Introduction to Permaculture

Permaculture is a powerful design framework for ecological and sustainable problem solving. It can help humans create “permanent agricultural systems” and “permanent culture”.

In this 8 week course we will dive into the ethics and principles of permaculture. Students will learn about real life examples of permaculture design and how to apply it themselves!

Each week we will look at a case study, learn about an important element in permaculture, and discuss two of Permaculture’s design principles in detail. The class is lecture and discussion based. Students will view and participate in an image and video filled presentation while being encouraged to ask questions and think both creative and critically!

In addition to our live meetings, there will be extra videos and articles posted in the classroom each week for students to delve deeper into the topics. 

There are no prerequisites for this course, just curiosity and a willingness to explore!

WEEK ONE
- Overview
- Design Processes
- Ethics (Earth Care, People Care, and Future Care)

WEEK TWO
- Trees
- Observe and interact
- Catch and store energy

WEEK THREE
- Water
-Obtain a yield
- Apply self-regulation and accept feedback

WEEK FOUR
- Soil
- Use and value renewable resources and services
- Produce no waste

WEEK FIVE
- Fungi
- Design from patterns to details
- Integrate rather than segregate

WEEK SIX
- Earthworks
- Use small and slow solutions
- Use and value diversity

WEEK SEVEN
- Food Forests
- Use edges and value the marginal
- Creatively use and respond to change

WEEK EIGHT
- Putting it all together