has on our personal well-being, specifically working with and alongside medicinal plants. This 31-day course will cover regenerative lifestyle & design, integrated wellness and herbalism, community and social awareness by working with living plants and living people to cultivate resilience.

TZUNUNA, LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA       *       SEPTEMBER 16 - OCTOBER 17, 2020

Topics Covered:
Permaculture for the Herbalist’s Path includes a full 72+ hour Permaculture Design Certification course and an 80+ hour Herbal Studies course! We will be delving into many topics during our month together including:

Meta Themes: Anatomy & Physiology, Global Materia Medica, Botany, Phytochemistry, Mycology, Biology, Deep Ecology, Triple Bottom Line Business, Education Alternatives, Slow Food, Economics in Agriculture, Alternative Energies, Community Development, Herbalism in Action, Herbal First Aid and more!!

Full Curriculum:

The World Situation in regards to environment and health care  

What is Permaculture?: Ethics, Principles & Characteristics / What is Herbalism: Ethics, Practice and Community

Ecological System Basics & Bioregions / Human Ecology: Constitutions, Energetics and Basic Anatomy & Physiology

Design Methods & Map Reading / Patient Intakes and Basic Analysis

Climates, Elements & Microclimates

Zone 0: Bio-Architecture

Zone 1: Home Garden

Zone 2: Fruit Tree Forest; Animals & Orchards

Zone 3: Field Crops & Large Animals

Zone 4: Harvest Forests

Zone 5: Forests

Soil Science / Human Micro-Biome

Earthworks / Musculo-Skeletal System

Water Management / Genito-Urinary System

Plants to Trees & Trees to Forests / Bronchial-Pulmonary System / Windbreaks and Wind Corridors  

Patterns in Nature; Context (culture, climate, etc.) / Patterns in Health and Disease

Wildlife Management & Integrated Pest Management / Pathophysiology

Ethical Investment, Land Ethics and Access, Incomes from Acres / Medicine Making

Suburban & Urban Permaculture / Free Clinics, Street Medics and Herbalism as Activism

Ecovillages / Invisible Structure Models

Design for Disaster / Preventative Medicine

Workshops and Field Trips:
Tour of Atitlan Organics Permaculture Farm and food forest

Sharing circles and group activities

Compost making, biofermentation, and micro-organisms

Medicine making

Wild crafting

Plant spirit medicine meditation

Permaculture design group project focused on wellness

Garden design

Bio-char workshop

On-site analysis

Field trip to Quix’aya (“Heart of Water”), a self-organized Maya Permaculture-inspired community.

Field trip to the Fungi Academy

Plant meditation and lunar celebrations

Temezcal (Meso-American sauna)

Cacao party and Plant Prom!

Venue:
Located on the shore of Lake Atitlan in the Guatemalan highlands, Atitlan Organics is a 10-year old productive Permaculture farm. Since 2010 we have been cultivating edible greens, fruit, vegetables, herbs, eggs, chicken, ducks, dairy, honey, and medicinal plants. We firmly believe in Permaculture Principle #3: Obtain a Yield and we supply Lake Atitlan’s best restaurants and shops with our Permaculture greens, eggs, and chicken.

We are also deeply engaged with our local community and last year partnered with Wellkind Guatemala  implement Permaculture strategies and design to create a lasting positive impact in our community. Projects focus on the diversification of local coffee plots, the installation of Permaculture kitchen gardens, & natural building home improvements. You can read more about our Community Service Initiative here.

Course participants tap into all aspects of Atitlan Organics, learning both about the daily work of a fully-functional, productive Permaculture farm and how to use Permaculture design within the wider community to serve the needs of many. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to work alongside local farmers and families engaged in this work and experience life in a typical Mayan village. And it all takes place on the shores of the most beautiful lake in the world!

Accommodations:
We have teamed up with the Bambu Guest House to provide accommodations during your  stay in Tzununa.  The "Bambu" was opened in 2015 as a site to house our permaculture volunteers and students. As such, it was founded out of a deep commitment to meaningful and sustainable living.

