An Introduction to Permaculture (3 hours)

Permaculture is a design system for creating a sustainable local quality of life while minimizing the need for materials and energy. Developed by two Australians over thirty years ago, permaculture is now practiced all over the planet, and it is the most advanced design concept available for creating gardens, landscapes, and ecosystems. It teaches us how to use plants, animals, and the landscape in an efficient manner that improves our quality of life. It also helps design sustainable buildings and societies that can prosper easily and efficiently for centuries while minimizing energy and materials use. In this orientation, learn about this perspective and the five Permaculture courses offered over the next year. The Permaculture series  will help you turn your home, yard and community, into a vibrant bird- and butterfly-filled space, resplendent with gourmet vegetables and fruits.

NOTE: This class is highly recommended, but is not a required prerequisite for all other Permaculture classes.

The other classes in the Permaculture series are: Basics of Permaculture (required for future courses), Designing Bountiful Gardens Using Permaculture (5 classes in the fall), Greening our Homes and Communities (5 classes in the winter), Restoring Nature (3 classes in the spring), and the Designer's Certificate Tutorial and Graduation (2 classes in the summer). Students who complete all of the classes are eligible for a Permaculture Designer’s Certificate.

Instructors

Shawn McFarland, AIA, LEED AP has been a registered architect for over 25 years, practicing all phases and types of construction. She became a certified permaculture designer in 2000, and has been practicing green architecture since that time, specializing in ecologically efficient design.

Cas Vanwoerden is an engineer who co-founded Animal Farm Permaculture Center and Market Farm in Cat Spring, which is completely off the energy grid, and uses solar energy for its electricity needs (see www.trcat.com/animalfarm ).  Cas received his Permaculture Designers Certificate in 1994.

Date: Tuesday September 15, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

Location: Urban Harvest Classroom

Price: $10.00

To register: Call Urban Harvest at 713-880-5540 during our office hours. Please register at least three business days before the class.