“This course has been a life-changing, invigorating, and a nurturing experience for me.”
Kathy Crittenden -62- Retiring university professor
Who Would Benefit from Taking a Permaculture Design Course?
Home owners,
Landowners,
Beginning farmers,
Home based
business owners,
Students,
Educators,
Builders,
Planners,
Developers,
Aid workers,
Communitarians,
Problem Solvers,
Environmentalists, Natural health practitioners,
Ranchers,
Farmers,
Foresters,
Landscape designers,
Entrepreneurs,
Architects,
Accountants,
Financiers,
Bankers,
Publishers,
Attorneys,
...and all others concerned about the planet and future generations.
“What permaculturists are doing is the most important activity that any group is doing on the planet.
We don’t know what the details of a truly sustainable future are going to be like, but we need options.
We need people experimenting in all kinds of ways and permaculturists are one of the critical groups that are doing that.”
8-Day Design Certification Course Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm -- Grass Valley, CA
In the Foothills of the Sierra Nevada's
Nov. 7-14, 2009
This 2009 PDC Course Complete The 2010 Course is Posted Here
8 Pre-course Webinars + 8 Very Full Days on Site
The Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm has invited us to host another one of our design certification courses at their beautiful California location. This course will not only deliver the foundational educational experience for understanding permaculture design, but all involved will have the unique opportunity to experience it within the context of a yoga community and will have the option to practice a bit of yoga if so desired.
This yoga retreat center has been a place of self-discovery, peace and respite for several decades. People from all over the world, whether they be devoted yoga practitioners or just the interested public, have come here to spend a day, a weekend or more, to find that place within themselves that is anchored into the essence of life. As permaculture students at the Yoga Farm, we will observer their schedule and general customs (see bottom of page).
Course objective:
The challenge of this course will be to assess the resources available to the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm (including, but not limited to, the land, soil, wildlife, sun, rain, wind, water, topography, plants, buildings, people, financial resources, etc.) and continue to develop a permaculture design that will support the Ashram's ability to supply its foundational needs -- now and into the future.
Permaculturist Wayne Weiseman
brings his years of design and teaching experience to this certification course.
Wayne is registered by Bill Mollison's Permaculture Institute of Australia to teach the full permaculture design course (PDC)
and to grant PDC certification. Read more...
Co-Instructor -- Bill Wilson
Co-Founder of Midwest Permaculture with his wife Rebecca, Bill holds two PDC Certifications and has completed Advanced Permaculture Training as well. He is also a one of the US trainers for the Transition Town Initiative.
Your Design Course Host -- Vidya Chaitanya
Vidya is a graduate of our fall-2007 course and is the person responsible for bringing our training to the Yoga Farm retreat center for a second time. She was one of the administrators and teachers at this farm for several years, and has recently taken a post as the director of the Los Angeles Sivananda Yoga Center.
She will be returning to the farm to act as our course host and to assist with the smooth running of the training.
Vidya is a native of Australia spending many of her adult years in the UK. It was her love and devotion to Yoga that brought her to the US only 5-short years ago.
The Connection Between Yoga and Permaculture To view a great article that she wrote for the LA Yoga Magazine that beautifully explains the connections between yoga and permaculture... Click Here.
Description of our Full, Permaculture-Design-Certification Courses If you landed on this page and happened to have missed the full course description, you might still be wondering what is actually covered
in a certification course. If so, Click Here.
Click Here For
Picture Summary of 2008 Grass Valley Training
Further Details of this Course
Begin Immediately:
This full design course actually begins for each student when they register for the training. With registration comes a welcome email that contains access to the recorded webinars, handouts from the course instructors that one can begin reading immediately, and with-in a week or so, the arrival of the design course text book via US Mail.
Course Textbook Included with Registration 'Earth User's Guide to Permaculture'
by Rosemary Morrow
This gem of a text, shipped to students upon registration, is written by Rosemary Morrow, an Australian, that has taught permaculture around the world for decades.
The book is straightforward and loaded with illustrations, depth and substance. It covers theory and also focuses on the practical aspects of how to implement permaculture design.
This book is a must read for the serious permaculturist and is a requirement for students of our design certification courses.
150-Question Study Guide
Along with the text comes a study guide with 150-questions that will assist the student in anchoring the information contained in the book. If a student can answer these questions, they can be assured that they have grasped the foundations of the permaculture design certification course.
Webinars: This year's live webinars were hosted as part of the first design course held in May. All students receive links to 6 of these webinars hosted by lead instructor Wayne Weiseman which covers a large part of the course text and gives students a great foundational understanding of permaculture in preparation for their on-site training.
Also included with this course are two additional webinars that are live.
Thursday, October 15, 2009 - Additional Webinar 1 - Bill Wilson This is the introductory session (6:30 - 8:30 CST) giving students a solid overview of where and how permaculture design relates to the bigger picture of redesigning our lives in our present culture. This seminar will be invaluable to any student who sees themselves teaching permaculture to others. This webinar occurs about 3-weeks before the on-site portion of the course begins and will provide the opportunity for students to get to know each other. This webinar launches the final big push of student preparation before the on-site training.