You will settle into the rhythms of nature during your stay at the beautiful naturally-built hotel nestled into the mountains surrounding Lake Atitlan. Wake to the sounds of running water from the nearby stream and enjoy sunrise over the lake and volcanoes from your balcony; nourish yourself with organic and farm-fresh meals made with love by the warm and attentive kitchen staff; stretch out on the beautiful new deck; hike 15 minutes to the farm at Atitlan Organics to check out Permaculture in action; unwind with a hot shower and catch up with loved ones over wi-fi (or chill out with a book from our extensive library); and if you're lucky, catch a nighttime volcano show from Volcan Fuego.

Lodging is shared in light and spacious rooms, each one equipped with a private bathroom with hot water, a balcony overlooking the lake and volcanoes, and wi-fi. Communal space includes a comfy open-air lounge and dining room and a breath-taking yoga platform. Three vegetarian meals per day are provided.

To Learn More and Apply, Please Visit the Atitlan Organics Website! This course always fills up early. Please don't wait to reserve your spot!

FOUNDATIONS OF REGENERATIVE DESIGN
MARCH 14-28, 2020
Explore regenerative design through the lens of Permaculture and Natural Building. Over two weeks, participants will gain a thorough understanding of regenerative design theory and practice through hands on practical work, dynamic classroom presentations and workshops, engaging group discussions and activities, and epic field trips. Week 1 focuses on Permaculture, from the guiding principles and ethics to strategies and techniques for site design, soil building, holistic animal management, integrated water systems, social permaculture, and much more. Week 2 is all about Natural Building and covers design process, site analysis, natural building modalities, a wide variety of materials, appropriate technology, and more.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE DESIGN?
Regenerative Design is a holistic design process which understands that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. By working with the patterns and tendencies of nature, we are able to create integrated, harmonious designs which meet our current needs while providing a sustainable foundation for future generations. This course focuses on the possibilities provided through Permaculture and Natural Building, both of which offer potent strategies and techniques for achieving these ends.

During the first week, we will explore the foundations of Permaculture. There are literally hundreds of definitions of permaculture and as far as we are concerned, they are ALL VALID. A more technical approach to permaculture suggests that we mimic nature and natural patterns to design and implement ecosystems that meet our collective needs. A deeper definition considers the whole of human culture and suggests that permaculture is a tool for designing new ecological culture, considering the whole of the earth in all of its strategies.

Week two is deeply focused Natural Building and how the structures we inhabit can be designed to unite us with the natural world, rather than separate us from it. We will explore the larger implications behind Natural Building, such as how our homes can aid in the reduction of waste through the use of recyclable and renewable resources, and how we can create homes that are healthy living spaces. We will also dive into the nitty gritty of working with various Natural Building materials and techniques including adobe, cob, rammed earth, light clay straw, bajareque, and more.

WEEK 1: PERMACULTURE
*Class is 1/3 practical, 1/3 lecture and 1/3 field trips.

*Begin with the Permaculture ethics and Principles, as well as the design methodologies, which form the foundation of Permaculture education.

*Move on to earthworks and water, where we learn how to reharmonizes the relationship between land and water.

*Learn composting, soil building, and other fertility techniques to convert you waste into Black Gold.

*Plant propagation, cuttings, grafting, vegetable planting will turn you into a true plant ninja.

*Hands-on practical work in the community. Give back and leave a lasting impact while learning practical skills.

*Integrated animal systems and holistic care. Chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits, and more!

*Field trips to Mayan Permaculture sites, including a 1,000-person, 400-acre Mayan Permaculture paradise.

*Lectures and group activities on social Permaculture, biological businesses, and Permaculture in community.

WEEK 2: NATURAL BUILDING
*Class is a balanced mix classroom activities presentations, hands-on work, and excursions and workshops.

*Kick off with an introduction to natural building modalities, revisioning of home activity, and working with the elements.

*Learn how to handle and build with several different traditional natural materials, including adobe, cob, rammed earth, bamboo, light clay straw, bajareque, and more.

*Lessons in building structures from foundations to roofing systems.

*Natural building walking tour of Tzununa and San Marcos with builder Charlie Rendall.

*Work on a variety of sites throughout the community, interacting with the local community and exploring a variety of way to incorporate natural building into any site.

*Learn how to enhance your space with natural plasters and finishes.

*Create and present your own natural building design project.

