Permaculture Designers Course
July 17 - August 1
Stelle, Illinois
Presented by David Blume from the International Institute for Ecological Agriculture
Sponsored by Center for Sustainable Community
Permaculture - The Critical Link?
It is becoming more and more
apparent to the American populace that we need to continue to find better ways
to grow healthier food while reducing or eliminating the use of herbicides,
pesticides and fertilizers. Caring for our land, air and water is an essential
component in our quest for more wholesome and nutritious foods as well as our
entire lifestyle.
But what if there were a way that we could not only grow vibrantly healthy
foods, but do so while serving many other benefits at the same time?
For instance:
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What if we could create a secure and healthy income for the farmers, their families and the workers they hire, all while reducing or eliminating chemical inputs? |
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What if we could stop soil erosion completely, and instead nurture the soil, building it year after year, thus leaving a secure legacy for our grandchildren and children? |
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What if we designed and operated our building and energy systems more in harmony with nature such that we conserved more of the energy nature provides and were able to produce our own energy for transportation and heating from the land upon which we live? |
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What if we could minimize flooding and hold excess water for dryer times, thus minimizing the effects of drought as well? |
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What if we could restore abundant wildlife and natural diversity and rebuild our forests, without interfering in our food production or negatively impacting our economy? |
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What if we could revive our rural economies and communities through a healthy resurgence of the family farm thus providing incentive for the younger generation to remain on the farm? |
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What if we recreated a form of community living where we worked cooperatively to raise food, building materials, and produce fuels. People could be involved part time to secure their basic needs, then be free to pursue their other dreams and joys. |
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And one last thing, what if
we created all this and as a result the people involved no longer felt
overwhelmed, alone or concerned about their future or security? |
This is what permaculture is
about. It is the art and science of ecologically designing human beings' place
into the environment. It is about the care of people, the care of the planet and
the commitment to produce no pollution by turning all byproducts or excess into
something that can be used by either plants or animals. It marries indigenous
wisdom with scientific understanding.
It sounds simple. It is simple. All that is missing is information, desire and
commitment. The practical nature of a permaculture design system leaves one
wondering why everyone on earth does not implement these principles in their
daily lives today.
15 Day Permaculture Design Certification Course
The International Institute for Ecological
Agriculture (IIEA) is experienced in offering premier courses in permaculture
design. Not one, but over a half dozen experts carefully lay out the
possibilities and the practical solutions to creating an ecological living
system that is not only sustainable in its operation but profitable as
well. David Blume (lead instructor and permacultural pioneer) has proven his
acumen in permaculture by operating a three-acre farm for 10 years that netted
$75,000 per year. The land was not located in some fruited valley but was
hillside scrubland on a 30 degree slope. If he can do it, so can you.
Permaculture is a method of ecosystem design and management that serves to
consciously maximize the abundance of an ecosystem. Using Permaculture
principles, the designer first observes, then utilizes (and in some cases
modifies) the inherent patterns of land, weather, and water flow to optimize
their relationship. In such a design any surplus produced is used either for the
benefit of the people managing the system or it is returned to the ecosystem to
further its enrichment. Permaculture provides sensible methods to rehabilitate
degraded and damaged ecosystems, and in their place establish plant systems for
our own use on the least amount of land we can use for our existence. In
Permaculture design, everything is a resource, nothing is wasted. There is no
need for synthetic chemical or fertilizer inputs because the balanced ecosystem
eliminates their need. In a higher sense, Permaculture can be viewed as
conscious manipulation of an ecosystem to produce a balanced, harmonious
relationship between human needs and the needs of nature.
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Day Permaculture Certification Training Whether you want to add Permaculture skills to your already existing landscaping, farming, ranching, environmental, teaching or building business, start a Permaculture business, help communities to feed themselves efficiently, earn a decent income on your own land or just garden and live this lifestyle in your own backyard, this class promises to be life-changing! This is the class where you will learn every facet of Permaculture and ecological agriculture from the best in the field. (Permaculture is a copyrighted word and in order to use the word for your own personal needs, you must be certified). I.I.E.A.’s course is the most extensive, in depth, hands-on and personal; after a full day of learning, relaxed evenings often bring even more presentations. The entire group will practice their new skills through the creation of a group Permaculture design on-site. This course is rich enough in material for professionals yet presented in an easily comprehended format for the lay student. Registration is limited, as are some scholarships. The full course fee for the course is $1,477 which includes virtually all organic vegetarian meals, camping facilities (limited lodging available), good vibes and camaraderie. Price: $1477.00 |
Click here to learn more about Permaculture and the July course
About Dave Blume: In 1993 Dave founded the International Institute for Ecological Agriculture (IIEA), which has trained and certified more than 450 participants in its two week residential Permaculture Design Course since 1996. In 1994 he started Our Farm, a community supported agriculture (CSA) experiment which at its peak fed 450 people from two acres, most of which was a terraced 35 degree slope, without industrial technology, and while also hosting over a 9 year period more than 200 live-in interns and apprentices from all over the world. In 1999 Dave began holding Permaculture Design Courses for the Blackfeet Nation of Indigenous Americans in Montana. Dave is a master of balancing the budgets of Permaculture projects. For instance: undoing the $250,000 deficit of the 1600 acre Hidden Villa Farm and Wilderness Preserve. In 1990 Dave worked with the Nauhautl people of central Mexico to develop a system which would use agricultural pollution (coffee pulp) in local rivers as a medium for growing oyster mushrooms. The Nauhautl Cooperative now produces more than 200 kilos of mushrooms daily. Affectionately referred to as "Farmer Dave", Blume has spoken before numerous conferences and groups, and has testified before various agencies on issues related to land and democracy. For more information on Dave and his work visit the website for the International Institute for Ecological Agriculture at http://www.permaculture.com.