[act-ma] 9/15 & 9/16 : "Introduction to Permaculture" in Boston

[Patrick Keaney]

SPACES STILL AVAILABLE!

"Introduction to Permaculture" Weekend Course

When:  Saturday/Sunday, September 15-16, 2007 - 8:30a-6p

Where:  58 Hobart St., Brighton, MA 02135 (accessible by T)

What:  A 2-day introductory course led by noted Permaculture instructor
Dick Pierce and local experts, offering practical training and skills in
sustainable living. We will cover design principles, techniques, and
mind-sets that can easily be applied to your home, workplace, and
community to help you live well and joyously, in the city, suburbs, or
country, but with less energy, less consumption, and a smaller/kinder
ecological footprint.  Classes are from 8:30a-6p both days, with lunch
provided.

Joann Whitehead, Director of the Master Urban Gardening program at 
Boston Natural Areas Network, will discuss local food and urban organic 
agriculture.

Carol Steinfeld, a local expert on composting toilets, will be
presenting a workshop.  More info at http://www.carol-steinfeld.com/.

Pat Keaney, co-founder of Green Grease Monkey 
(www.greengreasemonkey.com), will talk about alternative energy options.

Who: Basics for those starting out and new material for experienced
hands - homeowners, renters, apartment dwellers; gardeners,  organic
consumers; land developers, city planners, architects, teachers

Why: To learn techniques, tools, and ideas to…

- Mimic Nature – starting with Nature’s patterns/strategies, incorporate
in your designs
- Tools for patient, long-term observation of your unique local habitat
- Solutions/designs for Urban/Suburban New England: climate, soil,
water, trees, biomass, etc.
- Manage and effectively use/re-use water
- Build an herb spiral
- Learn about soils, build a compost pile, see a composting toilet
- Buying and growing food locally in small spaces, with little
time/energy/money
- Encourage natural cycles: plants, animals, etc.
- Homes and landscapes that serve people, attract wildlife, and create
restorative habitat.
- Implement landscapes that are self-tending.
- Alternate/renewable energy: biofuels, solar, etc.

Additional topics include:

· Ecosystems
· Ecology
· Microclimates
· Edible landscape
· Waste
· Wastewater
· Trees & Forests
· Soil
· Erosion Control
· Water harvesting
· Aquaculture/Animals
· Gardening
· Urban strategies
· Chickens
· A culture of cooperation

For more information, visit http://www.austinprogressivecalendar.com and
then click on "Permaculture" or e-mail DickPierceDesigns at gmail.com or
patkeaney at gmail.com.

Cost: for two-day course = $120, which includes vegetarian/vegan lunch
both days, but scholarships are available.

Family Plan – 2 or More
Student/Teacher Discount
Low-income scholarships