YOUR STAY:
During the course participants will stay in the Bambu Guest House, a super beautiful eco-hotel in the indigenous village of Tzununa. Built from all local and natural materials, the Bambu embodies the principles of Permaculture and Natural Building. All guest rooms are big and bright, and come equipped with private bathrooms with hot water, wifi, comfy beds and balconies with hammocks and amazing views of Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes. The Bambu’s farm-to-table restaurant is supplied by Atitlan Organics and other local producers and serves 3 fresh, delicious meals a day plus snacks, dessert, tea and coffee. The Bambu Guest House proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand!

TICKETS AND REGISTRATION
The price of the full 2-week course is $1,195 and includes all course facilitation, field trips and excursions, and meals and lodging at the Bambu Guest House. Participants also have the option to register for only 1 week of the course (either Permaculture or Natural Building focus) for $695 per person.

MORE INFO / / / REGISTER HERE

FACILITATORS
ASHLEY MCDONELL: LEAD FACILITATOR, NATURAL BUILDING
Ashley was born on occupied Anishinaabe and Dakota land referred to as Minnesota. Her life at this time shifts with the seasons as she collects teachings, weaves communities and spreads the seeds that she has been given to sow. As a student of permaculture for the past 9 years she has had the privilege of learning from land based people throughout the americas, engaging with both traditional ecological knowledge and permaculture trainings. While immersed in the teachings of permaculture she found her niche in her practice as a Natural Builder. Ashley approaches this practice with respect for the elders and traditional cultures whose exploration of ecologically responsible construction offers her the modalities she works with today. Her work combines both the modern and ancient into a building practice that aims to create community based resilience through bioregionaly appropriate construction. Drawing from experiences in both the permaculture and natural building world she approaches sharing these skills from an informed place of pattern. With deep reverence for the natural systems that support our lives Ashley weaves song, story and practical knowledge into educational opportunities in the form of workshops and classes. If you would like to know more about Ashley, her studies and work, please contact her at roottorisedesign@gmail.com

SHAD QUDSI: LEAD FACILITATOR, PERMACULTURE
Shad has 15 years experience in organic and commercial gardening and farming. He is certified in Permaculture Design and has over 6 years experience in holistic site development and homesteading. Shad originally set out to study mathematics and work in big business, but long ago had a change of heart. He can now be found dancing in his garden in Tzununa. Aside from all of this, Shad is an enthusiastic teacher who truly believes in the work he is doing. Human resiliency cannot be erased from the landscape and now, it is coming back with a gentle loving caress.

NEAL HEGARTY: LEAD FACILITATOR, PERMACULTURE
Neal is from an Irish family with a background in dairy farming. He has worked in agricultural projects all over the world, including Australia and Colombia. He came to Guatemala four years ago to study write a thesis on the relationship between permaculture and traditional agricultural practices of the Mayan people. He has been here since and now works as a facilitator for Atitlan Organics and has founded his own Permaculture farm, Granja Tz’ikin. He specializes in combining the teaching of permaculture with a focus on wider socio-political issues, and on encouraging students to develop new ways of thinking about old problems. His interests include gardening, music, philosophy, cooking and laughing.

FOUNDATIONS OF REGENERATIVE DESIGN
JANUARY 11 - 25, 2020
Explore regenerative design through the lens of Permaculture and Natural Building. Over two weeks, participants will gain a thorough understanding of regenerative design theory and practice through hands on practical work, dynamic classroom presentations and workshops, engaging group discussions and activities, and epic field trips. Week 1 focuses on Permaculture, from the guiding principles and ethics to strategies and techniques for site design, soil building, holistic animal management, integrated water systems, social permaculture, and much more. Week 2 is all about Natural Building and covers design process, site analysis, natural building modalities, a wide variety of materials, appropriate technology, and more.

WHAT IS REGENERATIVE DESIGN?
Regenerative Design is a holistic design process which understands that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. By working with the patterns and tendencies of nature, we are able to create integrated, harmonious designs which meet our current needs while providing a sustainable foundation for future generations. This course focuses on the possibilities provided through Permaculture and Natural Building, both of which offer potent strategies and techniques for achieving these ends.

