Permaculture is revolution disguised as gardening.
Mike Feingold, Permaculture Teacher at Findhorn
When asked to visualize sustainable living, many of us imagine a farm-like setting with acres of land and plenty of natural resources. But within five years, half of the world's population will live in cities.
Permaculture offers innovative answers to the question: "How can we provide for food, shelter, energy, water and other needs, sustainably, in an urban setting?". Most often discussed in terms of food and gardens, permaculture can be a tool for transforming culture as well. Some of the strategies and concepts used are ancient, some are high tech, but all are based on the way nature designs ecosystems.
Starting this weekend, LA Eco-Village will host the first part of a 3-month permaculture course. For two weekends a month, from January through March, this course will cover topics from water catchment to non-violent communication, from alternative currencies to building with cob.
Scott Horton, a permaculturist, eco-artist and writer living in the San Jacinto Mountains, will lead the course. Editor of Permaculture Activist magazine, Horton has taught at permaculture centers around the country, including The Farm in Summertown, Tenn., the Permaculture Institute of Northern California, Portland Oregon Community Colleges, the Lama Foundation in Taos, NM, and in Mexico at Organi-K and Tierra Viva community.
Guest presenters include Kat Steele, founder of the Urban Permaculture Guild, based in San Francisco, and Dr. Bill Roley, long time environmental teacher, consultant, and founding director of the Permaculture Institute of Southern California, based in Laguna Beach.
This complete permaculture design certification course will focus on creative, pro-active design strategies for urban environments.
The course will meet at L.A. Eco-Village, 117 Bimini Place, Los Angeles, on Saturdays and Sundays: Jan. 13 - 14 and 27 - 28, Feb. 3 - 4 and 24 - 25, and Mar. 10 - 11 and 24 - 25. Reservations are required; direct RSVPs and questions to Lois Arkin at crsp@igc.org or 213/728-1254.
