Teaching Children Permaculture With Kelly Hogan

 Interview  1 Response »
Jul 252012
 

 

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The guest for this episode is Kelly Hogan, head of the Mother Earth School in Portland, Oregon and an instructor for the Advanced Teacher Training in Youth and Child Permaculture Education.

Kelly explains, from place as a Waldorf teacher, how she operates the Mother Earth School program while guiding children throughout the year in an outdoor environment. She also shares a rough telling, which turns out beautifully, of a story she is working on, and also discusses the Advanced Permaculture Teacher Training in Teaching Children and Youth Permaculture, which she teaches alongside her partner Matt Bibeau and Patty Parks-Wasserman.

During our conversation I kept thinking of Richard Louv, his book Last Child in the Woods, and the idea of Nature Deficit Disorder. That lead to further research on my part while editing this show. If you are interested learning more about ways to present a similar program, look into the ideas of a Forest Kindergarten, Forest School, or Outdoor School. These are current models that are being practiced similar to Kelly’s that can give you an idea of how to get started with an outdoor children’s permaculture school.

If you or someone you know wants to start their own program to bring a dynamic outdoor experience to young children, Kelly is willing to help. You can contact her at:

motherearthschool [at] gmail [dot] com

or by visiting the Mother Earth School link below.

Resources
Mother Earth School
Advanced Teacher Training in Youth and Child Permaculture Education
Marisha Auerbach
Re-Code Oregon
Tryon Life Community Farm
Wilderness Awareness School

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Crowdfunding Permaculture: We The Trees with Christian Shearer

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Jul 202012
 

We The Trees Logo
 

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In this episode my guest is Christian Shearer, founder of We The Trees, a crowdfunding site for Permaculture and other environmental change projects.

Crowdfunding via the internet, most well known due to the site Kickstarter, allows a community of people to come together and support various efforts through donations, which can be as little as a dollar. Projects that might not secure a loan through traditional financing still raises needed funds to proceed. Crowdfunding forms the core of our conversation, which focuses on an in-depth understanding of We The Trees, including the funding method, payment processors, project submission and approval, and how you can help raise awareness of this new venture.

We begin, however, with an introduction to Christian, including how he found Permaculture, the creation of the Panya Project, and the collaborative effort that went into forming Terra Genesis International.

Resources
We The Trees

The Panya Project
Terra Genesis International
Lost Valley
Soil Food Web (Dr. Elain Ingham)

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Mary Johnson on Climate Change and International Permaculture

 Interview  2 Responses »
Jul 192012
 


 

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The guest for this episode is Mary Johnson of Watershed Resource Consultants and one of the co-founders of Terra Genesis International.

With a background in plant and soil sciences, Mary has spent the last several years working with conservation organizations in South America, Latin America, and Mexico to work on mitigating the impacts of climate change on local populations by aiding communities to gain access to funds and help return wealth to their home region.

My desire to speak with Mary arose from my conversation with Rico Zook on practicing permaculture internationally. Her experiences are very different from someone who would teach around the world and lend a different perspective. We discuss that and how to get involved, however, a large part of our conversation is about climate change and the need to build human relationships through communication.

Mary’s travels allowed her to see firsthand the disruptions occurring because of climate change. In a world where we control our environment with a push of a button and choose what to eat based on what’s at the super market, or local restaurant, these problems are not self evident, but they are coming.

To understand that, and make the changes to solve these problems, we need to care for the people involved and communicate clearly from their own perspective and their experiences to bridge the gap between ourselves as individuals and build relationships with communities.

However, our conversation is not without hope. The roots of Permaculture are bifurcated between the indigenous knowledge of the past, and the growing understanding afforded by science, brought into a synergistic holistic system that values the world, people, and all life. Permaculture provides ways to find and implement solutions for the changing world. Thankfully, there are governments and organizations that are beginning to see that we have a way.

How do I get involved with International Permaculture?

