Colorado Permaculture

Upcoming CRMPI workshops

2011-05-09T10:13:00.000-07:00

From an email from Jerome:

For those of you interested, mark these dates are your calender for CRMPI's workshop series.

Sat May 14 - Forest Gardening - Learn how to turn your yard into an edible landscape with Forest Gardening. In this workshop you will learn how to harness the power of the perennial, create niches that promote beneficial insects, homes for birds, and support delicious fruit trees and much more. This holistic gardening method allows the garden to work with nature, stacking functions and supporting beneficial habitats all the while providing delicious edible fruits, nuts, berries, and veggies to us.

Sun May 15 - Greenhouse - Ever wonder if it is possible to grow bananas or papayas in your cold temperate, high altitude, Rocky Mountain backyard? With the power of a greenhouse equipped with Climate Battery technology it is. Come by CRMPI to see how Jerome Osentowski has managed to grow tropical food at elevation using the power of the sun and minimal energy. Learn how to store heat, harness the passive solar sun, and insulate your garden to extend your season successfully using design principles that are easy to implement. Become a greenhouse grower that encourages polyculture diversity for a wide range of food. With the power of the greenhouse, anything is possible.

Look for our last workshop on Medicinal Herbs and Plants which is 6/25

Each workshop is held the CRMPI demonstration site just outside of Basalt, CO. They run 9:00am-4:30pm and cost $50/workshop which includes lunch and materials. To RSVP or for more info email jerome@crmpi.org or call 970-9274158.

Permaculture Introduction - Louisville CO Library Feb 5th - Free

2011-01-24T15:42:00.000-08:00

An Introduction to Permaculture

Time: February 5, 2011 from 10:30am to 12:30pm
Type Group: Louisville CO Library
Street: 951 Spruce Street
City/Town: Louisville CO
Event Type: permaculture
Organized By: David E Greenwald
Latest Activity: Jan 22

How can humans live on Earth in harmony, abundance, grace and ease for eons into the future? Permaculture is the art of creating living ecosystems that imitate Nature to provide food, fuel and shelter. Through observation and analysis, Permaculturists have identified basic principles that underlie healthy, productive natural systems. By mimicking these principles, we can learn to create integrated communities of plants, critters, people and structures, thereby becoming more self-reliant and enhancing the places we live.

On Saturday morning, Feb. 5th, at the Louisville CO Library, Sandy Cruz, Barbara Mueser and Jason Gerhardt will present an overview of the permaculture approach, show slides of their sites, and discuss how permaculture may be of benefit the Louisville community. They are considering bringing their 2011 "Permaculture through the Seasons!" design course to Louisville.
Cost: FREE!

Sandy Cruz founded High Altitude Permaculture in 1992, promoting strategies for sustainable living in even the harshest conditions. She holds a Diploma of Permaculture Design from the International Permaculture Institute, has published a variety of articles, and has been interviewed for newspapers, radio and television. Sandy has taught numerous permaculture courses and workshops, and has trained 50 new permaculture teachers from all over the US.

Jason Gerhardt of Real Earth Design has practiced and taught permaculture design in diverse regions of the US since 2006. He has detailed knowledge of plant ecologies, food production and rainwater harvesting. Jason currently teaches for Naropa University, Prescott College, Transition Colorado and High Altitude Permaculture, and designs permaculture landscapes professionally.

Barbara Mueser of The Garden Muse has studied and practiced permaculture since 2007. She co-facilitates the "Permaculture through the Seasons!" design course and teaches local workshops. She is certified as a Permaculture Teacher, an Advanced Permaculture Designer, a Photovoltaic Designer and Installer, and a Master Gardener. Having created a sustainable homestead at her own site, Barbara consults, designs and installs organic gardens and permaculture systems for clients.

Hibernation

2010-11-29T06:41:00.000-08:00

This blog is going into hibernation. I just don't have time to maintain it adequately.

If you are into permaculture, live in Colorado, and want to maintain this blog, please feel free to email me at coloradopermaculture@gmail.com and I'd be glad to add you as a contributor.

Thanks for reading.

Dan

Permaculture Design Course Scholarship

2010-11-27T06:38:00.000-08:00

The Boulder Odd Fellows are sponsoring a partial scholarship for the High Altitude Permaculture's "Permaculture Through the Seasons" 2011 class.

More info here.

Permaculture 101 in Boulder

2010-10-03T17:40:00.001-07:00

On October 6, there will be an Introduction to Permaculture presentation on the CU campus.

Steamboat Springs Intro to Permaculture

2010-09-19T20:59:00.000-07:00

Via the Steamboat Springs Pilot:

At 7 p.m. Oct. 8 in Library Hall at Bud Werner Memorial Library, Deep Roots and Transition Steamboat team up to host an Intro to Permaculture evening with Steamboat resident Herald Stout, who will discuss permaculture, community-supported agriculture principles and gardening as local economy. Gain a local’s perspective from Stout, whose Steamboat home garden was based on permaculture principles.

Full article here.

Colorado Permaculture Convergence Report

2010-08-22T20:24:00.000-07:00

I went to the 4th Annual Colorado Permaculture Convergence today. The theme was 'Creating Perennial Culture', and over 100 people attended. It was a fantastic opportunity to meet and greet a lot of folks in the Colorado Permaculture scene. It cost $10, with all net proceeds going to the founding of a Colorado Permaculture Guild, which is just getting off the ground.

The entire event was held at the 63rd Street Farm, a working farm that highlights several principles of permaculture--obtain a yield, start small and slow, and accept feedback. (Incidentally, they have a CSA). After an opening ceremony led by Sandy Cruz with song and dance, some people headed off to yoga, and others, including myself, followed Brian on a tour around the grounds.

After that, we had a panel on the theme of the Convergence with Sandy Cruz, Marco Lam and Adam Brock, moderated by Becky Elder. It was impressive to see so many years of permaculture experience in one place, and I was also heartened by Adam's presence (he's in his 20s). Marco talked about his local currency project, Adam talked about Edo Japan and I can't for the life of me remember what Sandy talked about.

After each speaker talked for a while about what they saw as a way to get to a perennial culture, the floor opened for questions and comments, which varied widely. I enjoyed the range, from 'we're working on a permaculture eco-village' to 'while August has abundance, what about February'.

The panel was followed by songs and a potluck luncheon. As always at permaculture events, I ate well--lots of summer squash at this one.

After lunch, there was more networking and discussion. I talked to a fellow who was putting a number of fruit trees in in his property, and had a nice discussion around that. I also ran into a former classmate of mine who had some sage advice about keeping chickens--don't put them where they can see you. Otherwise, they'll clamor whenever they do, and that can cause noise for the neighbors. I also talked to a local winery who was there, and learned a bit about making wine (they make a vintage called 80304, which is from grapes grown in Boulder!).

We then went into a number of breakout sessions. I want to encourage anyone reading this to come to the next one, so I'm going to quote from the program to give you an idea of the vast range of talks today:

Forest Gardens: Take a virtual tour of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI), one of the most mature permaculture sites in the Americas. CRMPI demonstrates year-round solar greenhouses and the abundance of perennial gardens in arid, high altitude terrain. Jerome Osentowski founded CRMPI in the 1980’s, and is sponsoring CRMPI’s 24th Annual Permaculture Design Course next month.

Permaculture Fuel — Overcoming Oil Addiction, Creating Clean Renewable Fuels, and Reversing Global Warming: Learn how to use permaculture principles to produce inexpensive, clean, renewable alcohol fuel that you can run in your car right now. Learn how to synergize growing organic food and producing plant-based fuel to reduce dependence on poisonous petroleum products and raise awareness of the ecological, ethical, and sustainable alcohol fuel alternative. Todd W. Jones teaches mycology, mushroom cultivation, and myco-restoration as part of Permaculture Design Courses along the Colorado Front Range, as well as working to raise awareness of the emerging Alcohol Fuel Revolution.

Joyful Resiliency: Building Your Inner Sustainability: Do you feel like you’re killing yourself trying to save the world? In this session, we will learn how to use the principles and tools of permaculture to build resiliency and inner sustainability into our daily lives. A certified permaculture teacher, Kay Campbell brings her years of experience as an instructional designer and college faculty member to her current teaching practice.

Permaculture in Other Cultures: A brief overview of some of the issues involved in teaching and working on permaculture projects in other cultures. Kelly Simmons is a permaculture teacher who recently returned from a year of teaching in Bali, Indonesia, and is headed to Nicaragua in a few weeks to help bring a permaculture focus to sustainable development projects in the highlands of Jalapa.

Learn to Build & Use Solar Ovens & Cook with Sunlight!: A condensed workshop on the different types of solar ovens, how to build them and how to cook with them. Bring a 3 ft x 4 ft piece of corrugated cardboard to trace an easy-to-build pattern to take home. Permaculture enthusiast Jeff Graef is a certified Presentations: instructor and has over 20 years of experience in renewable energy, energy efficient building, and gardening in both rural and urban environments.

Harvesting the Abundant Edge between Permaculture & Healing Arts: There are many junctures where the healing arts and permaculture inherently “stack functions” and overlap in common purpose. We will explore these connections and work with some tools for connecting with the intelligence, compassion & wisdom in Nature. Leading a homesteading lifestyle in the 70s, working with permaculture in indigenous cultures, as well as 30 years as a bodywork and wellness practitioner in Boulder, have helped prepare Zia Parker for her current passion — developing Willow Way Wellness, a permaculture herb farm/teaching center/healing center.

Permaculture in Palestine: Come hear about the current status of perennial agriculture and perennial culture in the cradle of Western “civilization.” Tiffany Grell just returned from a middle eastern permaculture tour last week.

