Sharing Knowledge

Designing for Peace!

Weekend Course in Santa Barbara California

May 30th to June 1st 2008

Facilitated by Loren Luyendyk with Special Guests

Cost: $150

This workshop is designed to create the space for spontaneous discussion. The Fundamentals of Permaculture and how they relate to a just, equitable, and responsible society will be presented.

Sustainability begins at home, with yourself. It is our intention to live in harmony within that creates harmony in Nature. We will explore Patterns, Principles, Ethics, and Elements of Permaculture and how these relate to Peace and the creation of a self-reliant home and culture.

Global problems can be solved with local solutions. Injustice and war exist through the belief and promulgation of scarcity of resources and solutions. Local production and preservation of resources is essential for creating a sustainable world. We will learn how we can provide for our most essential needs in most any situation.

Part of the course will focus on one or more hands-on projects. Potential projects include a compost pile water heater, methane digester, worm compost bin, and fruit tree propagation. Project ideas are welcome and students will be encouraged to develop their own.

Location:

The Orella Ranch on the Gaviota Coast 20 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara. Orella ranch is a 300 acre working cattle ranch that has been in the stewardship of the Tautrim Family since 1866.

As well as being an incredibly stunning piece of land, there are many examples here of simple solutions to great problems. Grey water systems, natural buildings, and organic farming are some of the many projects happening on the ranch.

Details:

A light breakfast of tea, coffee, fruit and bread items will be provided for the second and third days. Dinner will be potluck the first night. Two lunches and one dinner will not be provided. You can bring food with you or purchase it at El Capitan Canyon, or we will arrange group meals.

Tent camping is available on-site for Friday and Saturday nights. Other accommodations and amenities are available at El Capitan Canyon Resort, El Capitan or Refugio State beaches, all less than 2 miles away.

Proposed Schedule: (subject to change)

Day 1- Friday 5/30

4 - 6 pm: Arrival and Orientation

6 - 8 pm: Potluck Dinner

8 -10 pm: Introductions and Conversations

Optional- screening of “The Global Gardener”

Day 2- Saturday 5/31

9 am - 12 pm: Hands-on!

12 pm - 1 pm: Lunch

1 - 2 pm: Ethics and Principles

2 – 4 pm: Patterns and Elements

4 – 4:30: Break

4:30 - 6:30 pm: Zones and Sectors

6:30 - 8 pm: Dinner

8 - 10 pm: Design Process

Day 3- Sunday 6/1

10 am - 12 pm: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water

12 - 1 pm: Lunch

1 - 4 pm: Hands-on Application

4:30 - 6 pm: Peace and Permaculture

Optional-

6 - 10 pm: Potluck Dinner and Talent Show...