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Our introductory course is designed to impart basic principles and methodologies of sustainable ecological design. The course will cover the standard Permaculture Design Course curriculum with emphasis on urban, low-impact design and sustainable community development.
Combining their various skills in permaculture, urban sustainability, natural building, and community development, Mike Broili, Jonathan Scherch, and guest lecturers will share a holistic approach to design across the six-day, three-weekend, course. Through lecture, discussion, observation, field trips, and hands-on learning, participants will develop the practical skills and knowledge to design and implement sustainable systems in harmony with the natural world.
More specifically, our course will cover many themes such as:
Mapping and "green building", low-impact site development, including innovative stormwater surfaces-for-salmon, windbreaks, space-efficient food production, composting, food forestry and plant guilds, etc.
The term "permaculture" was coined in 1978 by Australian Bill Mollison as a contraction of "permanent agriculture" or "permanent culture". The term today represents the conscious design and maintenance of cultivated ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. This system of design applies ecological principles and appropriate technologies to gardening, food production, shelter, water, energy, community development, alternative economic systems, and other aspects of contemporary living.
A land use system that works with nature’s rhythms and patterns, permaculture creates a stable society by utilizing resources in a sustainable way. By designing systems that are ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible, permaculture offers a critical methodology for both rural and urban environments.
Natural Building is an emerging field combining ancient building practices with modern day technologies. This includes building processes that utilize straw bales, cob (earth and straw), and other alternative materials. These techniques empower people with no building experience to design and build their own homes, including systems for building siting, solar orientation and design, and complementary landscape techniques.
Course graduates will be certified as Permaculture Design Trainees, and after two years of experience will be eligible for a Diploma of Applied Permaculture Design. Graduates may use the term "Permaculture" in pursuit of livelihood and for educational purposes.
Michael brings over 30 years of experience including project design and management, graphic and physical systems design, mapping, contracting, marketing and research. He has designed and managed a wide range of local, national and international projects. Certified in permaculture and sustainable building design, he offers his experience and network of contacts across the whole systems design community.
A certified permaculture designer and teacher, Jonathan's background includes 15+ years of sustainable community organizing and development initiatives, place-based appropriate technology design and applications, and teaching across five universities. He is also a Core Faculty member of the Graduate Programs in Environment & Community at Antioch University Seattle and a Returned United States Peace Corps Volunteer (Jamaica, 1991-93, Community Development Sector).
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