During the first week, we will explore the foundations of Permaculture. There are literally hundreds of definitions of permaculture and as far as we are concerned, they are ALL VALID. A more technical approach to permaculture suggests that we mimic nature and natural patterns to design and implement ecosystems that meet our collective needs. A deeper definition considers the whole of human culture and suggests that permaculture is a tool for designing new ecological culture, considering the whole of the earth in all of its strategies.

Week two is deeply focused Natural Building and how the structures we inhabit can be designed to unite us with the natural world, rather than separate us from it. We will explore the larger implications behind Natural Building, such as how our homes can aid in the reduction of waste through the use of recyclable and renewable resources, and how we can create homes that are healthy living spaces. We will also dive into the nitty gritty of working with various Natural Building materials and techniques including adobe, cob, rammed earth, light clay straw, bajareque, and more.

WEEK 1: PERMACULTURE
*Class is 1/3 practical, 1/3 lecture and 1/3 field trips.

*Begin with the Permaculture ethics and Principles, as well as the design methodologies, which form the foundation of Permaculture education.

*Move on to earthworks and water, where we learn how to reharmonizes the relationship between land and water.

*Learn composting, soil building, and other fertility techniques to convert you waste into Black Gold.

*Plant propagation, cuttings, grafting, vegetable planting will turn you into a true plant ninja.

*Hands-on practical work in the community. Give back and leave a lasting impact while learning practical skills.

*Integrated animal systems and holistic care. Chickens, goats, ducks, rabbits, and more!

*Field trips to Mayan Permaculture sites, including a 1,000-person, 400-acre Mayan Permaculture paradise.

*Lectures and group activities on social Permaculture, biological businesses, and Permaculture in community.

WEEK 2: NATURAL BUILDING
*Class is a balanced mix classroom activities presentations, hands-on work, and excursions and workshops.

*Kick off with an introduction to natural building modalities, revisioning of home activity, and working with the elements.

*Learn how to handle and build with several different traditional natural materials, including adobe, cob, rammed earth, bamboo, light clay straw, bajareque, and more.

*Lessons in building structures from foundations to roofing systems.

*Natural building walking tour of Tzununa and San Marcos with builder Charlie Rendall.

*Work on a variety of sites throughout the community, interacting with the local community and exploring a variety of way to incorporate natural building into any site.

*Learn how to enhance your space with natural plasters and finishes.

*Create and present your own natural building design project.

YOUR STAY:
During the course participants will stay in the Bambu Guest House, a super beautiful eco-hotel in the indigenous village of Tzununa. Built from all local and natural materials, the Bambu embodies the principles of Permaculture and Natural Building. All guest rooms are big and bright, and come equipped with private bathrooms with hot water, wifi, comfy beds and balconies with hammocks and amazing views of Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes. The Bambu’s farm-to-table restaurant is supplied by Atitlan Organics and other local producers and serves 3 fresh, delicious meals a day plus snacks, dessert, tea and coffee. The Bambu Guest House proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand!

TICKETS AND REGISTRATION
The price of the full 2-week course is $1,195 and includes all course facilitation, field trips and excursions, and meals and lodging at the Bambu Guest House. Participants also have the option to register for only 1 week of the course (either Permaculture or Natural Building focus) for $695 per person.

MORE INFO / / / REGISTER HERE

FACILITATORS
ASHLEY MCDONELL: LEAD FACILITATOR, NATURAL BUILDING
Ashley was born on occupied Anishinaabe and Dakota land referred to as Minnesota. Her life at this time shifts with the seasons as she collects teachings, weaves communities and spreads the seeds that she has been given to sow. As a student of permaculture for the past 9 years she has had the privilege of learning from land based people throughout the americas, engaging with both traditional ecological knowledge and permaculture trainings. While immersed in the teachings of permaculture she found her niche in her practice as a Natural Builder. Ashley approaches this practice with respect for the elders and traditional cultures whose exploration of ecologically responsible construction offers her the modalities she works with today. Her work combines both the modern and ancient into a building practice that aims to create community based resilience through bioregionaly appropriate construction. Drawing from experiences in both the permaculture and natural building world she approaches sharing these skills from an informed place of pattern. With deep reverence for the natural systems that support our lives Ashley weaves song, story and practical knowledge into educational opportunities in the form of workshops and classes. If you would like to know more about Ashley, her studies and work, please contact her at roottorisedesign@gmail.com