  • Become Knowledgable: Read and Research
  • Match your skills to the organizational needs
  • Volunteer
  • Learn additional languages.

Resources
Watershed Resource Consultants
Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degredation (REDD)
Terra Genesis International
Wildlife Conservation Society
Winrock International

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Native Plants with Dr. Doug Tallamy, Author of Bringing Nature Home

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Jul 162012
 

 

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In this episode I interview Dr. Douglas Tallamy, Professor and Chair of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology at the University of Delaware and the author of Bringing Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens.

Dr. Tallamy’s work changed my view of both what “native plant” means, and the role of permaculture practitioners as designers have to use them in the landscape. I originally began from a position that “exotic and invasive plants are here, we should use them as best we can, and manage them in areas under our purview” and became one of “consider native plants first and foremost wherever possible, to the point of replacing non-natives, and removing invasives.”. This change occurred because Dr. Tallamy’s definition of a native plant, which starts off our interview, isn’t arbitrary and makes sense in the context of the number of relationships I seek to build into a design. The amount of diversity increases because of the insects, birds, and other creatures these plants invite into the landscape. All of that is supported by large amounts of clear evidence. You can hear some of that evidence with a personal story from Dr. Tallamy about Carolina Chickadees in his own back yard and where that research took him.

In addition to native vs. non-native plants and the impact they have on the environment, we also discuss the movement of flora and fauna due to climate change, invasion biology vs conservation or restoration biology, the evolutionary time-line for animals to adapt to introduced plants, which is much slower than you might expect, the role of science in education in understanding these issues, and some resources for learning more about what you can do to find out more about your own native plants.

As permaculture practitioners, or those with an interest in this form of regenerative design, the first place we begin our knowledge is with the ethics. First among those is earth care. As you listen to this interview and pursue more on the topic, consider that ethic and the role that native plants has on fulfilling that ethic by building a more dynamic, diverse, and stable food web for other life, and in turn our own.

However this conversation is framed, it is likely to be a contentious one. Let’s work together to add to the discussion so that permaculture can continue to evolve and grow with the new knowledge and opportunities we are presented with. Join in by leaving a comment for this show. Together we can continue to design a better world.

Resources:
Ernst Convervation Seeds
Stroud Water Research Center
William Cullina

If you would like to learn more about native plants in your area, start with you favorite search engine. Search for “Native Plants in ” and finish that sentence with your state or territory.

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The Permaculture Design Course with Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture

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Jul 122012
 

 

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In this episode I speak to Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture.

When I began looking for a Permaculture Design Course, Bill Wilson’s name kept popping up as I searched the web and asked around. I’ve had an interest to speak with him for some time and am thankful for the hour or so he spent with me for this show.

We begin, as I often do, with his background and how he came to permaculture, which, as with all of the guests, was a unique road. The rest of the conversation winds and weaves through the impacts of agriculture on the environment and our communities, to the Permaculture Design Course, his methods and curriculum, and what he sees as the major areas of permaculture education. Around this time, as we speak about what makes for a permanent culture, I lose the connection and we pick back up on that point, and proceed to the way he approaches curriculum while honoring the work set forward by Mollison and Holmgren and identify the evolution that is required 30 years after releasing this idea into the wild.

Perhaps the most powerful part of all of this is as we begin to wind down and speak about right livelihood and finding your personal authenticity so that you can contribute and grow, because you must do both.

May you enjoy this time with Bill Wilson as much as I did.

Oh, and if you are looking to take a PDC, go see Bill, Becky, Milton, and their guest instructors. They have the experience to give you the permaculture education you’ve been looking for. You’ll hear that readily in the interview.

Resources:
Earth User’s Guide to Permaculture
Midwest Permaculture

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Gaia University and Appleseed Permaculture, LLC with Dyami Nason-Regan and Ethan Roland

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Jul 092012
 

 

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I interview Dyami Nason-Regan and Ethan Roland of Appleseed Permaculture, beginning with their backgrounds and development of Appleseed Permaculture, LLC., including a conversation on the role of an entrepreneurial spirit when one runs a business, and the need for a consistency of communication with clients.

