Permaculture

Permaculture: an approach to designing human settlements and perennial agricultural systems that mimic the relationships found in the natural ecologies.

I’m freakishly excited because this summer I get to take a course in the California desert on permaculture - or permanent agriculture - meaning sustainable systems of agriculture that reduce reliance on damaging industrial systems of production and distribution. This is the future for lasting development solutions needed in communities like Lyantonde, and will greatly improve my understanding of issues the community members are facing. The course also focuses on the ins-and-outs of sustainable aid (i.e. working with cultural diversity, conflict resolution, etc). I couldn’t think of anything more fitting to prepare me for the trip back post summer fundraising.

The courses are developed by Robyn Francis, a permaculture designer with over 25 years of experience in rural and urban community development all over the globe. The action takes place in Quail Springs California. Quail Springs’ site is a 450 acre spring-fed canyon in a high desert, semi-arid landscape, at 3,800 feet elevation (about 3 hours from L.A.). I’ll be camping on the site for the duration of the courses and when I’m not participating in classes I’ll be gaining extra experience thru hands-on labor in the work/trade aspect of the program.

The diversity of these courses are for anyone working in community development in any setting, and I advice you to check out the website at ... quailsprings.org and direct your questions the wonderful Kolmi at info@quailsprings.org

Join me!