The webpage for this event is now live:
richsoil.com/pdc.jsp
You guys, this is huge. And it's incredibly last minute. And it's damned near impossible. But it. Is. EPIC.
It's looking like we'll be hosting our vey own PRI certified Permaculture Design and Appropriate Technology courses this summer right here at the lab.
For those that are unfamiliar with those terms, here's a quick definition for you -
PDC stands for Permaculture Design Course, and it's an intensive hands on learning experience where you'll learn the fundamental basics of permaculture, and how they apply to various situations and landscapes.
An Appropriate Technology course has more to do with applying mechanical and engineering principles based on permaculture to common lifestyle requirements many people have - in other words, finding a way to heat your water, handle your waste water, heat your home, etc. more sustainably.
Paul would be playing host to
Tim Barker (of the Koanga institute in New Zealand) and
Howard Story (of Permaculture Institute Asia) during these two 2 week, intensive courses.
Here are the details:
- 18 spots available
- one 2 week PDC
- one 2 week AT course
Cost for PDC only - (includes camping)
$895
Cost for AT course only - (includes camping)
$1295
Cost for both courses - (includes camping)
$1,895
Dates:
PDC May 30 - June 11
AT June 13 - June 25
Location Information:
Wheaton Labs
Missoula Area, Montana
**specific location details are kept discreet, but upon purchase of your tickets, you will be given maps and directions to the exact location of the facilities**
Nearest Airport:
Missoula International Airport
If you need a ride from the airport, it's likely that a shuttle service can be arranged for you. Notify us in advance, and we'll get something worked out to get you here 
For those that may not be able to fly with sleeping bags and tents, there are a limited quantity available for borrowing at the Lab, and of course, you can always rent the Tipi, Wofati, or other structures for your stay to lighten your luggage.
Send payments via Paypal to howard.story@gmail.com
If you're traveling with family, there is a lot to do in the surrounding area this time of year, and Missoula is a very family friendly city
For starters, it will be huckleberry season! Depending on the weather, there could be some opportunities to harvest and enjoy some sweet and succulent huckleberries. There are also a lot of family friendly attractions in Missoula, like the carousel and museums, and of course, plenty of great restaurants and breweries for the parents to explore. Check out some fun things to do here.
Also be sure to check out the Missoula Farmer's Market on Saturdays - it's one of the best ones in the country, and a great way to stock up on foods for community meals at these courses!
What you can expect to learn in the PDC:
Day 1 Intro to Permaculture Ethics and Principals
Day 2 Design Concepts and Themes
Day 3 Methods of Design
Day 4 Patterns in Nature and their application
Day 4 Climates, Climatic Factors
Day 5 Trees and their Energies
Day 6 Soils-healthy, humus, clay, sand, horizons, soil biology, pH
Day 7 Break
Day 8 Water-rain, fresh, collection, storage and economics, grey-water, black water
Day 9 Earthworks- swales, ponds, dams, slopes
Day 10 Aquaculture- Efficiency, Aquaponics
Day 11 Alternative Nation - Community building, Eco community, Invisible Structures
Day 12 Natural Buildings- Adobe, Super Adobe, Wattle and Daub, Bamboo, Rammed Earth - Fun "Talent Night"
Day 13 Permaculture Design Presentations
Daily hands on Permaculture Learning by Doing - daily 4pm-6pm - Composting -Berkley 18 day and Cold methods, Heating with
compost, Topographical Maps and their use, Earthworks, and more TBA.
BioGas Design, use, application
Tour of Base camp and The Lab to be scheduled in as well
Some AT Course Topics (subject to change)
1.
Solar- (passive, heating, cookers, ovens, dryers. Panels, charging, storage, lighting, mobile powered units).
2.
Heating Temperate shelters - rocket stoves ( dimensions, materials, uses (hotwater, oven, cooking, mass heating). wood stoves, solar, thermal mass, insulation, floors, composting. Thermal mass greenhouses
3.
Cooling Tropical shelters - shade, wind, ground cooling ducts, orientation, thermal mass, roofs
4.
Water - filtering, purity, potibility, design, pumps, swales, ponds, drilled wells, collection systems, storage, IBC's, Grey water (recycling, uses, low cost methods, legal, productive uses)
5.
Sustainability - energy audits, home, farm, food security - measurement
6.
BioChar - production and use
7.
Compost Toilets - Types, designs, Humanure, urine, safety, regulation, reality.