Boulder Currency: What if we could radically change how we interacted with our community to create a better quality of life, more local jobs, and to steward our local economy and environment in a sustainable way? Thousands of communities around the world are starting their own currencies, creating a flow that connects unused resources with unmet needs. Marco Chung-Shu Lam has been teaching permaculture for 18 years after training with Bill Mollison, and is passionate about creating a sustainable and regenerative economy with a local currency.

Worms: An in-depth could-be permaculturist’s discussion on how we can help worms help us in our actions of purposeful intent, while hopefully stimulating lots of Q&A. John Anderson is a radical 15-year CSU Master Gardener from Larimer County pushing the establishment for more reasoned answers about sustainable horticulture, as well as a practitioner of vermiculture/vermicomposting who answers to Worm Man/Guy/Dude.

Creating Wildlife Habitats: Learn to landscape for local wildlife while creating lovely interactive spaces for people to step into nature - low maintenance, natural areas that pulse with life. Becky Elder of Manitou Springs is co-founder of Pikes Peak Permaculture and enjoys working for the future in her community with High Altitude Permaculture, Sustainable Ways and Transition Town Manitou.

Urban Permaculture: Is urban permaculture a contradiction? Or is it the key to transitioning to a regenerative society? Explore what it means to practice permaculture in the city in this interactive workshop. Adam Brock is a Denver native, urban agtivist, and founder of The Wild Green Yonder, a permaculture education and design group. Kenzie Davison, a Denver-based urban permaculture teacher with the Wild Green Yonder, sits on the initiating committee of Transition Denver.

Reading the Landscape: In this session we’ll practice listening to the land, the foundation of a successful permaculture. Alison Peck is a self-described ‘land nerd,’ and has been reading/listening to the land and practicing permaculture for 30 years. She founded Matrix Gardens, a local landscape design/build company, in 1984 and is a landscape designer.

I attended the "Joyful Resiliency" and "Urban Permaculture" breakout sessions. I quite enjoyed the first talk, where Kay Campbell talked from personal experience about applying some of the permaculture design principles to build your zone 0 resiliency. In particular, if you have weaknesses or strengths, you can design systems to mitigate or accentuate them.

I also enjoyed the second talk, where Adam Brock and Kenzie Davison talked about some of the urban patterns (hierarchy, grids instead of capillaries, monoculture) that are common in our urban landscapes. They both work in Denver and then discussed a large number of efforts that they are pursuing to increase awareness and knowledge of permaculture, as well as to make people's lives better. One that spoke to me was the Denver Fruit Tree map--I just opened up the Boulder Fruit Tree map in response and would appreciate any additions (the Denver icons are way cooler). Another cool idea was the "Utra Ninja Leaf Squad" which approaches households in the fall and rakes leaves for a nominal sum. Then they take the leaves back and have them for compost material. They also talked about the Denver Handmade Homemade Market also. I just covered a third of their efforts; it was quite humbling to learn all they are involved in.

After the two break outs I was pretty cooked, so I headed home and missed the closing ceremony.

My overall thoughts: it was a good time, and I learned a lot. I still feel a disconnect between my life and how I saw people living there, but I also learned some useful tools to shorten that disconnect. Well worth the $10 donation!

More details on the permaculture convergence

2010-07-30T09:40:00.001-07:00

I already mentioned this a few months ago, but there is a Colorado wide permaculture convergence scheduled for this August 22nd at the 63rd Street Farm.

Here are the details from Elizabeth, one of the organizers:

CREATING PERENNIAL CULTURE!

• Potluck
• Permaculture Music and Arts
• Speakers and Workshops
• Kids’ Activities
• Farm Tour
• And more!

Schedule
8:30 a.m. Registration, Farm Tour and Keynote Talk
12:30 p.m. Potluck Lunch and Permaculture Arts
2:30 p.m. Breakout Workshop Sessions and Closing Circle
5:30 p.m. Dancing and Celebration!

Suggested donation $10. Kids under 12 free. Please bring a potluck dish and your own place setting.

Sponsored by High Altitude Permaculture and Friends

For more information, email elizabethmedia@yahoo.com or call 517-974-8883

Here's a map to the farm. I'm going to be there and hope you'll make it too!

Permaculture Class for College Credit In Telluride

2010-07-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

From a reader tipoff (thanks April!), I was pointed to a permaculture design course, resulting in a certificate, happening this summer in Telluride. What's cool and unusual about this class is you can get 4 credits at Mesa State College.

The course starts July 16, so if you want to attend this year, you should call the organizers at 970 369 5255 asap.

Articles about urban farming from PC grad

2010-07-02T07:09:00.001-07:00

Here's a list of interesting articles about urban farming from a High Altitude Permaculture Institute grad. Article topics include bees and chickens.

Permaculture Mentioned in Summit Daily

2010-06-13T07:04:00.000-07:00

Nice article about permaculture in the Summit Daily. From the article:

So here it is: Permaculture strives to apply the intelligence and long-term self sustained productivity of nature to human systems, creating abundance, zero waste and fundamental sustainability.

Urban Permaculture Class in Arvada June 12

2010-06-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

From a friend who is teaching the vermicomposting section, I found out about "Using Permaculture to Create Sustainable Urban/Suburban Lifestyles", a 6 hour workshop happening on June 12 in Arvada, CO.

From the flyer:

We will cover simple: effective Permaculture soil building techniques, how to hide composting from your landlord and neighbors, indoor and outdoor container planting, sprouts and microgreens, how to plan an efficient low-work garden, creating the suburban food forest, the urban/suburban chicken, the urban worm (vermiculture composting), hands-on planting, and related topics specific to suburban and urban areas.

Cost is $45. For more info, see here or here.

Permaculture Classes in Manitou Springs

2010-05-29T10:00:00.000-07:00

Black Cat Books in Manitou Springs is hosting a couple of permaculture classes this June.

Biosystems - Animals in the Gardens
Integrated Pest Management

More details here or call Black Cat Books at 719 685 1589.

Small Acreage Seminar

2010-05-26T12:42:00.000-07:00

From a meetup mailing list I'm on:

------------------

What: Small Acreage Seminar

When: Saturday, June 5, 2010 8:30 AM

Where:
CSU Extension Office @ the Jeffco Fairgrounds
15200 West Sixth Avenue
Golden, CO 80401

Colorado State University and Natural Resources Conservation Services are offering a Small Acreage Seminar at the Jeffco fairgrounds June 5, 2010 from 8:30 to Noon. Admission is free. Among the subjects being discussed will be Beekeeping, Sustainable Landscapes, Alternative Energy Resources, and Homestead Planning. The location is CSU Extension office located at the Jefferson County Fairgrounds
15200 West Sixth Avenue, Golden, CO (near intersection of I-70 and W. 6th Avenue). A minimum of 20 people is required to host this workshop. Preregistration is appreciated.

Please RSVP to: Jennifer Cook
303-659-7004 ext.3 or jennifer.cook@colostate.edu

------------------------

Liberation Economics: Financial Permaculture for Transition

2010-05-21T15:08:00.000-07:00

May 25th from 6-8pm at the Boulder Meadows Community Room.

This is the second of a series that will take place on May 25th from 6-8pm at the Boulder Meadows Community Room. You do not need to have attended the first session to gain benefit from this one! Each session will be different but both will share a common introduction to our core concepts. This session focuses on complimentary currencies. A $10 suggested donation.

The following tells about the introduction to the first Liberation Economics event for Transition Colorado:

We share a common purpose in knowing we have the potential to live in a ecologically beneficial society. We feel the possibility and share the inspiration to create deep sustainability in our ecosystems and to live our lives in balance with both our watershed and community.

While we hold the intention for this more harmonious way of living in our communities to emerge, we become aware that there are several crucial misalignments.

What are these? If we really feel into the needs of our community right now, they become quite obvious. While many of us are inspired to share our gifts and passion around living in sustainable community, there is also a large problem around the financial sustainability that is needed to make the changes we know are needed.

Many of us have also awakened to a broader sense of awareness and see a deeper meaning for our lives. From this place, we want the opportunity to create abundance for ourselves from offering our unique gifts to positively impact the world. Yet for most of us this is still an aspect of our lives that we still feel constrained by, and perhaps even an ongoing pain around. This pain comes from the deep longing to express all of who we are in our lives and through our work to benefit others, but not knowing how. That’s because we can’t do it alone.

The good news is that we are not alone. The intention of Liberation Economics is to invite you into an emerging practice community that collaborates, supports, and even relies on each other to co-create opportunities for all members of the community to make a living through living our purpose.
Whether it is the financing of the Transition Movement or the support needed to pursue right livelihood, working together it becomes possible for us to have both the means and the meaning.

In the Permaculture movement, we have this saying, "The Problem is the Solution" The widespread economic challenges we face are an incredible opportunity to actualize our potential in the Transition Movement. The opportunity to use these challenges to create new economic structures and livelihoods around the abundance in our local community.

We invite you to share in a common inquiry that is taking place in our community where we become catalysts for moving us from the potential of a sustainable economy to its manifestation. We are working on updating the financial permaculture curriculum to meet the needs of our particular community in Boulder and we need your help and feedback to help us match our curriculum to your needs.

HOAs and Community Gardens

2010-05-05T07:44:00.000-07:00

I lived in a condo association for a number of years, and organized a community garden for 2 of them. Boulder has a number of area community gardens, but none of them were close enough for me.

A community garden can be a great way to build community--even people who didn't really want to garden appreciated seeing the veggies grow.

I didn't find a lot of good resources about this particular problem of starting a community garden within the confines of an HOA (though this page is full of information about starting a community garden, and this page is a great example of documenting support for a garden to an HOA), so I decided to post some of my observations.