They were recommended to me as guests because of their work with Gaia University, where they both earned a Master’s Degree in Eco-Social Design. If you’ve done work at a western university, Gaia University’s program is considerably different, which you’ll hear. I was left speechless for a moment, though took that out in production so you didn’t have to hear me sit with my jaw agape.

Find out more at their website: appleseedpermaculture.com. There you can see their work, read the blog, Ethan’s 8 Forms of Capital, and get involved with the Appleseed Land Managers program.

Dyami and Ethan engage with their work in a way that is refreshing, dynamic, and affirming. I left the interview feeling the same way as when I finished my PDC: tired, amazed, and knowing people are doing incredible work to make this world a truly better place for everyone.

May you enjoy this time with Dyami and Ethan as much as I did.

Resources:

Gaia University
Terra Genesis International

Organization Management and Communication

Clean Talk
Holacracy
Sociocracy

Holistic Management

Fertility Awareness

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News and Updates: July 2012

 Classes and Seminars, News and Information, Resources  No Responses »
Jul 052012
 

 

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Permaculture Training

Heathcote Botanical Gardens in Fort Pierce, Florida is holding a one day hand-on Permaculture class with Tia Meer and Adina Lehrman on July 21 from 9am to 3pm. The fee is $50. You can reserve a spot by calling 772-464-4672 or emailing: info [at] heathcotebotanicalgardens [dot] org.

Daily Acts PDC Taught by Toby Hemenway, author of Gaia’s Garden. Guest instructors include: Penny Livingston, Larry Santoyo, Brock Dolman, Erik Ohlsen, John Valenzuela, and others. The course takes place over 6 weekends over 6 months, starting September 1st, 2012, and ending February 16-17, 2013. This PDC is certified by the Permaculture Institute USA. The Cost is $950 if you pay a non-refundable deposit of $250 by July 15th, 2012, after that the full cost for the course is $1100. Find out more by going to dailyacts.org.

P3Permaculture PDC Quebec Oct 13-27, 2012, followed by an optional Advcanced Permaculture course running October 29-Nov 2nd. IThe instructors look to be Graham Calder, Wen Rolland, France Bedard Robert, and Claudi Latulippe. Pre-booking is $304.35 CAD, with the full course either 1190 or 1400 CAD. Contact them for more information:

http://www.p3permaculture.ca/ and scroll about halfway down the page for more information.

Or: booking [at] p3permaculture [dot] ca.

Teacher Training
Cascadia Permaculture Teacher Training Cottage Grove, Oregon. July 29th – August 4th, 2012, with Jude Hobbs and Andrew Millison. As some of you know, I attended this course in 2011 and enjoyed it. If an advanced certificate in teaching: Go! Meet Jude and Andrew, and learn, learn, learn! With 40, or more, hours of class room time and evening lectures and presentations, you get plenty of information and practice time in the week while you are there. The cost is $900 and includes camping in a Permie-wonderland and some delicious food. You can read more about it by going to cascadiapermaculture.com and clicking on courses.

If you’d like to see what I look like, download the brochure and you can see a picture of my graduating class. I’m the guy in the back right.

Permaculture Diploma
The Permaculture Institute USA is again offering Permaculture Diplomas.

http://www.permaculture.org/nm/index.php/site/professional_practise_pages
Or send them an email: info [at] permaculture [dot] org.