Accommodations/Lodging
Tent camping at Wheaton Labs will be available for all participants. There are
composting restroom facilities and
showers nearby.
For those that are flying and may have trouble bringing tents or sleeping bags, there are a limited number available for you to borrow at Base Camp - check with a staff member to verify.
The tipi is a beautiful way to "glamp", and with a rocket mass heater cob bench, it's cozy too!
If you would like to stay in one of the structures located on site, you can do so for additional fees - refer to the SEPPers Program thread for more information on rates, booking, and available accommodations.
Please email Destiny at destinyATrichsoilDOTcom with additional questions, or to book your stay! Deep discounts have been offered up on renting these structures for those that attend the PDC and/or AT course:
Slumber party at cooper cabin - Wofati with a rocket mass heater for 17 nights only $200 and 35 nights for only $380. This is a killer deal to experience a wofati and you get to socialize with other permies!
(12 spots available.)
The Tipi - With a rocket mass heater - 17 nights for $400 and 35 nights for $740.
Allerton Abbey - Wofati with a rocket mass heater - 17 nights for $800 and 35 nights for $1500
The Love Shack - 17 nights for $300 and 35 nights for $560
Attend the PDC and/or the AT and you get to stay in a Wheaton Labs structure for the lowest price ever!
Meals/Cooking
Please note that no meals will be provided - you will be responsible for feeding yourself. In the past, many PDC participants have cooked together in common areas. Base Camp does have propane cooking implements available, and primitive outdoor cooking is often a fun and engaging part of the PDC experience with your fellow classmates.
Meet the Instructors
Tim Barker - Appropriate Technology Tutor, Koanga Institure in New Zealand
Tim has come a long way since his days as a diesel fitter mechanic and now spends his time between Australia and New Zealand (and sometimes the US) as a semi professional pyromaniac and mad scientist teaching people how to burn stuff and make really cool machines and devices for low carbon living. He currently teaches Appropriate technology for the Koanga institute in New Zealand and Very Edible Gardens (VEG) in Melbourne to name a few
He has previously been farm manager for the Permaculture research Institute of Australia, power station operator/mechanic, Adventure guide and professional turtle wrestler. His rocket stove and char making powered hot water systems, ovens and cookers reflect his passion for elegant simple and durable combustion technologies, other projects include gravity powered water pumps, solar thermal cookers and dryers , Pedal powered washing machines, cargo bikes, hovercraft, wooden boats and aquaponics to name a few. When he is not tinkering he can be found on Macleay island off the coast of Queensland Australia where he and his family live and are currently in the process of building a rammed earth house (with maybe a little sailing thrown in).
He is particularly well known for his safe and effective rocket hot water heating system. Here is Geoff Lawton explaining the system Tim designed and built for PRI Australia.
He brings practical, hands on experience with some truly fascinating projects to the table - this from the Koanga institute "He has the practical knowledge and skills to construct almost any project with limited resources." We're thrilled to have him instructing at our facilities!
Howard Story - Internationally acclaimed instructor for Permaculture Institute Asia
Howard is a permaculture consultant, designer and teacher with a formal training in Natural resource economics, engineering and permaculture-based regenerative whole systems design. He currently runs the Thailand chapter of the Permaculture Institute Asia, and his PDCs have laid the foundation for several other programs. His background and training is extensive, and he is considered one of the world's leading PDC instructors.
Howard trained extensively in USA, Canada and Asia where he took his PDC’s, followed by: Permaculture Earthworks, Permaculture Teacher Training, Permaculture Aid Worker Training and a permaculture internship in Thailand. He has worked all throughout Asia on several permaculture design projects, from Laos to Cambodia, and is considered the foremost permaculture authority for the region.
Howard’s PDC’s serves as foundation for everyone interested in Permaculture. The PDC is a prerequiste for Internships and the Diploma in Permaculture Design, offered through The Permaculture Institute Asia. Credit for this course is now also accepted by a growing number of universities around the world. To date, thousands of permaculture designers worldwide have been certified through this course, and it has no doubt paved the way for more people to spread the education and practices of permaculture.
Howard is considered one of the world's leading PDC instructors, and we are extremely lucky to be hosting him at Wheaton Labs this summer as part of this PDC.
Check out Jessie's thoughts here on the last PDC at Wheaton Labs with Howard Story!
Additional Guest Instructors
Erica Wisner
Dave Hunter
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