Define the type of garden you want--it can either be shared entirely, or divided into plots for each interested resident.
Gauge the interest of residents as best as you can, but realize you can have a successful garden with just 2-3 gardeners.
Gain the support of at least 2 owners. Yes, renters do have a voice with the board, but owners have a louder voice.
Ask the board for permission. As in the link above, make sure you know what you're asking the board for: tool storage, water, money, gardening space, access to the space, etc, etc.
Aesthetics are key for many board members, so address this up front, and make sure you keep the garden looking neat.
Siting of the garden is crucial as well. Because of the aesthetics concerns, it's useful to find a place that is out of the way for at least the first year. But also find someplace that you won't ignore or have too hard a time getting access to.
Put the garden to bed every year with a nice layer of mulch--that leaves it looking clean for the winter.
Start small--it's better to have a few people interested in a small space that is kept clean and neat than to have an acre that is ignored and unkempt.
Report back to the board a few times a year. Remember that the garden reflects on them, since they gave permission.

Any other thoughts on how HOAs and community gardens?

Urban Agriculture meeting in Lakewood

2010-05-04T12:23:00.000-07:00

Looks like they're revising the zoning laws in Lakewood, Colorado, and want to discuss the place of urban agriculture.

Lakewood is hosting an event to explore the topic of urban agriculture. The event will allow residents and business owners to hear from experts on the topic and to share their comments and ideas as a part of the Lakewood! Zoning Improvement Process. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with an open house in the Civic Center South Building and a formal presentation will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. Both sessions will be at 480 S. Allison Parkway.

Urban agriculture is gaining momentum in metropolitan areas around the country. While Lakewood allows the keeping of food producing animals in some residential districts, the areas that allow for this type of use are limited. The City is hosting the event to provide education on urban agriculture topics such as keeping chickens for personal egg production and harvesting bees for honey. There will also be an opportunity for Lakewood residents and business owners to voice their views on how to address this emerging topic as the City updates the Zoning Ordinance.

More information here

Via the Greater Denver Urban Homesteading Group

Denver Urban Permaculture Salon

2010-05-04T07:44:00.000-07:00

From a mailing list I'm on

------------------

The Salon of Urban Permaculture SoUP) is a new monthly potluck focused on building skills and community around permaculture in the city. Each SoUP gathering showcases a different urban permaculture site, and includes an informal talk, activity or workshop based around that month's theme. People of all levels of familiarity with Permaculture are encouraged to attend.

The first Salon is happening on Saturday, May 15th at 5:30 PM, at the Orbis House on 1818 Gaylord. The theme for the month is "Becoming Native to this Place", and we'll be exploring what it means to be an inhabitant of the South Platte watershed on the Shortgrass Steppe. You're encouraged to bring a dish featuring native or wild-harvested ingredients - although of course every dish is welcome!

Rainwater Harvesting Workshop April 17-18

2010-04-03T08:07:00.000-07:00

Rainwater Harvesting at Home Workshop

Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th, 10am-4pm, Boulder, Colorado with Jason Gerhardt and Steve Morgan

Explore the soggy, spongy oasis of rainwater harvesting -- for the home landscape, urban areas and beyond. Water harvesting earthworks, cistern systems, plant ecologies, Colorado legalities, hands-on work, and more. Directly applicable to any landscape, no matter the size. Attend one or both days.

Detailed flyer

Questions? Jason, 303-258-7982, jasongerhardt@gmail.com

Registration

Neighborhood Farming Plan

2010-04-03T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a great blog post explaining how to expand food production via your neighborhood network. It's the next step past community supported agriculture (by the way, here's a directory of Colorado CSAs I maintain).

For all the issues with suburbia, including sprawl, car dependence and resource inefficiencies, the fact is suburbia has some strengths. Here's a video to that effect:

Denver/Boulder PDC Graduate meetup group

2010-03-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

There's a meetup group for people who have graduated from a permaculture design course and live in the Boulder Denver area. They have meetings periodically and some useful message boards. If you're interested, sign up and see what they offer (or better yet, sign up and volunteer to host a meeting focused on permaculture).

Incidentally, I've written about meetups before--they're a great resource.

Sheet Mulching method highlighted the in the Denver Post

2010-03-27T09:01:00.000-07:00

The Denver Post recently featured various garden styles, and Sandy Cruz put in a plug for sheet mulching:

Study your yard for a year, noting sunlight, shade, wind and animals. Then put your garden in full sun and start building soil through sheet composting. "The hallmark of modern gardening is the rototiller, but digging causes weeds so we avoid that."

Much more, including some other styles of gardening, in the full article.

I've had good experience sheet mulching in my gardens, though I typically do the mulching in the fall and let everything compost down over the winter.

Cohousing conference seeks permaculture presentations

2010-02-28T07:53:00.000-08:00

From the Cohousing-L list:

What cohousing expertise might you share with other conference participants? Spirituality? Relocalization? Midwifery? Permaculture? Finance? Social justice? Arts? Reserves studies? Kids in community? Sociocracy? Archival practices? Retrofit cohousing? One-planet living? Aging in community?

More information, including how to present proposals.

Permaculture Seminar in Colorado Springs in March

2010-02-27T07:29:00.000-08:00

Via the Pikes Peak Permaculture listserv, I heard about this event, happening March 13 in Colorado Springs:

Falcon Garden Club Hosts a PermaCulture Seminar

Presented by Becky Elder Certified Permaculture Teacher/Designer Owner of Blue Planet Earthscapes

Permaculture gardening uses techniques & practices combining native plant cultivation, wildlife gardening & edible landscaping into a low maintenance productive ecosystem

DATE: Saturday, March 13, 2010

TIME: 9 am - 3 pm - Check-in 8:30 am Seminar Starts Promptly at 9 am

ADDRESS: Meridian Ranch Recreation Center
10301 Angeles Rd, Falcon, CO (Meridian & Londonderry Dr.)

COST: $20.00 for Members of Falcon Garden Club $25.00 for Non-members

* Space is limited preregistration preferred by March 6
* Continental Breakfast provided Beverages & Snacks
* Bring your own lunch

Contact Lisa Funk for more information 495-0747 l.a.funk@hotmail.com

Sounds like a great gardening focused introduction.

Willow Way Permaculture Classes approved

2010-02-26T07:58:00.001-08:00

As I have previously posted, Willow Way Permaculture ran into some issues with zoning and neighbors.

It looks like they have now been resolved. Via the Boulder Weekly:

The board voted unanimously to give Parker permission to host the full number of class participants she had requested — 20 students for the adult workshops and 12 students for the kids sessions. The commissioners did, however, limit her to no more than 10 cars on her property at a time, in response to concerns about traffic, parking and pollution.

Sustainability Workshop in Boulder Sat Feb 27

2010-02-26T07:27:00.001-08:00

In Boulder, on Saturday February 27, there will be a 2 1/2 hour event allowing you to "interact with fellow residents and offer your input on the future growth and development of the City of Boulder".

Here's a PDF detailing the event. And here's more information the larger context of this meeting(the 2010 Major Update to the Boulder Valley Comprehensive Plan)

Colorado Permaculture Convergence Scheduled

2010-02-19T12:22:00.000-08:00

Save the date! The Colorado Permaculture Convergence is scheduled for Sunday, August 22nd, at the 63rd Street Farm near Boulder, Colorado. Contact the High Altitude Permaculture Institute if you are interested in helping organize this event.

CRMPI Full Moon Festival

2010-02-18T12:20:00.000-08:00

From an email sent by Jerome Ostenkowski, of the Central Rocky Mountian Permaculture Institute:

Good Morning Friends of the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute,

In the month of February, new life is beginning as we feel a bit of Spring fever, with seeds and bulbs beginning their journey toward the light.

We would like to invite you all up to our home for a full moon-workshop-feast and festival on Saturday the 27th beginning at 10:10am.

Jerome will be teaching a mini workshop on 'Stream of Consciousness Gardening,' as we continue our seasonal rotations in the greenhouse. It will be time for transplanting all different kinds of brassicas, legumes, herbs, and beneficial flowers. He will also be teaching about building soil, and the ways of the worm farmer.

On Saturday we will come together for a community day in the Phoenix greenhouse and a wonderful CRMPI lunch. This afternoon can include 'fire pole' training, from the top of our new sleeping loft in the greenhouse, and an optional archery and knife throwing demo at the in-house archery range.

As we continue into the evening there will be space for yoga, a community sweat in our sauna, and solar showers in the greenhouse. This will be followed with a potluck dinner, popcorn, and a possible movie showing.

As the night falls, we invite you to stay for a full moon hike and cabin camp-in up in the Juniper House cabin. Beautiful stargazing and a warm wood stove insured.

Please feel welcome to be a part of any or all of this extended celebration. Danita, Jerome and I would love your company. Please RSVP to lindsey.a.elliott@gmail.com, or give us a call here at 970-927-4158. Also, feel free to pass on this invitation to anyone who might like to join us.

Our workshop and course schedule for 2010 is now posted at: http://www.crmpi.org/Home.html, we would greatly appreciate you spreading the word about these opportunities.

Southern Colorado Design Course: Summer 2010

2010-02-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

WESTCLIFFE PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE
July 26 – August 7, 2010

A Two-week Permaculture Design Certificate Course is being offered
In Westcliffe, Colorado.

I am excited to be teaching with a great group of folks in Southern Colorado this summer. I have some new teaching modules around sustainable finance and local economics that I am working on incorporating into the curriculum and I feel this is the time to take a design course if you have not already. Becky Elder, Sandy Cruz and Jerome Ostentowski are all coming down for this course at an off-the-grid site up in the Wet Mountains.