SHAD QUDSI: LEAD FACILITATOR, PERMACULTURE
Shad has 15 years experience in organic and commercial gardening and farming. He is certified in Permaculture Design and has over 6 years experience in holistic site development and homesteading. Shad originally set out to study mathematics and work in big business, but long ago had a change of heart. He can now be found dancing in his garden in Tzununa. Aside from all of this, Shad is an enthusiastic teacher who truly believes in the work he is doing. Human resiliency cannot be erased from the landscape and now, it is coming back with a gentle loving caress.

NEAL HEGARTY: LEAD FACILITATOR, PERMACULTURE
Neal is from an Irish family with a background in dairy farming. He has worked in agricultural projects all over the world, including Australia and Colombia. He came to Guatemala four years ago to study write a thesis on the relationship between permaculture and traditional agricultural practices of the Mayan people. He has been here since and now works as a facilitator for Atitlan Organics and has founded his own Permaculture farm, Granja Tz’ikin. He specializes in combining the teaching of permaculture with a focus on wider socio-political issues, and on encouraging students to develop new ways of thinking about old problems. His interests include gardening, music, philosophy, cooking and laughing.

Permaculture for Community Empowerment
MARCH 28 - APRIL 18, 2020 at LAKE ATITLAN, GUATEMALA

Join us for a unique Permaculture Design course which focuses on wellness, Permaculture, and regenerative community development as a path to create a thriving world for all. This cutting edge PDC combines the ecological understandings of Permaculture with the tools and wisdom of yoga, as it applies to community development to realize truly regenerative solutions. Using the convergence of self-care, earth-care, and community development we can design relationship-based systems which are sustaining to ourselves, the earth, and others around us. Come learn to leverage your potential to empower your life and the lives of others.

Taught by the amazing facilitators of Atitlan Organics and Awakened Spirit Yoga, this course awards participants both an internationally recognized certificate in Permaculture Design as well as a professional certification through Atitlan Organics and Awakened Spirit Yoga. In addition, yoga teachers qualify for 30 hours of continuing education credits with the Yoga Alliance. Perfect for: change makers who want to explore wellness as a path to more sustainable impact; farmers interested in exploring community wellness and community supported agriculture; community activists seeking a holistic model for change and broader impact; development workers who want to transform the ecological impacts of their projects; yoga teachers interested in creating an ecological foundation for their teaching and practice; and educators interested in integrating ecological and personal wellness into programs.



TOPICS COVERED
META THEMES: Permaculture philosophy & ethics / Design methodologies /  Aligning your everyday choices with your broader vision for a better world / Innovative and regenerative design as a path to empowering communities / Activating mindful leadership / Community living / Yoga and self-care as foundations that fuel regenerative change / Yoga and permaculture as synergistic approaches to creating meaningful impact in the world / Regenerative community supported agriculture / Practical regenerative living & more! / Daily Yoga Practice

WEEK 1 : SELF AS ECOSYSTEM
*Permaculture: Ethics, Principles, & History

*Regenerative Design Methodologies

*Permaculture Design for Integrated Self-Care Strategies.

*Exploring Self as Ecosystem

*Meditation for Mindful Observation of Ourselves and the World Around Us.

*Yoga as a Creative Response to Change

*Creating Healthy Relationships of Mutual Support and Empowerment.

WEEK 2 : EARTH CARE
*Connection to the Earth as a Path to Wellness

*Evaluate Ecological Considerations in Program Design

*Hands on Learning, Practicums and Techniques

*Composting, Soil, and Fertility Building.

*The Mantras of Water

*Seed Banks and Plant Propagation

*Sustainable Animal Systems and Wetlands Integration.

*Sustainable, Land-Based Community Business Opportunities

*Design for Climate Change and Resilience to Natural Disasters

WEEK 3 : THRIVING COMMUNITY
*Social Permaculture

*How to Bring your Permaculture Projects to Life

*Holistic Life and Project Design

*Foundations of Relationship Based Design

*Non-Violent Communication

*Visit Local Intentional Communities Utilizing Permaculture and Holistic Design.

