WiserEarth Area of Focus Suggestions

A Certificate Course for Urban and Rural Residents, Planners, Land Managers & Design Professionals. This training covers the fundamentals of ecological design, given by two of the country's most experienced permaculture instructors, and many local guests. Join us at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Ranch in Woodbourne, New York. Upon completion, attendees will receive a Permaculture Design Trainee Certificate from the Permaculture Institute.

Course topics include:

• Re-Localizing Food Production
• Organizing Eco-Neighborhoods
• Simple Steps Toward Sustainable Lifestyles and Communities
• Natural Building & Property Development
• Adding Beauty & Value to Your Home
• Strategies for Energy Descent & Peak Oil
• Green Business Strategies and Finding your Right-Livelihood Career

Who should take this course: The Permaculture Design Course has transformed the lives and enhanced the careers of thousands of architects, landscapers, community developers, social workers, city planners, teachers, students, farmers, gardeners, homeowners, business owners and others. It's for anyone serious about creating a sustainable future! Permaculture principles apply to any scale of design, to highly urbanized areas, suburbs, and rural communities and properties.

Teachers:

TOBY HEMENWAY is the author of Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture, Scholar-in-Residence at Pacific University, and adjunct professor at Portland State University. He is Director of the Center for Pattern Literacy and Field Director for the Permaculture Institute (USA). Toby is the former editor of Permaculture Activist Magazine, and his articles have appeared in Fine Gardening, Natural Home, Whole Earth Review, and other national magazines.

LARRY SANTOYO is Vice President of the Permaculture Institute (USA), Co-director of The Terra Foundation, and is the founder of the MicroVillage Network. He has taught environmental design at colleges and universities nationwide including UC Berkeley and California State PolyTechnic University. For over twenty years, he has assisted private individuals in the design and construction of "Home Ecosystems" and has assisted companies in developing industrial ecologies and sustainable business practices.

PLUS David Jacke and other local experts and guest speakers to be announced.

Cost:  depending upon lodging choices; $1450 for tuition, food, class materials, and tent space.
Note: $250 non-refundable deposit required to guarantee your space.