I would love it if you passed the word around to your friends and community about this course!

Jeff Lawton: Greening the Desert

2010-02-11T20:56:00.001-08:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sohI6vnWZmk

How impressive!

Marco

Online Organic Transition Course

2010-01-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

Vai the good folks at Colorado Local Sustainability, found this link to an online organic farming training course. Cost: free.

Permaculture at 9000 feet

2010-01-28T09:11:00.000-08:00

Here's a great video about Tomten Farm, an off grid demonstration farm at 9000 feet in the mountains of southwest Colorado.

Takeaway quote: "If you can learn to grow here, you can grow anywhere."

Update on Colorado College Garden

2010-01-27T08:57:00.000-08:00

I wrote previously about the Colorado College Permaculture Garden.

I just recently stumbled on the Colorado College Sustainability Virtual Tour, which describes more than just their garden, but does have a nice video about it.

Broomfield Community Garden Website

2010-01-26T08:48:00.000-08:00

Here's a great site about community gardens in Broomfield. This includes the Grange Heritage Garden ("located on the grounds of historic Crescent Grange #136"), which has been the focus of some recent efforts from the Transition community, including plans to build a hoop house.

More on the DU Gardens

2010-01-25T08:33:00.000-08:00

Last fall I posted about the DU permaculture gardens. Now, here's a blog post about the installation with more pictures, and a link to a website all about the DU "Garden Scene".

Business Permaculture Class on Jan 26

2010-01-24T09:05:00.000-08:00

Greenspaces, apparently a green entrepeneurial shared space (like The Hive or Carbon Space, but for green businesses), is having an open house on Jan 26. Part of it will be a 30 minute presentation about Permaculture and business.

Business Permaculture Class with Adam Brock of Wild Green Yonder. Learn about the fundamentals of permaculture, a system of design based on patterns of nature, and see how it can apply to make your business grow.

More details about the open house here.

List of Self Sufficiency Books

2010-01-24T08:54:00.000-08:00

What’s a wannabe dirt farmer to do when stuck in a duplex during a Colorado winter with no tools, no garden and no livestock?

Apparently come up with a great list of books!

Willow Way PDC Hearing Scheduled

2010-01-24T08:06:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned here, Willow Way Permaculture Design is running into some issues with the Boulder County Commissioners.

I received an email from Michelle Soule letting me know that the application had been pulled off the table and was set for a hearing.

From her email:

Willl [sic] WILLOW WAY PERMACULTURE be given permission to continue to teach Permaculture?

This question will be addressed by the Boulder County Commissioner's hearing at the Boulder County Court house at 3 pm on January 28 at the Boulder County Courthouse on Pearl between 13th and 14th.

...

You can review the application and supporting documents, including the 113 page staff recommendation (PDF) and decide whether you should send a letter of support or appear at the hearing.

Front Range Permaculture Institute up and running

2010-01-16T07:54:00.000-08:00

This just came on my radar. There's a new Permaculture Institute up in Fort Collins, the Front Range Permaculture Institute. You can also follow them on Twitter, or on Facebook (they have posted a number of interesting videos on their Facebook page).

The main force behind the FRPI appears to be Chris Washa, and he's already put on an "Introduction to Permaculture" talk on Dec 12 in Fort Collins. They're now a 501(c)(3) organization....

I emailed Chris to ask him specifics about the FRPI, but he never got back to me.

Permaculture priniciples for business

2010-01-13T12:12:00.000-08:00

Just read an interesting post about how you can apply Holmgren's 12 design principles to create a sustainable business.

This is an interesting exercise, but the issue I have with it is that while these are great guiding principles, actual application is harder. Just for instance, he says "Internalize your costs". What does that mean? Does it mean that you should provide a living wage for all employees? Health insurance? Buy carbon offsets? Realize what effect your business has on the greater world?

It's a bit unclear. Still, a good starting point, because permaculture really needs to grow beyond landscape design and teaching--the two careers to which a PC certificate really seems to lead folks.

Boulder Culinary Gardeners Free Classes

2010-01-12T12:10:00.000-08:00

Including one on permaculture:

Permaculture - 1-3 p.m. March 21, presented by Barbara Mueser. Permaculture is an ecological design system that is based on nature's wisdom and interrelationships. We'll discuss creating microclimates, guilds, food forests, water catchment, and chickens and bees in the garden.

More here, including classes on CSAs, seed saving and native plants.

Sandy Cruz speaking at Estes Park Earth Fest

2010-01-11T12:09:00.001-08:00

High Altitude Permaculture’s, Sandy Cruz will offer the workshop “Clarity and Opportunity in Turbulent Times.” Changes are afoot! Participants will consider their options and take some first steps toward strategic transformation. Cruz has been gardening at 9,200 feet and experimenting with plants for over 30 years. She founded High Altitude Permaculture in 1992 and holds a Diploma of Permaculture Design from the International Permaculture Institute. Sandy currently teaches Permaculture and consults on site planning and design in the Boulder area.

More here.

Panel: The Winter Harvest

2010-01-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

Time: January 13, 2010 from 7pm to 9pm
Type Group: Boulder Meadows Community Room
Organized By: Transition Colorado

Event Description:
FREE EVENT with Sandy Cruz, Barbara Mueser, Jason Gerhardt, Jeff Graef, and Natalie Shrewsbury.

Please join us in considering how we can eat locally at this time of year. Bring your questions!

Meet some of the local permaculture teachers who are sponsoring courses and workshops this year.

More, including RSVP form.

Lyons Permaculture Design Course

2009-12-27T08:47:00.001-08:00

Just found out about a new PDC happening in the Front Range area. This one is happening at the Lyons Farmette March 19-April 3. It's a residential course (which means that you stay at the farm, or nearby), and costs $1100. From the course schedule, it looks like you have 10 full days of instruction and 6 days of evening instruction, so if you attend, you only have to take 1 week of from work (if you work 9-5).

The list of instructors looks great, including Sandy Cruz (permaculturist extraordinaire), John Anderson (CO worm guy), Todd Jones (who held the mycopermaculture workshop earlier this year) and others.

More information can be found on the Lyons Farmette Permaculture Design Course website.

CRMPI gets 750 grant from Basalt

2009-12-27T08:45:00.000-08:00

Via the Aspen Times, the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute received a $750 grant from the town of Basalt, via their 2010 "town sharing" grant program.

Video on Desert Water Catchment

2009-12-24T06:55:00.000-08:00

Anupam Mishra gives a 17 minute talk about water harvesting structures of India. I couldn't find much more about him--his bio says that he presents on water harvesting techniques often, but I didn't find too many presentations online, and the Gandhi Peace Foundation, of which he is a founder, doesn't appear to have a website.

Here's an article he wrote about rainwater in Venice. And here's Anupam's recently translated book on the water systems of Rajasthan, "The Radiant Raindrops of Rajasthan" [PDF]. I skimmed sections of the book, and it seems like quite a resource for folks in the desert southwest. However, some of the prescriptions aren't technological, but social:

The sacrosanct line, which divides private property from common property, gets strangely erased when it comes to kuins [well-like structures that collect rainwater]. To each their own kuin; everyone has the right to construct a kuin and use its water. However, the kuin is constructed on land which is the collective property of the village. The rain which falls there remains throughout the year in the form of humidity and it is this humidity which feeds the kuins throughout the year. The amount of humidity present is determined by the amount of rainfall. Constructing a kuin in that area means sharing the humidity present there and that is why, though the kuin is a private property, since it is constructed on collective property, it falls under the control of the village society. It is only in case of dire necessity that permission is granted to build a new kuin.

Interesting stuff.

High Altitude Permaculture Institute presents "Permaculture through the Seasons", 2010 version

2009-12-15T07:50:00.001-08:00

Looks like Sandy Cruz is doing "Permaculture through the Seasons" again in 2010. Here's a flyer with all the info.

I have never taken a residential PDC,but I loved the 8 month long format, as it really gave you time to digest what you were learning. It also forced me to observe the target property over a longer period of time--rather than just trying to jump right into design.

Here's all the workshops and events that the High Altitude Permaculture Institute is a part of.

Jerome Ostenkowski profiled in Edible Aspen

2009-12-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

Via Locavore Life, I found this article about CRMPI founder Jerome Ostenkowski in Edible Aspen.

For 23 years, Osentowski has run his permaculture institute and “forest garden” 3 winding miles above Basalt, where he has converted 5 acres of red dirt into an edible oasis. The notion of permaculture takes organic farming to a higher level, turning a garden into an ecosystem. Short plants provide ground cover. Tall plants provide shade or a place for vines to climb. Some fix nitrogen in the soil. Some drive away pests. Some are home to beneficial insects. Instead of avoiding noxious pesticides and fertilizers, permaculture seeks to make them unnecessary.

Plenty more in the article.

Boulder County agriculture land for lease

2009-12-09T08:32:00.000-08:00

Via Sandy Cruz, two sections of Boulder County agricultural open spaces are up for lease.

The Boulder County Parks and Open Space Department, Agricultural Resource Management Division, is seeking proposals for agricultural leases on Smith, Joe and Peck Boulder County agricultural open spaces. RFP packets will be available at the Parks and Open Space Admin Building, 5201 St. Vrain Road, Longmont, Colorado, 80503 or may be obtained on-line at Rocky Mountain BidNet.

Here are the parcels up for lease in January:

RFP #5233-09: Smith, Joe Property
72 acres of irrigated cropland at NE corner of Hwy 287 and Hwy 52 intersection.
82 shares of Boulder and White Rock Ditch and Reservoir Company

RFP #5234-09: Peck Property
Approx. 20 acres located on west of 95th St along Left Hand Creek.
Ideal for small acreage farm or growers association
Up to 3 acre feet/ acre of Left Hand Ditch Company

There's an optional pre-proposal meeting at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 15, 2009 at the Boulder County Fairgrounds, 9595 Nelson Road in Longmont.