*Visioning as a Powerful Catalyst for Personal and Global Transformation

*Invisible Structures and Community Based Alternatives

*Co-Create Group Design Projects Focused on Community Development

YOUR STAY
During the course participants will stay at the Bambu Guest House, a super beautiful eco-hotel in the indigenous village of Tzununa. Built from all local and natural materials, the Bambu embodies the principles of Permaculture and Natural Building. All guest rooms are big and bright, and come equipped with private bathrooms with hot water, wifi, comfy beds and balconies with hammocks and amazing views of Lake Atitlan and the volcanoes. The Bambu’s farm-to-table restaurant is supplied by Atitlan Organics and other local producers and serves 3 fresh, delicious meals a day plus snacks, dessert, tea and coffee. The skilled chefs are able to accommodate almost all dietary needs The Bambu Guest House proves that luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand!

PERMACULTURE IN THE COMMUNITY: OUR STORY
PLUG INTO A HIGH-IMPACT, PERMACULTURE INSPIRED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT!
Awakened Spirit Yoga and Atitlan Organics are collaborating with Wellkind to implement appropriate grass roots solutions that respond to the needs of the community, are self sustaining, and require minimal resource input in order to improve wellbeing among the indigenous population.  Using the lens of permaculture and regeneration, program activities are led by youth from the community and will result in improved nutrition and local economic development for families and farmers, and ecological restoration and diversification for the Lake Atitlan region.  During your training with us you will have an opportunity to contribute to our collective vision for a kinder, more well and equitable world. Your participation in this project is one of the ways we hope to create a net positive impact through responsible tourism and regenerative community development in the village and surrounding areas.

WHAT MAKES PERMACULTURE FOR HOLISTIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT UNIQUE?
This is the first Permaculture Design Certification course that we know of with a deep focus on community impact work and self-development, and which also provides continuing education credits with the Yoga Alliance.

Our unique approach presents a holistic framework for community empowerment. We have observed that most mainstream solutions value only one of the 3 crucial aspects of self-care, earth care, and community development, which leads to a fraction of a complete solution. Focusing solely on self-care leaves people desiring a deeper connection with their surroundings; focusing solely on earth care leaves one disconnected from their wider community; and focusing solely on community development can lead to burnout. Taken together, however, these three areas create the magic trifecta of healthy people, healthy land, and healthy communities.

TUITION AND REGISTRATION
Tuition for the course is USD $2,295 and includes all lodging, meals, course material and field trips. We encourage participants to register early to secure their spots! Those who pay in full by February 1, 2020 can use code EARLYBIRD to save $300.

MORE INFO   ///  REGISTER NOW

FACILITATORS
JULIA FOREST
Julia is an international yoga teacher, women’s health advocate, writer and closet artist who is passionate about health, environmentalism and yoga. She feels most at home wherever she rolls out her mat and finds inner peace and connection from a daily meditation practice. She created the Yoga Leadership and Permaculture Program, the first yoga teacher training program that combines yoga, mindfulness, permaculture and leadership to transform lives and communities.

With more than a decade of teaching experience, Julia believes that yoga comes alive when practiced in every moment. She shares wholeheartedly the many blessings that yoga has brought to her life. Her passion for yoga, social change, connection and community has lead her to share holistic yoga teachings in many countries around the globe.

SHAD QUDSI
Shad has more than 15 years experience in organic and commercial gardening and farming. He is in Permaculture Design and has over 9 years experience in holistic site development and homesteading. Shad originally set out to study mathematics and work in big business, but long ago had a change of heart. In 2010, Shad and wife Colleen founded Atitlan Organics Permaculture farm in the village of Tzununa. He can now be found dancing in his garden. Aside from all of this, Shad is an enthusiastic teacher who truly believes in the work he is doing. Human resiliency cannot be erased from the landscape and now, it is coming back with a gentle loving caress.

KRISTINE VANDERPLAS
Kristine is inspired by the healing power of nature, the beauty in the world around us and the immense wisdom held in our bodies. Her life journey has taken her around the world, driven by the curiosity of human interactions and the eco-systems in which humanity thrives. She is a facilitator of movement, meditation and transformative experiences. Her yoga practice is informed by a deep listening to the body – accessing the wisdom held within to contribute to growth and healing. She is captivated by the potential of nature to heal and spends a great deal of time in the wilderness and working with the elements. Kristine co-created Temple23, a spiritual healing and events center in Toronto in 2015, and has moved on to pursue her wanderlust and desire to live in deeper connection to nature.

