"Introduction to Permaculture"
3-Hour Comprehensive Seminar

With Bill Wilson of Midwest Permaculture
Same Seminar - Various Locations - See Schedule Left, and at Bottom of Page

Presentation Includes 30-min. Video of Bill Mollison - Originator of Permaculture

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 living, where wastes become resources, productivity and yields increase, work is minimized, people and nature are all preserved and the environment is restored (even enhanced) - 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
* 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
* 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
* 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.

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. Mollison takes us to devastated lands in India, the dust bowl/deserts of the American Southwest, mountainous regions, the tropics, New York City, and some suburban back yards. There will also be a couple of hand-outs and some resource tips for discovering more information on permaculture.

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.
_________________________________________________________________

About Bill Wilson
Seminar Presenter

Bill is a teacher, communitarian and permaculturist, holding three Permaculture Design Certifications.  He has been interviewed on National Public Radio, Peak Moment Television and other public programs.  Bill has taught in a wide variety of locations, including the agricultural halls at Purdue. He is a 32-year resident of the sustainably oriented community of Stelle, IL, which hosts its own community 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 their website at www.MidwestPermaculture.com.

______________________________________________________________

"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 a Permaculture Ethic:
Care of People - Care of the Earth - Share all Surplus."
                                                            Bill Wilson - Midwest Permaculture

_________________________________

Scheduled 3-Hour Seminars

Sunday, March 21, East Lansing, MI 3:00 - 6:00pm Location TBA Grounded in Lansing, Michigan To register ... (coming soon) Price for this workshop (coming soon too) Offered by: PermacultureStateWide.org
Sunday, April 18, Hastings, MI 1:00 - 4:00pm Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Cost: Members $25, Non-Members: 35 Please call (269) 721-4190 to register Directions Here
Saturday, April 24, St. Louis, MO 9:00am -12:00 noon at Schlafly Bottleworks, 7260 Southwest Avenue, Maplewood, MO To register call Sue Kaiser at 314 630-5910 or email brickcitygardens@yahoo.com. $45 for this workshop There are 5 other workshops and a series of movies over the Spring months. Click here for more info.

For a Full Description of 3-Hour Seminar... Back to Top of Page.

Click Here for our Monthly Email
that contains Updates to this Schedule

Wish to Host or Sponsor a 3-Hour Seminar?
Email Becky
... or call her at ...
815-256-2215
for Availability and Fees
Thank You

                   Back to "About Permaculture"
                    (if that is where you came from)