Here's a contact if you have further questions:

Meaghan Huffman
Boulder County Parks & Open Space
Resource Specialist
5201 St Vrain Road
Longmont, CO 80503
303-678-6181

Willow Way seeking variance to continue teaching permaculture

2009-12-09T07:17:00.000-08:00

I'm a bit late to the party, but Zia Parker has posted a plea on her blog for people to contact Boulder County to support her Low (Limited) Impact Special Use Review. Here's her application documents. The application appears to be 'Tabled Indefinitely' at this time; I'm unclear as to why. I posted a comment asking about it.

It's fascinating (and a bit frustrating) to see the hoops Zia is jumping through and the level of detail required by the application process.

Local Currency

2009-12-02T17:47:00.000-08:00

The Touchstone November 29, 2009

Marco Lam

These are times of immense transition and we have a clear calling to create a sustainable and resilient community. The rallying cry of "Buy Local" is heard loud and clear by those who realize the importance of a local economy but we lack a crucial mechanism for supporting a robust bioregional infrastructure. Regional currencies have a strong tradition in our shared American history and recall a time when the local economy was both resilient and decentralized.

Our new private voluntary barter currency, called the "Gaian" is a one ounce .999 fine silver piece that has a community barter value of "fifty". This means a merchant is willing to exchange fifty dollars of goods or services for a 1oz Gaian.

Everyone in our community benefits from using Gaians. Consumers benefit from a 10% discount on purchases when they buy our local currency from our Community Barter Coordinators. Businesses benefit from increased patronage and from the loyalty of customers committed to buying local. Almost everyone has underutilized knowledge, skills and time that can be engaged creatively if they have a medium of exchange. In the spirit of supporting our greater community, we also support non-profit organizations and local farms by allowing them to purchase Gaians at a discounted rate and sell them at full face value to their supporters.

It takes committed citizens working in their own communities, bioregion by bioregion, to create the needed systemic change that will lead to regenerative economic practices. Over time, these practices will support ecologically responsible production of goods as well as community self-reliance. Local currencies are a primary tool to bring about such a change. Gaians are about building community and a bioregional culture while supporting a local economy and a more equitable distribution of wealth .

Gaians are a tool for community empowerment with the intention of generating a society that connects each individual to their creative powers and their responsibility for creating a future that we all want to live in. We guide producers, merchants and consumers to plant the seeds for a regenerative economic future. A future for their community which honors both our natural home and our local culture.

A bioregional currency nurtures and protects the local businesses that accept the currency while discouraging consumption at big corporate retailers. This builds stronger relationships and a greater affinity between the business community and the citizens of the Boulder area. Gaians will not, and are not intended to, replace federal currency. The intent is to create accessible employment and abudance within our local ecosystem and community.

The touchstone of value for the Gaians is the immediacy of creating abundant circulation of trade within our community despite an unpredicatable global economy.

Those in our community who choose to use the currency make a conscious commitment to buy local first. We believe that by taking personal responsibility for the health and well-being of our community we are creating a regenerative local economy and an engaged civic life.

Broomfield Permaculture Garden Update

2009-11-21T07:34:00.000-08:00

The Broomfield Community Garden, which I mentioned previously here, had a successful season.

Here's a picture of some of the bounty they harvested.

This thread discusses some of the issues they want to address going forward, including how to best use the garden to promote permaculture and community.

The "money quote" for me:

The goal for the garden is to produce a steady stream of produce from early through late - maximize what the gardeners eat fresh and what the gardeners preserve.

Apparently, there is a garden coordinators' potluck on happening on December 3rd (I'd post to the above thread, or contact David Braden if you're interested in attending).

Cornucopia of Local this weekend in Boulder

2009-11-20T08:10:00.000-08:00

All kinds of interesting panel discussions at the Cornucopia of Local event (PDF), run by the Boulder Farmer's Market.

Elephant Journal has a review, including a list of panelists, and of particular interest is Barbara Mueser's discussion about "Permaculture at Home."

All this fun is happening at Boulder's first Zero Waste Hotel, the Boulder Outlook, this Saturday.

Pizza Farm in Wellington CO

2009-11-13T07:06:00.000-08:00

Via Daniel Halsey and Halsey Creative Services, Inc, I found the Pizza Farm in Wellington, Colorado. It's part of Harvest Farm, "a 209-acre farm and rehabilitation center for men", and runs through the summer. Definitely take a look at the pictures.

The pizza farm looks like a pizza! From their site:

The Pizza Farm is a circular garden that is divided into eight pie-shaped "slices" (like a giant pizza) and grows or grazes all the ingredients needed to make a farm fresh pizza! Best of all, visitors are educated and interactive with how the farm grows wheat for the crust, tomatoes for the sauce, dairy cows that give milk to make cheese, pigs for pepperoni, and much more.

What a cool design!

DU putting in Permaculture Gardens

2009-11-06T09:03:00.000-08:00

From a blog post, I found this: "Permaculture gardens are being put in around the DU campus as it is a dry environment. This is a long term plan."

He has posted a picture of the garden spot.

No mention of the garden being planted on the official DU website that I could find, but some minutes from spring 2009 showed that it was being discussed.

Photos from a 2008 Design Course

2009-11-05T07:05:00.000-08:00

Here's photos from a Boulder, CO, 2008 design course, presented by The Permaculture Project. It's a nice set of photos to give you an idea of some of the activities that take place during a permaculture class.

Looks like the person behind that is Wayne Weismean, a teacher out of Illinois. He also has a nice permaculture blog.

CU Professor Talks About Limits

2009-11-04T06:54:00.000-08:00

Permaculture is, in my mind, truly about acknowledging limits. Limits of energy, limits of ecosystems, and limits of technology. We can use design to increase food production, decrease work and energy, but fundamentally, we're accepting that we need to use less than what the sun provides and work around that.

The Permaculture Research Institute of Australia has a nice post on 'The Mathematics that Contemporary Economics Ignores' which is worth reading.

I'm posting it on this blog because it also features 8 10 minute embedded videos featuring CU Professor Dr. Albert Bartlett on the limits of growth in a finite system. Well worth the watch.

Denver Permaculture Classes this fall

2009-08-14T08:25:00.000-07:00

The folks at Wild Green Yonder, announced a slew of permaculture courses. These include

Intro to Permaculture, Urban Permaculture, Permaculture for Renters, and Obscure Edibles for the Colorado Climate.

For more information, including pricing, visit their classes page.

Edible Schoolyard/Farm School started in Carbondale

2009-08-13T08:23:00.000-07:00

Jerome Ostenkowski, of CRMPI, is helping the Carbondale high school provide an agricultural educational opportunity to students.

From the Aspen Post:

Jerome Osentowski, Colorado Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI) operator and 25 year veteran of alternative gardening practices, came up with the idea for a CSA Farm School when he, Jennifer Craig of Ute City Farm and Ken Kuhns of Peach Valley CSA partnered with Fat City Farmers to form Aspen Homegrown which provided training to ten students last year. “I was thinking, how do we train more CSA farmers for high altitude gardening?” said Jerome speaking on the genesis of the project, “Why not create an official school that would train 20 students a year?” That began his quest to find a permanent location for the project.

Article about Ward, CO, in the Permaculture Activist

2009-08-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

Sandy Cruz, who runs the High Altitude Permaculture Institute, has an article, "Re-Envisioning and Restoring Wild Lands in the Rocky Mountains", in the latest Permaculture Activist. This issue, number 73, focuses on bioregionalism. Sandy discusses efforts, hers and others, to preserve wilderness around Ward, Colorado, where she lives.

My favorite part of the article is her dicussion of interactions with government agencies. As you can imagine, preserving wilderness requires extensive involvement with federal, county and city governments, as well as quasi-governmental agencies like Great Outdoors Colorado. It was interesting to read about such intricacies, as well as her success.

If you are interested in permaculture, and haven't checked out the Permaculture Activist, please do so. They have a website, but the magazine is the way to go. Check with your library--I know Boulder has a subscription.

Database of useful plant species for the Denver region

2009-07-30T08:07:00.000-07:00

Via the Wild Green Yonder, I found this google spreadsheet with over 100 plants well suited to the Denver area. The author explains:

...a wealth of information exists in print and online for researching and selecting guilds – check out Plants For a Future and the University of Minnesota’s nursery database for starters. Still, this species information is spread across several websites, it’s difficult to sort through, and it’s rarely specific to the climate you’re in. As a result, guild building isn’t always as user-friendly as it ought to be.

In response to this challenge, I’ve begun the Atriplex Project – an attempt to create a comprehensive open-source database of useful plant species for Denver’s bioregion of the shortgrass steppe. Its current incarnation is a google spreadsheet that anyone can edit and export, although down the line it would be great to develop it into a more user-friendly standalone website.

What a great idea! This type of open information exchange is just what the internet is great for, and it looks like the author is happy to have other people help.

A side note about Plants for a Future--I wanted access to a sample of their database a month or so ago, and wrote them email, but they didn't seem too responsive. Based on the home page note:

The Plants For A Future charitable company has a new management team, and we are working on plans to redevelop the Plants For A Future website and database. Some of the information on this website about the organisation is out-of-date and misleading. The database continues to be available from this site.

and the blog entries, it seemed that they're going through changes right now. But the data is still good!

Broomfield Permaculture Garden looking for volunteers

2009-06-12T07:08:00.000-07:00

There's a work day this Sunday (June 14) and it looks like they'll be doing a lot. See the announcement for more info, or to donate various items.

