Permaculture Workshop

Sponsored by Center for Sustainable Community , Stelle , IL

Weekend of Nov. 5 to 7, 2004

Permaculture is an ecological design in which we work with nature to create an environment where everyone and everything within it wins. In this environment, all living entities are cared for and healthy. This includes the soil, the microbiology, the plants, the animals, and we humans. This environment is a balanced system with zero net pollution because a ‘waste' product from one living entity becomes food for another, thus all serve the greater living ecosystem in an integrated manner.

July 2004 Permaculture Design Class (click to enlarge)

This past summer Stelle was honored with 32 visiting students and 10 different instructors during a 15-day Permaculture Design Certification course where we explored these principles and applications in detail.

As part of this course, a permaculture design was developed for the Center for Sustainable Community building, and we are going to begin physical work on that design during this permaculture weekend workshop. This workshop is for anyone who would like to get an introduction to permaculture while also getting some hands-on practical experience. We will combine classroom time with several work projects such as the shaping of beds, preparation of soil, planting perennials, the application of mulch and the building of a cold frame/greenhouse.

Our goal is to do all the ground work necessary this fall to be able to do some real experimenting with different permaculture planting guilds next spring. You are most welcome to join us for as the old saying goes….”Many hands make light work!” It's also a lot more fun! Please consider joining us if this tickles your fancy.

Schedule of Events

Friday
5:00 Early registration, Settle into accommodations, Dinner
7:00 Classroom Time. “Introduction to Permaculture”
9:30 Open discussion about permaculture, whole living and sustainability.

Saturday
7:00 Walks(tour of Stelle?), Qigong, Breakfast
9:00 Introductions, Selection of work parties
10:00 Work parties
12:00 Lunch break
1:00 Work parties
4:30 Free time
6:00 Dinner
7:00 Permaculture Movie
7:30 Highlights of permaculture training material
8:30 Party and/or “The Insight Game”, a CSC favorite

Sunday
7:00 Walks(tour of Stelle?), Qigong, Breakfast
9:00 Completion of work projects (all morning for those not participating in Open House).
10:30 CSC Monthly Open House – Discussion about Stelle, CSC and a tour.
12:30 Lunch
1:30 Discussion: “What is at the Heart of Sustainability”
3:00 Closing and Wrap-up.
3:30 End

The cost for the entire weekend is $99 and includes modest accommodations (bring your own sleeping bag), all 6 meals (vegetarian option), classes & instruction, and a good look at Stelle for first timers.

To register, contact csc@stelle.net
or call 815-256-2204

Deluxe accommodations are available at the Hoffman's Greenhouse Bed & Breakfast. See website (www.greenhousebed.com) for more information, pricing, and to make your own reservations.