UPDATE: Next series of classes beginning June 12 & 13, 2010 and running the second weekends of the month through November. Registration opening soon!

One weekend a month for 6 months...
Orange County's first Permaculture Design Certificate Course!

Once a jewel upon the land, filled with orchards rich in fruit year-round, Orange County's landscape has changed dramatically in the last 50 years.

It's time to change it dramatically again! In cooperation with the Terra Foundation, Earthroots Field School, The Ecology Center, The Anneliese Schools and the County of Orange, join us for the training program that offers simple Strategies for a Sustainable Society now...

A Certificate Course for Design Professionals, Land Managers & Homeowners
This course has something for everyone...

• ReDesign with Nature
• Water Conservation
• Natural Building & Property Development
• Suburban FoodForestry
• Food Security
• Economics of a Sustainable Society

Using an ecosystems design approach, this course will teach you the possibilities of the practical and the profound. It will introduce you to the people and resources that will help you create a new ecosystem, one that goes beyond your home and garden and all the way out into your community.

Who Should Take This Course
For anyone serious about creating a sustainable future. Permaculture Design touches on all aspects of life. It offers decision making protocols, based on nature, for problem-solving, critical thinking and design.

The course will introduce you to new career ideas, show you how-to home improvement projects and start you on the path to food, water and energy security. The Permaculture Design Course has truly transformed the lives and enhanced the careers of thousands of people around the world, including architects, developers, social workers, city planners, teachers, students, gardeners, landscapers, homeowners, business owners and others.

THE CURRICULUM
The A to Z of Sustainability! A more fun or informative course would be hard to find. Our text book, Permaculture: A Designer's Manual, by Bill Mollison, was once reviewed by Whole Earth saying "If information had density... this book would be a black hole!..."

The "hands-on learning" focus of the course will be the Design Team Exercises. Through lecture, video and group discussion you'll learn when, where and how to apply permaculture's principles and practices. In extra-curricular activities, you'll participate in experiential learning opportunities and work with your team to design a community project. Team projects are showcased on the final weekend of the course.

Course work includes 12 days of classes (be prepared for intensive note taking!), hands-on practicum, team design of a community project, final presentation and the infamous class Trade & Talent Show & community celebration.

Note: This course may also be attended for less rigorous non-certification (no extra-curricular activities required).

See Course Outline here

PART ONE
November 14/15 & December 12 & 13, 2009
Fire, Water, Earth & Air... Introduction to Permaculture and Natural Pattern Understanding.

PART TWO
January 9/10 & February 13/14, 2010
Food, Water, Shelter & Energy... Designing & Building the Complete Home Ecosystem.

PART THREE
March 13/14 & April 10 & 11, 2010
Community & Green Business... EcoVillage Design and Community Celebration.

TEACHING TEAM
Join veteran Permaculture Instructors and Internationally Acclaimed Leaders in the Worldwide Sustainability Movement including...

• Larry SANTOYO, Director,
  EarthFlow Design Works
• SCOTT PITTMAN, Director,
  The Permaculture Institute
• TOBY HEMENWAY, Author, Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home-Scale Permaculture
• JOHN VALENZUELA, Permaculture Designer, Horticultural Consultant
• PLUS other local experts and guest speakers will be announced...

REQUIRED READING

• Permaculture: a Designers Manual
  by Bill Mollison
• Gaia's Garden: A Guide to Home Scale Permaculture
  by Toby Hemenway
• Check out our Book page for information on ordering.

LOCATION
The course will be held at the Community Room of the Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole Way Foothill Ranch, CA 92610.

TIMES
10am to 6pm Saturdays and Sundays: the second weekend of each month, Nov- April

CERTIFICATION
Certification of Completion of the Permaculture Design Trainee Course is through the Permaculture Institute. Additional Certificate Fee $25.00

Requirements include:

• Full Attendance
• Design Team Exercises & Final Presentation
• Hands-on Practicum (8 hour minimum TBA)
• Participation in the Talent Show
• All Payment Agreements met in full...

Upon successful completion of the course, Trainees are eligible for 2 year apprenticeship programs for Permaculture Designer Diploma from the Permaculture Institute.

REGISTER

TUITION
$250 non-refundable deposit required. All balances due by February 12. No refunds after October 30, 2009. Meals, Lodging & Transportation not included.

• $95.00 per day
• $180.00 per weekend
• $1050.00 for all six weekends
  
• $950.00 if paid-in-full by start of class
• $900.00 Early Bird Registration 'til Oct. 9
• 10% Discount for 2 or more together

See the Application Guidelines for discounts, payment plans, trades and work trades. Teachers may apply for scholarship discounts.

SPONSORSHIP
Support our Permaculture Scholarship Fund! Tax-deductible gifts-in-kind and scholarship fund donations are welcome and honored.
Email us to inquire how your business or organization may benefit from contributing to the success of our programs.