For over 14 years, Kristine has contributed to global community development with a focus on youth. She has supported the strategic planning and implementation of several large international projects and continues to explore the intersection of creativity and sustainable change – searching for the most effective approaches for healing ourselves, our communities and this beautiful planet we call home.

Permaculture Design Certification at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 2019
August 17-31 / September 23 - October 18 (+ integrated Herbal Studies course) / December 1-15, 2019

Atitlan Organics is proud to offer these 90+ hour certification courses, which are internationally recognized with the full curriculum as laid out by Bill Mollison and Dave Holmgren, and filled with a mix of theoretical design methodologies and hands-on practical experience. Additional focus is also applied on permaculture-inspired, land-based, sustainable business development. Course content and training is applicable to all climate types and regions. Designed for aspiring design professionals, permaculturalists, farmers and gardeners, architects, engineers, scientists, and all other professionals who are interested in learning and promoting a more sustainable, nature-based approach to their work.  

In this course, participants will receive:
🌳 In-depth, dynamic classroom lectures and presentations on topics such as: The Permaculture Design Ethics and Principles, The Mantras of Water, Integrated Animal Husbandry, Soil and Earthworks, Social Permaculture, and much more!

🌳 The opportunity to work alongside local community members, putting Permaculture into action through service-based planting, diversification, and reforestation projects!

🌳 Hands-on practical classes including Permaculture Gardens; Intuitive Plant Propagation; Contours, Swale Building, and A-Frames, Animal Care and Respectful Harvesting; Sustainable Water Management; Food Forest Establishment and Care, and more.

🌳 EPIC field trips throughout the region to visit: Fungi Academy; Quix'aya, an indigenous Maya Permaculture community; IMAP (Instituto Mesoamericano de Permacultura), and more.

🌳 Wood-fired temezcal session (traditional Mayan sauna)

🌳 All lodging and accommodations over two sites (The Yoga Forest in San Marcos and Bambu Guest House in Tzununa), including 3 delicious meals a day plus snacks, coffee, tea, and dessert.

🌳 Internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate upon completion of course.


We have three different PDCs on offer for 2019:
Permaculture Design Certification with the Yoga Forest:
August 17 - 31, 2019
In addition to the full PDC curriculum, participants will receive optional daily yoga and meditation classes. LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE. Click here for MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Permaculture for the Herbalist's Path: Permaculture Design Certification + Herbal Studies Course with the Village Witch
September 23-October 18, 2019
This 4-week course combines a full PDC with an 80+ hours Herbal Studies course. Led by Sarah Wu and Lala Palmiere of the Village Witch project, participants will take a deep dive into integrated wellness, ecology, clinical herbalism, and Permaculture design. ONLY 2 SPACES LEFT! Click here for MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Permaculture Design Certification with the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute
December 1-15, 2019
In addition to the full PDC curriculum, participants will explore the Mayan cosmovision and indigenous, ancestral agriculture methods and techniques. This course always fills. Please register early to ensure your spot! Click for MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION




You can also check out our website for more info on Atitlan Organics and our courses: www.atitlanorganics.com

Permaculture Design Certification in Central America

Join us at one of Central America's leading Permaculture farms!

Studying Permaculture in Central America offers amazing opportunities to learn from indigenous cultures, rich natural patterns, and enormous diversity. Permaculture in Central America is representative of the edge effect or Edge Valuing Principle of Design. As one of the world’s centres of biodiversity, Central America attracts people from all over the world interested in learning through nature. Permaculture practices can be seen in action via the surviving indigenous traditions that are common in Central America.

This 90+ hour certification course is an internationally recognized course with the full curriculum, as laid out by Bill Mollison and Dave Holmgren, filled with a mix of theoretical design methodologies and hands-on practical experience. Additional focus is also applied on permaculture-inspired, land-based, sustainable business development. Course content and training is applicable to all climate types and regions. Designed for aspiring design professionals, permaculturalists, farmers and gardeners, architects, engineers, scientists, and all other professionals who are interested in learning and promoting a more sustainable, nature-based approach to their work.

