Anthony Robertson

I am not sure if you go through this, but remember to educate your students on developing in forests or around trees. Many people in this field do this, and the construction often 1. Kills the surrounding trees which often takes years before the destruction is seen and 2. They cut more than a third of the roots and the tree falls over in the wind which can be very dangerous. I know that building small is important for energy efficiency, but if designed properly some straw bail, hemp, cob and other houses can be standard North American size with tremendous self sufficiency. My last point would be to not promote off grid electricity. I learned this some time ago and it took me for a shock. It was explained that if we all went off grid the amount of batteries used would be worse than most if not all mass energy production methods. The solution would be to have a decentralized grid where everyone produces at least the amount they consume on their property that hooks up to the entire grid rather than having a central station. On grid, but producing your own electricity is a step towards decentralization. It sounds like an amazing program you have going and I would love to learn more about it. I will soon be taking a 5 month 'Sustainable Design and Construction' course on alternative building before I start my design firm.  

Hi everyone, I suppose you can see this, but my name is Anthony Robertson. I am just starting my career in permaculture and wonder how many people would be interested in hiring a few specialists to come teach a course in Southern Ontario. I was thinking along the lines of Earthworks, Permaculture Advanced Soils, Animal Systems etc. Let me know if you are interested and we can get something booked!

You are in the same position I was from 16 till now (19). I have so much information for you it is unbelievably difficult. I took a PDC right after high school, and have been woofing every summer. I looked for internships, diplomas or anything to help get me started, nothing. I got a degree in Ecosystem Management while still looking for better Permaculture resources. I ended up finding a few. 1. Pacific Rim College. I haven't been, so I have no say on the quality of work but they offer an 11 month Diploma program on the cost of British Columbia. I am from Ontario currently doing a permaculture design internship in Quebec with P3 Permaculture. From them I found other teachers in the area that specialize in soils, earthworks, mycology ect. I am a science person like you. Very analytical and factual. I learned if you can find an internship and take all the available courses you will not need a Diploma in permaculture. Although its a struggle to get them all. Do not give up though. I studied the environment for 4 years with a Specialist Major in High School and my diploma doing through restoration, ecology, wildlife monitoring ect ect. My point is, no practice I have ever come across is more advanced and impactful as permaculture. Due to both their superior practices and the fact that it benefits the permies, not just the environment. You cannot save the world without a large backing.

If you are in Ontario or Quebec let me know here and I can send you all the resources I have. I also hope to bring a few courses from some specialists to Ontario if we can get enough people on board. Earthworks and Advanced Permaculture Soils are the two I am looking at most.