Monday, November 2, 2009 - Additional Webinar 2- Wayne Weiseman
This is a 2-hour question and answer period, (6:30 - 8:30 CST) live with Wayne, where the students bring their most pressing questions for exploration. This Q&A session is schedule in the final days before the on-site portion of a course begins, Nov. 7th.
Also, these final two webinars will be recorded for those who have to miss a session or wish to review them again and again.
Purchase Webinars & Self-Study Features Separately
If one is seriously interested in learning about permaculture but cannot commit to a certification course, the webinars and self-study features of our design courses can be enjoyed as stand alone experiences.
Students learn an amazing amount about permaculture and design just by joining in on these aspects of a course.
Webinar / Self-Study Package: $195
- Bill Wilson's ' Introduction to Permaculture' webinar (Includes permission to use teaching slides)
- The 6 Wayne Weiseman 'Foundations of Permaculture' webinars from 2009
- A copy of the course text Earth User's Guide to Permaculture (Along with reading assignments as they relate to webinars)
- A copy of the 150-Permaculture Self-Study Questions (These solidify your permaculture comprehension and understanding) - 24 Handouts from Bill and Wayne to highlight certain subjects
Additional Benefit...
Receive Full CreditToward Future Course
Should a student decide to take a Midwest Permaculture Design Certification Course in the future, the $195 is fully credited toward their registration fee. This credit will be carried forward for up to 3 years. When a students takes a future course they get to participate in the new round of webinars as well.
"I won't be able to listen live tonight but will be very interested to listen to the recording later.
I've LOVED these webinars.
Thank you so much for offering the webinar-only option. I plan to take a certification class within the next couple of years, but these webinars allowed me to really bring together the self-study and in-the-dirt projects I've been working on. THANKS!" Leigh W. (5-13-09) Arkansas http://ozarksalive.org/larrapin/
On-Site Portion of Course:
5:30am
Wake-up Bell
6:00am
Satsang
7:30am
Refreshments
8-10:00
Design Course
10:00am
Brunch
11:00-2:00
Design Course
2:00pm
Refreshments
2:30-5:00
Design Course
5:00pm
Break
6:00pm
Dinner
7-9:00pm
Design Course
10:30pm
Lights Out
Schedule The on-site training begins at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 7, and ends following brunch on Saturday, Nov.14.
Our daily schedule will coincide with the Ashrams adherence to the 'Five Points of Yoga' devised by Swami Vishnu-devananda. Anyone who is interested may participate in the morning Satsang (see below-right) from 6-7:30am. Each day you may choose to participate or not. It is a wonderful way to become acquainted with the ideas behind, and the benefits of, a yoga practice.
As you can see, these will be very full days. This will be necessary to be able to deliver the full Design Certification Course curriculum. Students should come ready to learn and to work. Wayne & Bill keep the days interesting but one's focus is important.
Satsang is keeping company with wise and inspired people or teachers. Their thoughts are uplifting. If you meditate for half an hour daily, you will be able to face life with peace and spiritual strength. Chanting is the most powerful way to become joyful through sound vibrations. Readings are from Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu-devananda's books.
Meals
Also, unique to many is the idea of eating two vegetarian meals per day - one at 10:00am and the other at 6:00pm. There will be substantial refreshments served at 7:30am and again at 2:00pm for those who need a more consistent flow of nutrients, but this week will give many of us the opportunity to examine our eating habits.
Two delicious and bountiful buffet-style vegetarian meals are served daily. Absent from the menu are meat, fish, fowl, eggs, garlic, onion and caffeinated beverages. Those desiring an occasional meat dish will find restaurants a modest drive away and a two-hour break each day to fit it in.
Camping and On-site Cabins
Camping is included in the price of the course with some beautiful spots to choose from in which to setup one's tent. It will be November so the nights will be cool (possibly a bit below freezing) but the days should still be quite pleasant.
Showers and toilets are a short distance away.
You will be having some very full days and will only be sleeping in your tent so if you have a warm sleeping bag and some padding, you'll be very comfortable. For those who would prefer a roof and a bed, the ashram has some simple and relatively new cabins available for an additional fee.
These cabins sleep 4, 2 or a single person. Those who are willing to share save. The cabins will be all men or all women except for couples (only single beds available). Check pricing for cabins under 'Fees'.
Please let Becky know at the time of registration if this is something that you would be interested in.
Please Note: Specific questions concerning accommodations, food or customs
can be answered directly by Vidya.
Email: vidyachaitanya@sivananda.org Phone: 310-306-0246
What to Bring (and your 'Welcome Packet')
5-6 weeks before the on-site portion of the course begins, every student receives a welcome packet (by email) which includes a list of things to bring as well as more details about your course, your webinar classes, and your fellow students. We try to be thorough in order to support you in feeling prepared and ready for your course.
Transportation
During the webinar portion of the course we encourage students to network and coordinate transportation requirements with one another.
For those using mass transit, make your best deal to arrive at a major hub (airport is Sacramento SMF) and be prepared to rent a car if need be. However, many of the students who are driving in have traditionally gone out of their way to pick up air, rail or bus travelers.
