WS Sandbox

Offered: Saturday, July 5 - Tuesday, July 8

Location: Commonweal Garden, Bolinas

Instructors: Art Ludwig , Penny Livingston-Stark and Brock Dolman

Delve into the magic and miracle of water

Water is the Element of life on Planet Water and the conservation of native ecosystems swimming, crawling, flying and walking with biodiversity is absolutely dependent upon hydrologically intact watersheds.

Join this stellar cast of instructors for a unique workshop on the miracle and magic of water. Learn how to move water on the landscape in ways that heal the earth, eliminate flooding and build soil. Come play, explore and discover how dynamic natural systems operate.

The course will explore:

- Principles of ecological design and the function of wild natural water systems

- Water site assessment and mapping, and water testing: dissolved solids, flow, general and fecal coliforms, turbidity surveying elevations, calculating water pressure on gravity fed systems

- Water systems design: a look at Commonweal Garden's water supply

- Fundamentals of grey water design

- Wastewater systems as examples and for hands on experience

- Basins of Relations, "Thinking Like a Watershed"

- Design clinic: Bring a background site map, photos and site assessment from your own project for possible use in this clinic

Helpful Preparation

The more of the background info below you understand (or have been exposed to) before coming, the more you will get out of the workshop.

The following is worth reading all the way through:

* Principles of Ecological Design (article)
* Water quality testing (download)
* Greywater site assessment/system checklist (PDF)
* Eco Home Checklist ( doc)
* Water Storage (book)
* The New Create an Oasis with Grey Water (book)

This stuff will add more depth if you can scan or read any of it:

* Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands (book)
* Stub outs
* Eco village house
* Common grey water mistakes
* Wild Water Wisdom (article)
* Stub outs & collection plumbing checklist (PDF)

Course Logistics:
The workshop starts at 5pm on Saturday, July 5, and ends at 5pm on Tuesday, July 8. On-site camping and organic meals are included in the course fee. We recommend arriving by 4pm on Saturday to set up camp and get oriented to the site.

Course Fees:
Includes onsite camping and delicious organic meals

$350 Full Tuition, registered and paid in full by June 27

$300 Early Bird Special, registered and paid in full by June 6

Special Fee:
Register for both the Water Wizardry and Natural Systems Design & Introduction to Cob and Earthen Construction workshops

$600 Full Tuition, registered and paid in full by June 27

$550 Early Bird Special, registered and paid in full by June 6

Refund Policy
Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course begins will be refunded, excluding a $50 processing fee. No refunds are given after this time.

How to Apply
Register on-line and pay via credit card or register and pay via check by downloading this form and sending it to the address below:

Regenerative Design Institute
P.O. Box 923
Bolinas, CA 94924

For questions or additional information, contact:
415·868 9681 voicemail or email us