Rainwater harvesting pilot program signed into Colorado law

2009-06-03T09:47:00.000-07:00

Governer Ritter signed a law which "establishes a pilot program for the collection of precipitation from rooftops for non-potable uses." CBS has a nice writeup.

This is a great step, but only the first one. You cannot start harvesting rainwater now; you have to participate in the pilot program, which will last for ten years. There will be only ten projects selected, and the program is only open to "RESIDENTIAL OR MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENTS THAT WILL CONDUCT INDIVIDUAL PILOT PROJECTS TO COLLECT PRECIPITATION FROM ROOFTOPS AND IMPERMEABLE SURFACES FOR NONPOTABLE USES". Here's a PDF of the bill, HB 1129. Us normal folks should check out the FAQ and links from the Colorado Division of Water Resources: "Am I allowed to construct a graywater or rainwater harvesting system in Colorado?"

But hey, it's a start!

Meetup in Denver: Permaculture at the Home Scale

2009-06-01T21:02:00.000-07:00

I recently joined a meetup group called the Greater Denver Urban Homesteading Group (if you haven't checked out Meetup.com, it's a great way to find local common interest groups meeting regularly). I have not yet been to a meetup, but they've already sent out some interesting classes (how to make saurkraut, intro to pressure canning). On the 28th of June, they're having an introduction to permaculture class, focused on household designs. Looks really cool:

Permaculture is an effective and rapidly-growing framework for applying patterns found in nature to human structures. Join certified permaculture teachers Adam Brock and Kenzie Davison as we explore how the ethics, principles and design process of permaculture can be applied to our own homes to create an integrated, regenerative system.

In case you're keeping score, that's the same Kenzie and Adam working on the Park Hill demonstration site.

Community garden "takes root" in Golden

2009-06-01T06:53:00.000-07:00

A community garden is happening in Golden, CO, and part of the purpose is to teach permaculture. From an article in the Denver Political Issues Examiner:

Matt Burde, Garden Leader ... said, "We’re growing a place for conversation. Golden’s First Ever Community Garden Breaks Ground and Celebrates Grand Opening Sunday, June 21st."

...

"In addition to offering plots to community members, the concept behind the garden is also to provide education opportunities to the public," said Burde. "Classes will be offered monthly or more on various topics including composting, square foot gardening, permaculture, low water use, and beyond. Open dawn till dusk, the garden will provide meeting spaces for community gatherings, a children’s gardening area, and a learning center with a library full of books."

More information on the garden, including, unfortunately, that all the 2009 plots are full, can be found at the Golden Community Garden website.

Gardening the Land Between The Sidewalk and The Curb

2009-05-30T05:56:00.000-07:00

I was biking around Boulder the other day, and ran into a lady who had taken ownership the space between the curb and the sidewalk. This space is called a planting strip. Rather than just leave the weeds and scraggly grass that had been there before, she had it rototilled put down some weed barrier and was placing some nice looking garden plots down. She planned to raise some vegetables and some flowers in the planting strip. Her main motivation was fun with her kids; secondary was making the space look better; it would have been hard to make it look worse.

I saw another property owner who rototilled their entire lawn, including the planting strip. I chatted with them briefly regarding their plans for the space. They were replacing most of the lawn with new grass, but did plan to plant some vegetable gardens in concretee garden circles that were set back from the street a good bit; see photo.

Both of these landowners were helping make their neighborhoods more beautiful. They were learning or refining gardening skills. And they were producing food in an area that was not productive before. I don't know if this fits the textbook definition of permaculture, but they were definitely taking steps to make their lives and lawns more sustainable.

However, these landowners had some concerns about these actions as well. The reason that the photos I've placed don't have more in view is to hide the locations. There was concern about being hassled by the city of Boulder. Apparently, some people have done this kind of planting strip gardening in the past and been forced to remove their gardens. One of the landowners claimed that as long as what you had in the strip was less than 36 inches high, you would be OK. I did some searching and found this link that doesn't really speak to this issue. However, the page it links to states the planting strip "shall be maintained and may be improved as such by the abutting property owner." You should ask your city's maintenance department for their rules and regulations. In any case, this property owner wanted to stay on the down low.

Other concerns included exhaust from cars and buses and pedestrian interference. I talked to a Ag Extension specialist about this a few years ago when I was looking at gardening a strip of land close to the road, and I don't remember that person being especially concerned. Pedestrian interference, aka people stepping on the garden, was dealt with by providing plenty of space for people walking on the sidewalk and/or getting out of their cars. Additionally, you can see the small fence in the first picture above; it's not meant to keep people out, but rather to warn people who might not be paying attention.

If you are looking for some additional garden space, the planting strip may be a good option. The pluses for using the planting strip (as opposed to other locations):

it tends to get good sunlight due to the nearby road
it might be in zone 1 or 2, depending on where it is in relation to your driveway
it is land that is probably not very well used right now

The minuses:

there might be issues with your governing locality
the public nature of the garden requires more upkeep and visual concern than might be true otherwise
you might not be able to erect more permanent structures (trellises, compost piles)
foot traffic might cause damage to the garden.

More urban permaculture in Denver

2009-05-26T08:42:00.001-07:00

Another article about urban permaculture in Denver. They have a nice list of resources at the end, too.

For nine people living together in Denver, their adventure in urban homesteading is all about cooperation.

"Two years ago, it was lonely, and now I'm swept up in it. It's overwhelming, exciting," said Adam Brock, 23. "It's not just gardening but what you do the other eight months of the year."

The homesteaders moved into the big house facing City Park about two months ago. Already, they have transformed a large chunk of the big yard into gardens using tenets of permaculture, an approach to gardening that tries to mimic natural ecosystems. In addition to the usual slate of vegetables and herbs, they are growing things like Siberian pea shrub.

Update 5/27: Here's the blog of the homesteaders in the big house across from city park

Denver neighborhood of Park Hill gets permaculture demonstration site

2009-05-18T07:17:00.000-07:00

Via the Denver Post, news that Feed Denver and the Urban Land Conservancy are partnering to "create an urban agriculture demonstration farm in northeast Park Hill".

The conservancy, which recently purchased [a property in the area], will make long-term, permanent development plans for the site in partnership with the surrounding neighborhood. Permanent development will take a few years.

In the meantime, Feed Denver will work with Kenzie Davison and Adam Brock to create an urban ag demonstration as a viable farm for the neighborhood, as well as an education opportunity. The project will build a variety of plots to demonstrate the use of compost techniques for growing soil as well as permaculture techniques for growing food plants.

More in the article; I'm sure Kenzie and Adam can use help.

Colorado College has a garden

2009-05-16T10:16:00.000-07:00

Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, has a garden. Apparently, they are envisioning a permaculture garden, as well, and are making progress towards it.

We envision a one-acre permaculture garden on the Colorado College Campus that will be used as an interactive resource for students, faculty, and classes, as well as a venue for market gardening, local events, and community outreach. Students of all academic interests will benefit greatly from the establishment of the CC Farm through access to fresh produce and farm work, as well as through active involvement in research, youth education, and experiential learning.

Here's the proposed garden plan. They also have a blog (that isn't updated all that much). I contacted the outreach chair for the garden and she had this to say about their progress:

We were a functioning market garden as of last year selling to three venues: Colorado Farm and Art Market, our school's food service Bon Appetit, and a small stand outside of our campus center for students. We got our garden moved on campus last spring, so this summer is our second fully functioning summer in President Celeste's back yard (our new on campus plot. Before that we were gardening a plot at Vennetucci farms). We receive free land and water from the school, but besides that it is a completely student run and self sufficient project. We raise all the money to maintain and work the farm ourselvles (meaning students writing grants all year long). Our greatest expense is paying the three full time interns each summer to work the farm.

...

[W]e have nine chickens too! ([T]hey started as my independent project last summer when I was a garden intern and I hear they are actually starting to pay themselves off! They are all layers and apparently are producing enough so that we are selling them on a weekly basis).

Permaculture videos galore

2009-05-14T10:13:00.000-07:00

Via Jim, from Colorado Local Sustainability, Youtube has a large number of videos about sustainability and permaculture, but someone has taken the time to pull many of these videos onto one page. Beware! Visiting this page can leave you lost in thought for the rest of your afternoon.

Colorado Springs Permaculture Potlucks

2009-05-13T08:09:00.000-07:00

The Coloradd Springs Pikes Peak Permaculture group has monthly potlucks. This May, it will be on May 31 at, probably, 5:00pm. Call Scott for directions at 719 200 8838. More info at the bottom of this page.

Agriburbia: Suburbia with agriculture

2009-05-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Via Sprouts in the Sidewalk, a blog about urban agriculture, I found this site: Agriburbia.com. While it mentions permaculture by name:

An example of the Agriburbia land planning design is this 640-acre parcel in Southern Weld County, Colorado. It includes for 980 homes, including multi-family town homes to two (2) acre permaculture home sites.
...
Each Agriburbia mixed-use campus is centered on an agrarian concept where traditional suburban landscaping and open space is replaced with orchards, vineyards, and other perennial crops for the benefit of the neighborhood and surrounding communities. A limited amount of active recreation area is provided. The balance of the open space is designed as productive organic agricultural landscape.

The folks behind Agriburbia are based in Golden, Colorado. Here's an article about the concept from the Northern Colorado Business Review, for more information.

Another Boulder Permaculture Design Course

2009-05-03T09:16:00.000-07:00

Via elephant journal, there's another permaculture design course happening in the Boulder area this year. From the course description for Permaculture courses in Solutionary Sustainability:

Permaculture is a design science, rooted in observation of nature, to learn how to live with the resilience and stability of natural eco-systems. Taught in over 100 countries, Permaculture is a global grass-roots movement in sustainability education. Permaculture principles guide the design method. The principles guide you to discover optimum strategies for sustainability for any given place-- urban/rural or any eco-zone.

