Upcoming Seminar Schedule
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Host Bill to Deliver this Seminar
Call 815-256-2215
or email Becky
for availability
and speaking fees.
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I have been an organic gardener for about 15 years and consider myself a Steward of the Earth Since I took your seminar, the concept of permaculture has taken me to a new level! It has made me rethink everything I do, not only in my garden but in the world! Thank you so much... Valerie L. |
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"Introduction to Permaculture"
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Bill Wilson
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"It's like it clicked! Thanks Bill. This is what we should be doing to feed ourselves and create a greater sense of community & belonging." - Becky G. |
"Listening to Bill was like a breath of fresh air. I knew that there had to be a way out of the energy and societal challenges before us, and now I see it. Very inspiring and hopeful...!" Cathy P. |
Consider this: The ratio of tensile strength-to-density of spider silk is approximately 5 times greater than that of steel, while a single thread, wrapped around the earth, would weigh only 1 pound (16 oz.).
Also, the amount of sunlight that intersects our earth in 40 minutes is equivalent to the total, global-annual-consumption of energy (400 quads).
Permaculturists look at facts such as these and ask the question, if there is that much energy available, and if a spider can make something so strong simply by eating crickets, what kind of world can we create for ourselves and our neighbors if we work hand-in-hand with the natural systems surrounding us?
Permaculture is a creative and artful way of designing our lives, where wastes become resources, productivity and yields increase, work is minimized, people and nature are preserved - all by thoughtful planning and a respectful approach to life. Thus embraced, we create an environment where all may thrive for untold generations.
We as humans have the ability to re-design the world we live in. All it takes is desire, know how, will, and time. Even if it takes 50-100 years, the change can begin with each one of us right now and the effects of our work can have beneficial consequences for generations to come.
This unique 3-hour seminar was designed to give the attendee a working grasp of what permaculture is and to provide some practical examples of how to incorporate permaculture design techniques into one's own life, property, and community.
During the seminar Bill Wilson will share pictures and descriptions of some exciting examples of how permaculture design
is transforming the possibilities before us. Some of the successes explored will be:
| * A permaculturist who has learned to grow bananas and figs in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado |  |
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| * A new permaculture greenhouse that produces food all year round with 90% renewable energy, allowing the grower to provide fresh food to local consumers and restaurants in January as well as July. |  |
| * A village that uses its common green areas to raise crops for community income, use and enjoyment |  |
| * A farmer who makes a better living on his 20 acres, growing fresh organic food than his neighbors do on their 700 acre conventional farms |  |
* A straw-bale home that uses 75% less energy than the average American household |
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| * Commercial buildings and industrial plants that use 75% less energy than their equivalents |  |
* Laurie's permaculture yard in Peoria where she now has over 300 useful plants that require no planting, fertilizing and little weeding |
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| * The Mandala garden which is capable of producing enough fruit and vegetables for an entire family of 4 by simply mimicking patterns found in nature. It is 30 foot in diameter and can be adapted for one’s own back yard |  |
| * And the chinampas or ‘floating gardens’ created by the Aztecs around the area known today as Mexico City from 1200-1500 AD. The chinampas have been described as the most productive agricultural systems ever developed on our planet. |
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To be clear, permaculture is a lot more than just food production. All the above are examples of the various components that could be an essential part of creating a 'permanent-culture'. A thorough study of permaculture invites us to look at our homes, our uses and sources of energy, our methods for providing food and comfortable shelter, our work, our relationships with others, and even our relationship with ourselves. The goal of permaculture is to create harmonious relationships with all aspects of our life.
And as previously mentioned, this introductory seminar will include a 30-minute video of permaculture’s founder Bill Mollison (right), who shares his unique overview on the subject while taking the viewer to many places around the globe where permaculture has changed peoples lives. |
 Bill Mollison |
The purpose of this comprehensive, introductory seminar
is to give the beginning student:
1.
a grounded understanding of what permaculture is,
2. a good idea of where and how it can be applied,
3. some vivid examples of what permaculture can actually accomplish,
4.
and where someone can go to find more information on this fascinating subject.
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About Bill Wilson
Seminar Presenter
"I am sharing all of this information that I gleaned in just a few hours with my family, my friends and my neighbors. I thought Bill did a tremendous job of turning simple unknown facts into things that I now think about on a daily basis. I look at our planet and landscape with a much different eye than I did just a few weeks ago. " Kelly L. |
Bill has been teaching permaculture for 6 years. He holds 2 PDC Certificates and has Advanced Training in Permaculture Design and in Teaching Permaculture.
He took his Permaculture Teacher Training with Jude Hobbs of the Permaculture Institute USA. She was trained by Bill Mollison on his first visit to the U.S. in 1985.
Bill Wilson has hosted and co-taught over 22 PDC Certificate Courses and teaches widely on permaculture and the Transition Town initiative.
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As a 32-year resident of the sustainable oriented community of Stelle, IL, he is integrally involved in several cooperatives including tool, garden, dinner and chicken co-ops. |
Bill and his wife/partner Rebecca are creating a permaculture oasis surrounding their traditional suburban home, pictures of which may be found on this website.
For More on Bill and Becky Wilson
& Why Midwest Permaculture was Started
More on Bill
Below is a short clip of a keynote address given at the Northland Bioneers Conference held in St. Paul, MN, in October of 2010.
4-Min. Video Clip - "What is the true source of abundance?"
Click Here to View the full 1-Hour Address, "How do we Build Permanent Cultures?"
"The Heart of Permaculture"
28-Minute Interview with Bill
from Peak Moment Television
Janaia.... I just watched your 'Heart of Permaculture' video interview with Bill Wilson. It was wonderful, powerful and touched my heart completely. My passions are so aligned with what was discussed and explored. Thank you very much for doing what you do and sharing it with all of us. "This man just summed up the entirety of life in this short interview. Bravo!!!! I thank you both for this interview, keep up the continued efforts!!!!" "Bill Wilson seems like the ideal type of person for a teacher. Good thing he left his trucking career." "Wonderful - one of the best! I love Bill and his philosophies. I took the online part of the Midwest Permaculture PDC last spring. Even if I never get out there for the hands-on week, the online webinar was well worth the time and money. " "Wow, what charisma. At the end of the interview, i think, you felt the same. "Janaia, one of the BEST Peak Moment interviews. Thanks!" This interview was #157 |
"Permaculturists can grow food just about anywhere,
repair environmentally damaged lands,
design lovely and long lasting green-buildings,
produce power,
run successful, people-oriented businesses,
and build authentic community -
all by using the same fundamental permaculture principles
and applying the three Permaculture Ethics:
Care of People - Care of the Earth - Share the Surplus."
Bill Wilson - Midwest Permaculture
Saturday, April 2, St. Louis, MO |
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More Seminars will be Posted as they are Scheduled
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where Bill will be presenting this seminar...
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Wish to Host or Sponsor a 3-Hour Seminar?
Email Becky
... or call her at 815-256-2215 for scheduling and fees.
Thank You
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