Certification
Students who complete this design course will receive a 'Certification of Completion' which allows one to use the copyrighted word 'permaculture' in the promotion of their work or business. Graduates may also do teaching, offering workshops, lectures and seminars. However, offering full design certification courses and awarding certification to others requires further training and documentation. Click here for more on certification.
Description of our Full, Permaculture-Design-Certification Courses If you landed on this page and happened to have missed the full course description, you might still be wondering what is actually covered
in a certification course. If so, Click Here.
Continuing Support Following Graduation
Students who have completed a Midwest Permaculture design course are then invited to become part of our growing network of graduates. There are three ways we work to support our students:
We have a separate website where all graduates can connect, share ideas and look for some assistance from each other.
We host an annual permaculture reunion for our graduates only and their families.
Graduates may audit any future 72-hour certification courses at half price (provided space is available).
Our objective is to support our students for as long as they need it or want it, and to encourage them to support each other.
Already A Permaculture Design Certification Course Graduate?
We offer a 33% discount to students who have already graduated from another recognized course (from anywhere in the world) who wish to take a Midwest Permaculture course as a refresher.
Please email or call (815-256-2215) for details.
Course Fee:$1,295 (Includes camping and meals)
Cost of the Course with Cabin Lodging:
Cabin of 4 (Share with three others) add $130 per person
Cabin of 2 (Share with one other) add $225 per person
Cabin of 1 (Your own cabin) add $555 (each cabin) Note: Cabins are rented on a first come / first served basis as registrations arrive. We cannot guarantee cabin space until a student is registered however, there appears to be ample space for our course participants. Cabins will be filled at random, by gender, and as registrations arrive. Groups or friends may request the sharing of a cabin but we cannot guarantee these accommodations. We will do our best however.
Group Registrations - Save $100 2 or more may register as a group and receive a $100 discount each. We have had friends, family members or couples register together and in the weeks before the course, ended up bringing in several more friends, each saving $100.
Call Becky for either more information, to register with the cabin lodging, or to set up a group (815-256-2215).
How to Register:
Option 1 Click Here to Register on-line. If you are intending to camp, this is a quick link to register. We take MasterCard, Visa and Discover.
Option 2
Register over the phone by calling Becky at 815-256-2215 to use your credit card or send in a check. Option 3
Fill out the
registration form which you may print out, fill out, and snail-mail in with your check. Word Document (.doc) - or - .PDF File Form
Down-Payment / Course Reservation
Our simple e-commerce page is not set-up to handle partial or down-payments. If making a partial payment will assist your ability to participate, please call Becky at 815-256-2215 to work out an arrangement.
Low Risk Cancellation and Refund Policy
Should a student have to cancel their enrollment in the course up to 30-days before the on-site portion of the course begins, there is a full refund less $250. Student retains access to webinars, keeps the course handouts and text book, and receives a full $195 credit towards any future Midwest Permaculture PDC for three years.
If a student cancels within the 30-day period before the course there will be a full refund less $350 and the student still receives a $195 credit towards our design courses. The credit is good for up to three years.
There are no refunds for cancellations or for withdrawals once the course begins. However, in certain circumstances, we may extend partial credit towards a future design course.
Still Have Questions?
You are welcome to email us at Becky@MidwestPermaculture.com or call 815-256-2215 and ask for Becky.
About the Yoga Farm Location
The Yoga Farm is located outside Grass Valley in the western foothills of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains of California, called the "Range of Light" by the famed American naturalist John Muir (founder of the Sierra Club).
It was the Sierra Nevada's, particularly Yosemite, that inspired photographer Ansel Adam (photo below) to attempt to photograph the essence of life itself.
Hopefully, those registering for this course will have the time for a bit of traveling.
The Yoga Farm is only,
1-hour from Tahoe National Forest,
2-hours from Lake Tahoe,
3-hours from San Francisco,
4-hours from Yosemite National Park.
No smoking, alcohol, drugs, or nudity are permitted on the Ashram grounds. Please ask for guidance from the Yoga teachers or the resident swami if you wish to understand the principles and the philosophy behind the practice.
Karma Yoga
The Yoga of selfless service. All visitors are encouraged to join our staff (all non-paid volunteers) in an hour of volunteer work daily. (Note: Special permaculture related projects will be coordinated for design course students.)
Pets
There is a no pet policy. Please ask for special authorization to bring pets.
Dress Code
Generally, staff at the ashram wear plain-simple clothing (e.g. T-shirt or sweat shirt and loose, comfortable pants/trousers).
Please note that this is a traditional ashram and all are expected to observe the dress code. We require you to cooperate with this so that everyone maintains the pure energy of the ashram. In satsang we wear clean, light colored clothes - not jeans or work clothes. If you do not comply, we may ask you to change. Clothes are available to buy in the boutique.
This is the dress code for both men/women:
* no nudity or transparent clothes
* no bare shoulders, no tank tops
* no low cut tops
* no tight fitting clothing, no exercise shorts (no Spandex!)
* no bare midriffs (tops should be able to tuck into the trousers)
no tights- trousers should be knee length or longer and loose
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