COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE

SPRING 2015

March 21- May 31

Join us for the first-ever Permaculture Design Course in Columbia, SC!

Do you want a tangible toolkit to help you live more harmoniously with your environment?
Do you want to connect more deeply with your community?
Do you want to start building skills that put you in touch with what sustains you?
Do you want to be part of a global network of positive change?

If so, then we need you. for some of the most important work of the 21st century: building a more resilient future, a world we are proud for our grandchildren to inherit. There is a way for us as humans to thrive on this planet and meet our needs without depleting, destroying and battling for the earth's resources.

emily mccravy photography

What is permaculture?
Permaculture is a design strategy that mimics nature in order to create human habitats that have the stability, productivity and resilience of a natural ecosystem. It has been described as a "revolution disguised as gardening" that starts in your backyard and expands to have global implications. It provides a set of powerful tools and common-sense solutions to meet human needs in a way that is regenerative to ecosystems.

Columbia Permaculture Design Course Details:

Dates: every other weekend (Saturday and Sunday 9-5 pm)
starting on March 21st
March 21-22, March 28-29, April 18-19, May 2-3, May 16-17. May 30-31)
note that we will meet two weeks in a row to not conflict with Easter weekend

Venue: Columbia Friends Meeting House, with field trips to relevant sites in the Columbia, SC area
72 hours of instruction catering to all types of learners through lectures, hands-on projects, images, site tours and homework between classes.
Provides you with an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate upon full attendance and completion of a design project.
The weekend format accommodates the needs of those who cannot take time off to do a residential PDC course. It also allows participants to integrate and deepen what they learn in the course in their homes and gardens in between course weekends.

emily mccravy photography

Who is facilitating the course?
Nick Tittle, Matt Kip and Mari Stuart
Read about your inspiring permaculture facilitators here.

Who is this course for?

anyone who is a homesteader in their heart
backyard gardeners
farmers
landscape designers seeking a more sustainable dimension for their work
community activists
Environmental Studies students
homeowners who want to invest in the long-term productivity and beauty of their property
school garden organizers
educators
anyone interested in living a more sustainable lifestyle, creating health and well-being for their community, and working towards an abundant, ecologically responsible future

What topics will the course cover?

Permaculture Design Principles
Site assessment from a holistic perspective
Mapping and design process
How to bring our soils back to life
Permaculture plants for the Southeast
Polycultures and forest gardens
Making the most of water in a system
Animals and aquaculture
Renewable energy systems and appropriate technology
Natural building
Urban Permaculture
Community building
Alternative economic and social structures

emily mccravy photography

What will I gain from this course?

– You will leave with a thorough understanding of the ethics, principles and design methodologies of permaculture.

-You will learn how to apply these principles to land, shelter, energy, water systems, economies and communites to create abundance.

-You will learn to bring your soil back to life, harvest water, create edible landscapes, reduce your energy consumption, develop low-input perennial edible systems, and generate energy through low-tech solutions.

-You will develop your observational skills.

-You will gain the skills to assess any site from a permaculuture standpoint and develop a design to increase its sustainability and productivity.

-You will become a resource for your community, building long-term resilience and self-reliance for your family, your business and your region.

-You will develop your creative problem-solving skills and learn to see real solutions amidst challenges.

-You will discover an empowering way of living in the world and be a part of creating a better future.

emily mccravy photography

artwork by Matt Kip

How can I reduce the cost of the course?

Refer a friend who enrolls and get $50 off your tuition
Fundraise for your tuition: if you are interested in a creative way to come up with funds to pay for this course, look into fundraising for it through WeTheTrees.com. It is a great way to reach out to your family and friends, let them know what you are up to and give them an easy way to contribute to your education. Click here to learn more!

What are the benefits of a local Permaculture Design Certificate course as opposed to an online course?
There's no substitute for interpersonal synergy in a PDC Course. It is a life-changing experience. Although you may get quality information online, you will not be getting your hands dirty with like-minded, creative, supportive and optimistic members of your community. A local course provides you with the global principles of permaculture as well as knowledge specific to your region. Our consortium of teachers brings both international and super local expertise to the table.

What is the price for the course?
$925 after January 1st
($250 holds your spot)
full payment due by March 1st.
If you choose to put a deposit down, we will invoice you for the remainder of the $925

The cost covers all course materials and instruction, certification, digital permaculture reference materials, snacks and refreshments, and field trips.

Email us if you have any questions or if you'd rather pay by check.

What about lodging and meals?
For out-of-town participants, camping or local homestays may be possible. Let us know if you are interested in this option. Saturday and Sunday lunches are potluck/BYO.

If you still have questions, head over to the FAQ's about taking Permaculture Design Course page.