The Details
Our next course runs April 6-20, 2019 at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala. Hosted by Atitlan Organics and the Yoga Forest, and including various site visits and field trips, participants learn to work with a variety of terrain and ecosystems.
USD 1495: All food, lodging, field trips and course materials are included in the price  
More info and registration at: www.atitlanorganics.com/permaculture-design-certification

Join us on beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala to learn Permaculture on a 9-year old working Permaculture farm!

Through a balanced combination of hands-on practicals and inspiring presentations, participants begin to see the world through a new lens. Every day will bring new insights, as connections are revealed and appreciation is gained for the amazing symbiosis that is possible between humans and the natural world. Great for both beginners and experienced permaculturalists alike, this course covers 70% of a regular PDC at a fraction of the cost! We believe you'd be hard-pressed to find as in-depth and inspiring a course out there at this value.



Through an balanced blend of practical work on the Atitlan Organics farm and interesting presentations and group discussions, participants gain a well-rounded and dynamic understanding of Permaculture. Over the course of the week we'll move from a big picture understanding of Permaculture, starting with the Permaculture Principles and Ethics, Permaculture Design Theory and Zones, and the Ecology of Permaculture, into a detailed approach of specific themes related to Permaculture. These include: Water Management and Storage; Efficient Capture and Use of Energy; Garden Bed Preparation and Care; Plant Propagation; Earthworks and working with Contour; Fertility, Soil Building and Compost; Food Forests and Wetlands; Animal Husbandry and Integrated Animal Systems; Social Permaculture, and MUCH MORE! On Friday, we'll take a field trip to the Meso-American Institute of Permaculture and the Kaq'chikel Maya village of Quixayá to see more amazing examples of Permaculture in action. It's really an amazing, fun, inspiring, and beautiful day of travel throughout Lake Atitlan and the surrounding region, and one of the highlights of the course! As you can see, it's an "Introduction" in name only. You'll finish the week not only inspired to enact change, but empowered with the specific skills and techniques necessary to do so.

We have 2 upcoming courses: January 13-19, 2019 and February 10-16, 2019
Our all-inclusive tickets covers course facilitation, materials, field trips, lodging and food for the week and is just $575!
For more info, go to www.atitlanorganics.com

Join us in one of the most beautiful places on earth, and learn all about Natural Building on one of our week-long workshops!


Houses and buildings are the "nuclei" of any site, through which the majority of energy and resources flow to be either wasted or maximized for best use. And yet, most permaculture courses barely touch on physical structures! We here at Atitlan Organics think that your house and other structures deserve a LOT more attention as integral and essential parts of your overall permaculture design. That's why we've teamed up with Abundant Edge to offer the Natural Building Course, a one-week course founded in the permaculture principles and covering all things natural building. From stone to cob to natural plasters, you'll learn a wide range of natural building styles and technique which can be put to use in any climate or region of the world. Learn how to reduce your footprint and maximize your efficiency all while creating beautiful, durable structures! We like to think of it as "Permaculture for Zone 0."

Each day is split into two parts: a hands-on practical in which you get the chance try out different techniques in natural building, and a classroom session which delves deep into topics such as stone foundations, building with cob, and troubleshooting design flaws.

We have two upcoming courses: January 20-26, 2019 and February 23-March 1, 2019.

For more info and registration, see www.atitlanorganics.com

Join us for an AMAZING two week Permaculture Design Certification Course in beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala! This is our 7th Annual PDC held in collaboration with the Mesoamerican Permaculture Institute, and it covers the full 90+ hour Permaculture Design curriculum as laid out by Bill Mollison and Dave Holmgren. We also explore ancestral wisdom through Mayan Cosmovision and indigenous practices, thoughtfully delving into the intersection between ancient practices and modern techniques to find a holistic paradigm for today's needs. Participants are exposed to new perspectives and theories which are grounded in real, practical hands-on work and strategies. Join us this December and become a Perma Ninja!

WHERE: Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
WHEN: December 2-16, 2018
COST: $1295
MORE INFO: www.atitlanorganics.com