UPDATE 2/10/09: We do still have some space available in this design course for you- but please register with your deposit as soon as possible to secure your spot.

One weekend a month for 6 months...
Join us on the second weekends of February through July 2009 for a program that past students have called "life-changing" and "a source of inspiration".

Location
From beaches to butterflies to redwoods, Santa Cruz is known for its great natural beauty. But it is also a place known for going its own way, supporting radical causes, and birthing businesses that support healthy lifestyles through organic food, drink, clothing, natural medicines and more.

The next logical step is to tie it all together with permaculture design, so that we may create strong, effective networks that grow, flourish, diversify and withstand adversity- just as natural ecosystems do.

Classroom in Trout Gulch
Photo by I. Saxon

Join us at a developing permaculture site in the beautiful redwoods of Aptos...

Class Site surrounded by Redwoods
Photo by I. Saxon

A Certificate Course for Homeowners, Land Managers & Design Professionals,
This course has something for everyone...
This training includes the most inspiring examples of sustainable land use and human ingenuity from around the world.

• Sustainable Community Strategies
• Organizing Eco Neighborhoods
• Simple Steps Toward a Sustainable Lifestyle
• Natural Building & Property Development
• Adding Beauty & Value to Your Home
• Strategies for Energy Descent & Peak Oil
• Re-Localizing Food Production
• Green Business Strategies
• Finding your Right-Livelihood Career

Final course work includes student design presentations, community project and (the infamous!) Trade and Talent Show.

Who Should Take This Course
The Permaculture Design Course has truly transformed the lives and enhanced the careers of thousands of people around the world, including architects, landscapers, community developers, social workers, city planners, teachers, students, farmers, gardeners, homeowners, business owners and others. For anyone serious about creating a sustainable future!

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!..

Read Course Outline here

The "hands-on learning" focus of the course will be on participants' Design Team Exercises and projects. Additional workshops will be available for those looking to get more experience in Observation Skills, Natural Building, Sustainable Landscape Construction, Art in the Garden & more.

PART ONE
February 14/15 & March 14/15, 2009
Fire, Water, Earth & Air... Introduction to Permaculture and Natural Pattern Understanding.

PART TWO
April 11/12 & May 9/10, 2009
Food, Water, Shelter & Energy... Designing & Building the Complete Home Ecosystem.

PART THREE
June 13/14 & July 11/12, 2009
Community & Green Business... EcoVillage Design and Community Celebration.

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

• L. SANTOYO, Director,
  EarthFlow Design Works
• KEN FOSTER , Permaculture Designer, Founder of Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping
• PLUS Heather Flores, Lydia Neilsen and other local experts...
• Read more here

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
Venues will take us in and around Santa Cruz. Additional -Field trips & Hands On Trainings will be scheduled (Dates & Fees TBA)

TIMES
9am to 5pm Saturdays and 10am-5pm Sundays

CERTIFICATION
Requirements include:

• Full Attendance
• Design Team Exercises & Final Presentation
• Participation in the Talent Show
• All Payment Agreements met in full...

Upon successful completion of the course you must request, and respond to, the student questionnaire. Additional Certificate Fee of $25.00 will be required.

REGISTER

TUITION- Attend all, or part of course

• $90.00 per day
• $175.00 per weekend
• $950.00 for all six weekends
  (pre-paid in full)

Materials and other fees may apply.
Meals, Lodging & Transportation not included.
Note: $250 non-refundable deposit required to guarantee your space.

Teachers may apply for scholarship discounts.
Payment Plans, Trades and Work-Trades are available (with an additional $100.00 administrative fee).
To apply contact: worktrade@earthflow.com

DONATE
Donate to the Permaculture Scholarship Fund and help create the conditions for sustainability to happen!

Help to sponsor a student by donating to the Permaculture Scholarship Fund. At every course, EarthFlow offers Teacher Scholarships to all Educators.

Contact us at sponsor@earthflow.com for additional methods of support.

Join The Terra Foundation, Terra Nova Ecological Landscaping, HopeDance Media, Transition Santa Cruz , The Permaculture Institute and EarthFlow Design Works in sponsoring The 2009 Santa Cruz Permaculture Design Course and help create the conditons for sustainability to happen!