Permaculture is a design system to create sustainable, abundant and efficient human habitats by integrating insights from ecology, organic gardening, indigenous farming practices, architecture, agroforestry and economics. It involves attention to factors such as wind, water and sun exposure, with extensive use of composting, mulching and integrated pest management, reducing the need for chemicals and fuel, supporting local farmers while lowering carbon emissions.  But iti is much more than just gardening.  Permaculture design encompasses all the elements necessay for human communities.  Food, energy, shelter, water, waste, health, legal systems and livelihood will be included in our discussion on creating lasting communities.  Local practitioners will share their real life stories. 

Originated in Australia during the 1970s, permaculture has been applied successfully to temperate, tropical, desert and cold climates. It is a global grassroots movement to build a sustainable world culture, based on ecological science, cooperation and respect, responding to global climate change and bringing individuals-including city dwellers-into closer connection with nature.

Urban Permaculture: An area of focus in this intensive course is application of permaculture principles to urban and suburban areas -turning available open space, backyards, patios and rooftops into productive gardens requiring little watering and no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, while maximizing energy efficiency, conserving water and building community by supporting neighborhood gardens, local farmers- markets and food co-ops. Co-housing, green building and the use of consensus planning in community projects also are addressed.

The curriculum includes examination of:

* history, ethics and principles of permaculture;

* human relationship to climate, energy & food;

* conservation techniques: long-term approaches to soils, water systems and waste;

* systems and site analysis: traditional and modern ways to look at land;

* housing and community: shelter, household and ownership issues;

* health and wellness: finding balance as individuals;

* rethinking economics in light of real impacts of how we live and consume;

and much more!

The course involves site visits to a community gardens to see permacultural projects in action, group projects, presentations and reviews of work. Thisis an opportunity to become a certified practitioner of this exciting, inspiring approach to authentic "green living."

Structure: Themes of permaculture theory and practice, with hands-on application, are explored in nine full-day sessions, for a total of 72 hours, meeting on Saturdays from 9am-7pm.

SCHEDULE:
July 19, Aug 16, Sept 6, Sept 13, Sept 20, Sept 27, Oct 18, Oct 25, Nov 1

PAYMENT OPTIONS:

Pay in Full
08S36TAI
Members $1180/ Nonmembers $1225

Payment Plan:
08S36TBI
Members $1255/ Nonmembers $1300

EARLY BIRD SPECIAL (expires June 19)
(Pay in Full)
Members $1080/ Nonmembers $1125
[CLICK TO REGISTER]

For more information about this certificate program, please call Maria Rodriguez, Open Center Manager of Academic and Professional Programs, at 212.219.2527 ext. 135.

Claudia Joseph, holder of two permaculture design certificates and a diploma of permaculture, formerly with the horticulture department of Merritt College in Oakland, CA, is now a NYC-based environmental educator and permaculture consultant. Currently the lead designer for projects at the Old Stone House and MS 51 Partnership Gardens and designing a garden at Inwood Hill Nature Center based on Native American healing traditions, Claudia has taught at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, manages her own edible and organic landscaping business, and is President of the Garden of Union, a unique communal garden in Park Slope, Brooklyn, with links to the Park Slope Food Coop.