In addition to the typical core curriculum, there are some elective tracks.

I. Growing Food for Four Seasons
II. Solar Principles, Applications and Natural Building
III. Bioremediation, Constructed Wetlands and Aquaculture
IV. Direct Communication with Nature

Visit the course page for more information, including pricing and scheduling.

MycoRestoration/MycoPermaculture workshop in Rollinsville

2009-05-02T07:29:00.000-07:00

There is a workshop focusing on mycorestoration (using fungi to repair broken ecosystems) and mycopermaculture (using fungi in permaculture) happening in Rollinsville on June 13-14. From an email I was forwarded:

Also, June 13-14, we will be offering an outdoor mushroom workshop based on the MycoRestoration work of Paul Stamets, only specifically geared towards high altitude regions, including plug spawn, rope spawn, bunker spawn, mycoremediation , soil building, etc. We're concurrently developing content for using fungi in Permaculture.

This workshop will be held at the Syzygy Community House. For more information, including cost and availability, call Todd at: 720-891-0767.

Update, 5/30: The cost of the course is $200. Todd has created a flyer outlining all you need to know about the mycorestoration/mycopermaculture course.

Update: 6/7: The schedule of the workshop has been published.

Mushrooms as an element in permaculture

2009-05-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Mushrooms are one design element of permaculture that I'm learning more about. I recently purchased an indoor mushoom kit from Fungi Perfecti, and am excited to see how easily I can raise mushrooms indoors.

Here's a chicken chart for (some kinds of) mushrooms:

Inputs

medium (sawdust, tree trunk, etc)
moisture
oxygen
starter (spores?)
dark
attention

Outputs

mushrooms (year round food, protein)
compost
carbon dioxide
more starter
money (if sold)

As I said, I'm new to mushrooms as a permaculture element. What did I miss?

Mushrooms seem to fill a place in a permaculture system much like worms. Instead of breaking down food waste, they break down carbon heavy materials like tree stumps and tree trunks that would be too much for worms or a compost pile.

New Permaculture Forum

2009-04-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

Via Pikes Peak Permaculture, I discovered the Permaculture Forum. Not much action on there right now, but hopefully it will serve as another online resource.

Permaculture Greenhouse at Naropa

2009-04-18T08:49:00.000-07:00

Via VOA News, I learned of the Naropa greenhouse that will be dedicated Earth Day, 2009.

From the news story:

The word "permaculture" unites the concepts of permanence and agriculture. It begins with personal commitment toward protecting the Earth, then continues with action to make it happen. And, it's the theme of an Earth Day celebration that will feature a new permaculture greenhouse on the campus of Naropa University, in Boulder, Colorado.

Permaculture Garden in Broomfield

2009-04-17T15:26:00.000-07:00

Boulder has a permaculture garden that I have yet to visit. And it looks like Broomfield is getting into the act.

This past Monday, April 13th, a group of 10 folks from Transition broke ground on a 1 acre permaculture community garden in Broomfield. The garden is located at the Broomfield Presbyterian Church in Broomfield at 350 Main Street.

...

If you live in the Broomfield area and would like to come and help create this permaculture garden, or would like to contribute your expertise in permaculture, or learn how to do it hands-on, we invite you to stop by any time between 9 am and 2 pm on Sunday, April 19 at the south parking lot of the Broomfield Presbyterian Church located at 350 Main Street in Broomfield. Please contact me if you have any questions about this venture or would like to contribute time, money or materials.

I talked with the pastor of the church, and he pointed me to the NICE site for more information. Apparently NICE is the non profit behind these gardens. If you don't want to join Transition Colorado, that site has contact info.

Permaculture Design Course at Naropa

2009-04-16T15:49:00.000-07:00

If you're a college student interested in permaculture, you may be interested in Naropa. This is, as far as I have heard, the only course in permaculture design at an accredited university. It's being taught by Marco Lam. From the course description:

This hands-on, applied course builds on the work of Introduction to Permaculture and examines mycology, orchard design, soil development, water management, natural pest management, crop rotation and other areas in the context of a variety of gardening models including permaculture and biodynamic farming. Students develop skills for sustainable food growing. The course also includes field trips and demonstrations.

There are a couple of other courses related to permaculture in Naropa's BA in Environmental Studies.

Permaculture Podcast on Crop To Cuisine

2009-04-15T20:12:00.000-07:00

Several local permaculture teachers, including Sandy Cruz and Jerome Ostenkowski, were featured on a syndicated radio show and podcast, Crop To Cuisine, on April 6.

This episode looks at the opportunities to get educated in permaculture design across Colorado. Permaculture is a system of Permanent - Agriculture See how you can get involved with a number of educational centers from the front range to over 9000 ft above sea level.

As of today, the podcast link doesn't work for this issue (I sent a message to the Crop To Cuisine folks). Update 4/16/2009: the link has been fixed, so you can go there and listen to the podcast. However, there is another permaculture podcast on that same page, broadcast June 9, 2008.

Using Google Sketchup for permaculture design

2009-04-08T07:17:00.000-07:00

I recently used Google Sketchup for a permaculture design I did. If you're not familiar with Sketchup, it's a free diagramming and three dimensional design tool that runs on Windows and the Mac.

I am computer literate, but had not used a design tool like this before--probably the closest program I'd used was Visio, and that was for a totally two dimensional problem. I found Sketchup a bit difficult to use, though there is plenty of help available. Sketchup has a large set of help documentation that ships with Sketchup, there's online help, and there are extensive video tutorials. I think that largest issue I had with Sketchup is just the vast set of tools that it presents--I needed a lot less than it gave me.

The benefits that Sketchup provides include accuracy, easy layering and shadowing. The accuracy was most impressive. My design was for an urban site, so I was able to measure most of the relevant distances and structures. Then I was able to put the measurements in Sketchup and get a more accurate representation far quicker than I would have been able to with traditional permaculture methods (paper). Now, I have never done drafting, so I'm sure that's part of the equation.

Sketchup also allows you to add items to layers, and switch those layers on and off. The implementation in Sketchup is a bit different than in other 3d modeling software, so it's worth viewing this layers tutorial--I probably viewed this about 5 times, trying to get the hang of it. But it was great to be able to switch layers (from basemap to basemap with zones to basemap with sectors, etc) with the click of the mouse, rather than moving tracing paper.

Sketchup allows you to automatically create shadows. You can do this manually with this process, but I'm guessing the Sketchup makes it easier. The trade off is having to measure the height of various obstructions precisely. I didn't end up using the shadowing, but it seems like a useful feature.

Overall I was happy with Sketchup. But, no tool is perfect. I had issues with a number of items. First, the layers menu disappeared on me. Luckily, fixing this is a FAQ. I also had issues with connecting lines--if you want to create non square shapes, you need to connect lines carefully. Sketchup gives you lots of help, but if you're used to a two dimensional tool, you may be surprised.

I also had some issues printing the design. I didn't spend a lot of time on this, but I didn't see a 'shrink entire design to page' option, which would have been nice. I ended up previewing the print job repeatedly to see how it would look. Another quirk was the two types of text. One is 3-d text, which you can place and group, and the other was just 2-d text--which you can use an arrow with. I used the 3-d text for a while, but would recommend the 2-d text

Here's the final design that I put together, just to give you an idea of what it looked like:

Collecting rainwater in Colorado

2009-04-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Rainwater collection is often a key part of permaculture design. Permaculture calls for redundancy in resources, and water is a key resource. This is especially true in the American West and in Colorado, where the average rainfall ranges from 70-80 inches a year in a few mountain hideaways to 5-10 inches a year in the San Luis Valley (here's a PDF map of Colorado precipitation).

Collecting rainfall can use earthworks, such as swales, cisterns or buckets. But until recently, it was illegal to collect it. "You can direct it, but not collect it, according to [Paul] Lander", the executive director of Colorado Waterwise.

But, thanks to Chris Romer and Marsha Looper in the Colorado Legislature, some residents can now collect water:

The bill's sponsors figure about 300,000 people statewide will now be permitted to harvest rainwater, mostly the in rural areas who already have exempt wells for household and domestic use.

There is now a second bill up for consideration that would expand rain collection to new developments in urban areas. That would allow for a pilot program and the bill will be heard on Friday.

Here's a PDF of the bill CONCERNING LIMITED EXEMPTIONS FOR WATER COLLECTED FROM CERTAIN RESIDENTIAL ROOFTOPS and here's a PDF of the proposed bill, CONCERNING AN AUTHORIZATION OF PILOT PROJECTS FOR THE BENEFICIAL USE OF CAPTURED PRECIPITATION IN NEW REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS, AND MAKING AN APPROPRIATION IN CONNECTION THEREWITH (as far as I could tell--navigating the legislature's website was a real nightmare).

Permaculture businesses around the metro area

2009-04-04T11:08:00.000-07:00

The ReDirect Guide, an online and offline directory of businesses and information forcues on healthy and sustainable lifestyles, has a section on permaculture businesses. If you're looking for permaculture consulting or just want to ask a question about it, feel free to consult one of these companies.

"What is Permaculture" Class

2009-03-31T13:01:00.000-07:00

There is apparently a permaculture introduction class happening at St Andrews United Methodist Church down in Littleton, Colorado. The description available online leaves something to be desired, but you can see what they have to say by clicking here, then searching for the word permaculture, then clicking the 'More Info' button.

