First we are in the process of updating the info on our website, but here is what we are planning! We will be doing a lot more teaching this year. This will include:

• Felting Workshop Series: Both needle and wet felting classes.
• $100 Food Forest workshops: A great way to test the waters of permaculture.
• Intro to Permaculture workshop: A 2-day workshop that covers the Ethics, Principles, and basic design.
• Wholistic Observation: Not just knowing that we need to be more observant to design, but HOW to be more observant. Tips, tricks, and techniques used by artists, animal trainers, naturalists, and trackers.

AND…

• We are holding our first Permaculture Design Certificate Course! Our course is really focused o the permaculture design process and systems thinking. here is a sneak peek at what we will be offering at our PDC!

A 100+ hr 9 month Permaculture Design Course from April – December. Learn to
create sustainable landscapes, homes, communities, and life with practical instruction and hands-on activities. Includes field trips, design practicums, and guest speakers. Topics include: Permaculture Ethics & Principles, Wholistic Observation, Design Process, Reading the Landscape, Natural Patterns, Forest Gardening & Agroforestry, Composting & Soil Health, Building for Sustainability, Energy & Water Systems, Aquaponics, Animal Care & Husbandry, Tracking, Wildlife, Foraging, Designing for People, Community & Economy.

The workshop took place in the Ecology garden in Penetanguishene. It’s story is inspiring. In y a few short years the Ecology gardens has become a hub of agriculture, and now permaculture activity in the area. There are many rented garden plots as well as some plots that are used in the community. Many more plans for community and social enterprises are in the works at the gardens as well. It was very exciting being there. All 14 participants were eager and braved the cool winds and soggy ground. Much needed rain had arrived the day before. By the afternoon we were all hot and enjoying being outside in the sun.

Everyone came with a different experience of permaculture and a wealth of knowledge in their area of expertise. I was really blown away with the knowledge and innovation that came to the workshop. We had a great time all learning from each other during the games and lunch. the overwhelming favourite activity though was by far the sit spot time. People enjoyed learning how to begin wholistic observation.

During lunch everyone took notes of the books that looked interesting. Taking a mini-library was more than worth it! The afternoon was a little more low-key. We had covered a lot of ground in the morning. We focused more on guilds, and relationships. The final section was a practical.

Throughout the day we had to be mindful of the killdeer family that had made the garden their home. She sat on the eggs most of the afternoon while he stayed close by to try and ward off any potential threats to his eggs.

I just wish I could have seen everyone’s gardens both indoor and outdoor. Yes, one participant had what sounded like an AMAZING indoor garden. Thanks everyone. I can’t wait to do the next one!

All of the information taught to us was new. It made perfect sense, but it was exhausting and mind-boggling at times. At the end of the first weekend we were all exhausted, our brains fried. Our teachers, Sara and Cathy were just amazing. Even when we had to create a full lesson plan for a particular age group they were patiene with us.

I was extremely lucky to have a great partner to do my Lesson Plan with. I have to say I learned so much from Sarah. She is an amazing artist and will be seen in the world’s Contemporary art shows in the near future. I found working with her a bit of a kick in the pants to create. Something I have not done nerly enough of lately.

In the fall I will be taking the Level One course as I know it will benefit me in so many ways. Many of the techniques and tactics I learned in this course I have already tried out and put to use. I may just become a good teacher after all!