Convergences
8th Annual Northeast Permaculture Convergence is going to be held at the Soule Homestead Education center in Middleborough, MA, July 13th-15th. Ticket prices are sliding scale from as little as $90 for the whole weekend if you are commuting, $10 for children, or between $120-180 if camping onsite. Day passes are $35 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under. The website and schedule have been updated with copious amounts of information. Looks to be a good one. If you are anywhere near MA, get yourself to this convergence. northeastconvergence.wordpress.com

Western Canada Permaculture Convergence is planned for August 24th, 25th, and 26th in Millarville, Alberta. A full pass is $125Canadian, with a non-camping pass at $75. Also Canadian. Right now they have Jeff and Julilynn Gilles of Rancho Relaxo presenting on How to Create Permaculture Awareness in Your Community. abconvergence2012.blogspot.com

Regional Permaculture Convergence 2012 in Izmir, Turkey to be held at the Marmaric Permaculture Village from the 17th-21st of July. Camping spaces will be provided or you can rent space in a yurt, dormitory, or bungalow for an additional fee of 4 or 10 Euros a night depending on the accommodations. Three vegetarian meals as well as tea and coffee breaks are provided in the overall fee of 150 Euros.

Something Odd (and Amazing!)
In North Kohala, Hawai’i, there is a Permaculture Farm for sale. Located on 15 gorgeous acres, with an incredible view it includes 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus three additional small cottages and other outbuildings. The current asking price is $2.6 million. If there is a non-profit permaculture group that would consider buying this place to turn it into an educational space, let me know so I can come visit in person.

http://www.bigislandreale.com/owning-a-permaculture-farm
http://www.bigislandreale.com/254041-Huahua-Condo-Kaauhuhu-Hmstds

Books and DVDS
There is a new book out, well at least new to me, on Permaculture Design. Permaculture Design: A step-by-step guide to the Process by the UK permaculture instructor Aranya. I’ve read some of his blog posts and articles the past and enjoyed them, so give his book a read and let me know what you think.

http://www.green-shopping.co.uk/permaculture-design.html

Permaculture.co.uk is now carrying the Animate Earth DVD, a 45 minute film that takes it’s title from Stephan Harding’s book of the same name. Stephen Harding is an ecologist at Schumacher college and holds a doctorate in behavioral ecology and since that time has developed the ideas of holistic science.

http://www.permaculture.co.uk/book-reviews/animate-earth-dvd

Other Media
Hope for a New Era: Before/After Examples of Permaculture Earth Restoration

A photolog and article showing the transformation of permaculture in the landscape. If you have someone asking you for “what will permaculture look like?” , show them this article.

http://permaculture.org.au/2012/06/28/hope-for-a-new-era-before-after-examples-of-permaculture-earth-restoration-solving-our-problems-from-the-ground-up/

Live Local. Live Small.

An introductory article on permaculture and Gwenyfar Rohler’s thoughts on it, including some issues with the pre-dominance of source material focusing on the climates of Australia, the UK, or Pacific Northwest.

http://www.encorepub.com/welcome/live-local-live-small-70/

Discovering Permaculture

Another overview of permaculture comes from the blog “8 acres”, that includes several nice videos with Penny Livingston, Bill Mollison, and David Holmgren.

http://eight-acres.blogspot.com/2012/06/discovering-permaculture.html

Wolf Gulch Farm and the work of Tom Ward. The 10 minutes video provides a virtual tour of the property.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=rhATikyzLOo

Home Grown Help

From the Fraser Coast Chronicle in Australia, about Tim Lang’s work with some basic tips on building your own garden of eden for foodies. If you’ve been involved in Permaculture for a while, the content is familiar, but I’m always looking for new voices to share this information and here’s a good one to send to that friend or local gardening club member who shakes their head at you when you bring up Permaculture.

http://www.frasercoastchronicle.com.au/story/2012/06/29/tims-home-grown-help/

Practicing Permaculture In Los Angeles

Covering the work of the Edendale Farm CSA and Learning Center where a farmer named David, and others, are practicing urban permaculture to build community with food and alternative economics at the core.

http://blogs.bard.edu/civicengagement/2012/07/01/practicing-permaculture-in-the-heart-of-los-angeles/

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