I exchanged voice mails with Diane Smith at St Andrews, and she informed me that the class was on Thursday April 2, from 6:30 to 8:30. It's sponsored by their social justice committee, and Ellen Rosenthal will be presenting. A bit of searching turned up the fact that Ellen Rosenthal is associated with the Living Earth Center (which is also putting on a permaculture herb garden design course).

Permaculture Herb Garden Design Course

2009-03-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

This summer, there's a Herb Garden Design Intensive going on, taught by Claire Zimmerman.

Come join us for a group design intensive, exploring the most effective designs for herbal medicine gardens for Colorado’s unique climate. Using advanced permaculture design process, we will explore plant profiles, guilds, garden shapes, microclimates and more to create the most effective and useful medicine gardens for home-scale use. This class is designed for people with a strong permaculture background. Permaculture Design Certification or approval from instructor required. This will be a collaborative group design process, come ready to stretch your mind to create the optimum medicine gardens.

Find specifics for this course, as well as the instructor bio, at the Living Earth Center website.

Backyard chicken site

2009-03-26T07:47:00.000-07:00

Chickens can be an integral part of a permaculture design. They are omnivorous and have several different yields (meat, eggs, manure). They are one of the animals that is possible for anyone to keep (as opposed to larger livestock).

I stumbled across a site (via the the Permaculture institute's urban permaculture page) all about urban chickens. The City Chicken is chock full of good information:

You can have chickens...It's easy! I put up this page to inspire people who have been wanting to keep some chickens in their backyard. I hope the pictures and info will motivate you to try what you've been wanting to for a long time: Bring a little country into your city life. You are looking at this web site because you've been bit by the chicken bug and need to know how to get started with your chicken-keeping endeavors. Well, you could start here!

Durango half day permaculture class announced

2009-03-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

There's a class going on this weekend that is an introduction to permaculture:

In this unique half-day course on March 28, we will explore permaculture principles and methods of design using the Nature Center as a classroom. Located at the mouth of the Florida River Valley near Bondad, the Center winds along 140 acres on the Florida River. Trails wander through a wide variety of habitats - riparian, meadows, oak woodlands, piñon-juniper forests, and desert arroyos. Culture Brothers will present information to help attendees succeed in their daily endeavors and prepare for extremes of weather, food and culture. We will also have time for one or two hands-on activities, which may include a survivalist plant walk, sheet mulching, or constructing simple wind and sun breaks.

View this page for more, including cost and registration information.

Boulder Permaculture Garden announced

2009-03-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

According to this page on the Transition Colorado website, Boulder has approved a 1.3 acre permaculture garden. The garden will be located next to the Boulder homeless shelter, and is aimed at adult education as well as food production.

I was unable to find official verification of this announcement, but there is apparently a meeting on Tuesday, Mar 24, 2009 to finalize the layout and do more sheet mulching.

Much more on the event announcement page.

Two new Permaculture events in Boulder, and one in Denver

2009-03-13T14:25:00.000-07:00

There's a two day introduction to permaculture, Permaculture at the Human Scale: An Introduction, at the end of March.

This course is appropriate for students new to permaculture as well as certified designers interested in applying permaculture at the social level or strengthening their analysis of invisible structures.

And there is a one day workshop/potluck/film, Permaculture Early Gardening & Potluck/ Free Film, during the ides of March (plus a gardening workshop before if you want--it's unclear if there is a charge for the workshop).

FREE FILM SHOWING: Bill Mollison's Global Gardener Part II, Dry lands application. Discussion on what Drylands Permaculture means here in Boulder Valley. Seed sources, water-saving strategies.

Lastly, there is a two hour workshop at the Denver Botanic Gardens, Urban Sustainable Living, in early April.

Learn about the ethics and principles of permaculture with particular attention to small lots, condos and apartments. Even without a “real” garden, you can live more sustainably in the city! Discuss espaliered fruit trees (one foot wide instead of 20!), the many uses of windowsills, using vertical space efficiently for living and storage, indoor worm bins, gray water, rooftop gardens and more.

Article in Colorado Magazine: What is Permaculture

2009-03-09T11:37:00.000-07:00

Sandy Cruz has an article in Viz Magazine: "Permaculture: What Exactly is It?" It's a great introduction to permaculture, covering the key concepts.

Creating Ecosystems
Relative Placement
Energy and Nutrient Recycling
Using Biological Resources
Permaculture is Unique
Culture and Agriculture

Want an executive summary?

Permaculture is a method of observing and understanding natural systems, and then imitating what we see in Nature to provide ourselves with food, shelter and clothing. Once basic human needs are satisfied, we can leave the rest of the planet in a wild state.

Read the entire article.

Numerous Permaculture Workshops in the Boulder area

2009-03-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

The High Altitude Permaculture Institute has a number of workshops scheduled this spring.

These workshops cover a variety of topics, but tend to be a day or two in length. Topics covered include workshops on garden design and planning, high altitude gardening and secrets of building soil.

Sandy knows her stuff, and I'd encourage anyone interested to take a look.

PDF flyer for these permaculture workshops.

More information on permaculture workshops and events.

Another Permaculture Class in Boulder

2009-02-26T08:55:00.000-08:00

I wrote last year about the 2009 edition of Permaculture Through the Seasons, an eight month permaculture class that I took last year. If you missed that opportunity, there's another permaculture class happening in Boulder this April, 19-26th:

[An] 8-Day Permaculture Design Certification Course with an emphasis on Urban and Suburban Design. With the use of the Internet, students will begin this 72 hour course from their own home during the 3 week period prior to the week-long, on-site intensive, being hosted in the Boulder area. PIA certified instructor Wayne Weiseman will lead the course with local guest instructors. Boulder, Colorado.

I'd love to attend this course, but unfortunately have already made other commitments for that week. I especially am a fan of the emphasis on Urban and Suburban design--something we didn't really dig into in the 'Through the Seasons' course.

More info on the main instructor, Wayne Weiseman.

Ecoscape Article on a Permaculture Food Forest

2009-02-20T08:08:00.000-08:00

The folks at Ecoscape Environmental Design, located in Boulder, have an article about Permaculture Food Forests. (I think the article is on an old version of their website, but the article is interesting so I'm going to link to it.)

When applied to a landscape design, Permaculture requires a more complex set of standards than the conventional approach. For example, a spatial aggregate of trees, shrubs, vines, flowers and grasses should work together functionally as well as aesthetically. Plants should provide each other (and us) services as they do in nature. Some plants process and serve up foods like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to other plants which otherwise can’t consume them. When sited and selected skillfully, plants can provide habitat for beneficial birds and insects that will keep pest outbreaks in line. They can also give wind protection and shade, act as visual barriers, control dust, mitigate noise, produce oxygen, yield food and medicine, and more.

Living Earth Center

2009-02-15T17:58:00.000-08:00

The Living Earth Center is a Colorado based organization that is a

non-profit committed to bringing people into deeper relationships with nature through Permaculture education and programs that foster earth-centered values.

They have a calender with upcoming permaculture events on every page--well worth checking out.

Jerome Ostenkowski nominated to be White House Farmer

2009-02-11T07:10:00.000-08:00

Via Oxadox, I found out that Jerome Ostenkowski, of CRMPI fame, was nominated to be the White House farmer (equivalent to the White House chef). You can read Jerome's nomination, the winners' statements, or more about the campaign.

Permaculture and Transition Talk

2009-02-05T07:26:00.001-08:00

Feb 10 7-9pm at the Mercury Cafe, there will be a discussion on
"Sustainability and Beyond: Permaculture and Transition".

Ellen Rosenthal of the Living Earth Center, who will speak about permaculture and how it is deeply embedded in the Transition Movement.

More details

Permaculture Design Online

2009-02-05T07:01:00.001-08:00

As in most permaculture classes, at the end I and a team of others did a design for a real live property.

We posted the initial design and supporting documentation on a wiki, and the design wiki will be evolving as the caretaker of the land implements one or more of them.

Colorado catchment law to change

2009-01-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Rainwater catchment is a key part of permaculture. It is one more source of a vital constrained element, especially in Colorado. Via The Rainwater Observer, I noticed that:

Kathleen Curry and Jim Isgar plan to introduce a bill to allow rural property owners to utilize rainwater catchments on a small scale. The bill will limit the catchments to properties served by an "exempt well," that is, a well that is allowed to pump regardless of priority because the amount of water produced is so small that it is assumed that no senior rights holder will be harmed.

Apparently, there was also a bill last spring that allows Colorado to start examining how best to utilize "rain harvesting" as part of an overall water conservation strategy.

Colorado Springs Food Bank to have permaculture gardens onsite

2009-01-08T07:41:00.000-08:00

From the Colorado Springs Gazette:

Care and Share Food Bank's new headquarters is twice the size of its previous home, boasts energy-efficient features and emits a warm environment that speaks of its mission to feed the hungry.

...

The new location will also have vegetable and permaculture gardens run by volunteers, and an orchard with fruit trees. The food grown on site will be distributed through the program.

What a great idea? I wonder if the Pikes Peak permaculture group is involved.

Victory Permaculture

2009-01-05T07:41:00.001-08:00

Stumbled on a new Boulder Permaculture website:

Victory gardens were used in the US during the 1940's to conserve resources and support the war effort during WWII. Today we face challenges as a nation and planet that rival those of fascist imperialism and every effort will need to be made if we are to overcome them.

Victory Permaculture is an avenue for creating change in the places we live. To claim victory over the distance and separation we have with our food, medicine, and the land we live on.

In the future we will be offering sustainability consultations and Permaculture designs for your homes and businesses. As well as classes and workshops for further education and skill building. Services will be offered both locally in Boulder County, Colorado and remotely for those interested.

Michael was a classmate of mine at the recent PDC I took--feel free to contact him for information on his services.