COURSE INVITATION
Gain the practical knowledge and skills of permaculture design with a focus on regenerative and sustainable local and international development, as well as design and consulting services, entrepreneurship, community building and regenerative farming.
Join us for 2 weeks to learn in community on our growing 70 acres farmstead. Our curriculum is based on Bill Mollison’s Permaculture Designers’ Manual, Toby Hemenway's Permaculture City, Richard Perkins' Regenerative Agriculture, Allan Savory's Holistic Management Framework, Joana Macy's Coming Back to Life, Kat Andersons' Tending to the Wild and our own experience building community, running successful design/consult projects, creating 3 of our own educational farm hubs, training people of all backgrounds and professional levels.
Engage with, improve and create permaculture systems on the farm with regenerative design approaches, under the tutelage of professional permaculture and regenerative designers and farmers.
Learn how you can transform landscapes and communities in different climate zones and cultures of the world into regenerative and sustainable ecological oasis that: harvest and conserve water and energy, produce food and medicine, regenerate biodiversity, educate and gather the community, bringing beauty and joy to life.
Experience interactive lecture style presentations, daily design practice, entrepreneurial skill building exercises and farmsteading hands-on activities on 60 acres of land with a community of like minded people.
Join us for 2 weeks to learn in community on our growing 70 acres farmstead. Our curriculum is based on Bill Mollison’s Permaculture Designers’ Manual, Toby Hemenway's Permaculture City, Richard Perkins' Regenerative Agriculture, Allan Savory's Holistic Management Framework, Joana Macy's Coming Back to Life, Kat Andersons' Tending to the Wild and our own experience building community, running successful design/consult projects, creating 3 of our own educational farm hubs, training people of all backgrounds and professional levels.
Engage with, improve and create permaculture systems on the farm with regenerative design approaches, under the tutelage of professional permaculture and regenerative designers and farmers.
Learn how you can transform landscapes and communities in different climate zones and cultures of the world into regenerative and sustainable ecological oasis that: harvest and conserve water and energy, produce food and medicine, regenerate biodiversity, educate and gather the community, bringing beauty and joy to life.
Experience interactive lecture style presentations, daily design practice, entrepreneurial skill building exercises and farmsteading hands-on activities on 60 acres of land with a community of like minded people.
COURSE DETAILS
This course provides the theory, philosophies, principles, techniques and practical applications of permaculture design. Permaculture uses a holistic-system design approach for creating and managing regenerative and sustainable human settlements and institutions. The focus of the course will be on small and large scale permaculture systems for regenerative and sustainable development at the local and international level, such as homesteads, school campuses, communities, eco-villages, farming operations and other private & public spaces.
Topics explored in this course include:
For graduation, participants will organize and implement a weekend or day long educational event, inviting our shared community and family to participate, learn from their presentations and engage with the local nature. The event guests will participate in-person or most likely LIVE ONLINE. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a standard Permaculture Design Certification.
This course provides the theory, philosophies, principles, techniques and practical applications of permaculture design. Permaculture uses a holistic-system design approach for creating and managing regenerative and sustainable human settlements and institutions. The focus of the course will be on small and large scale permaculture systems for regenerative and sustainable development at the local and international level, such as homesteads, school campuses, communities, eco-villages, farming operations and other private & public spaces.
Topics explored in this course include:
- permaculture design ethics, principles & process / nature's patterns and systems / climates, bioregions and cultural adaptations around the world / compost & soil fertility systems / water harvesting & conservation systems / plants & food production systems / micro-stock, animals as ecosystem managers, systems / agro ecology systems (food forests & alley cropping) / agroforestry / natural beekeeping, herbalism & mycology (growing and working with mushrooms) / waste, energy & shelter systems / regenerative community & social systems (including sociocracy) / eco-village design / urban permaculture agricultural systems / small scale and family farming / permaculture businesses / professional permaculture master conceptual plans & reports
For graduation, participants will organize and implement a weekend or day long educational event, inviting our shared community and family to participate, learn from their presentations and engage with the local nature. The event guests will participate in-person or most likely LIVE ONLINE. Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a standard Permaculture Design Certification.
COURSE SCHEDULE
This is a 2 weeks intensive course from Monday, June 5th to Sunday, June 18th 2023.
In addition, the course participants will receive an introduction to permaculture reading 40 days before the course starts. The reading is not required and it is highly recommended.
This is a 2 weeks intensive course from Monday, June 5th to Sunday, June 18th 2023.
- 14 days with on site camping and 3 daily meals will be provided (please indicate your dietary needs on the registration form)
- Participants will be invited to take turns in helping prepare meals for the entire course community a few times during the course
- Daily optional morning nature walks/hikes and/or yoga/meditation will be provided
- Daily optional evening stories by the campfire and additional workshops will be facilitated
- Please observe that a full day, including the optional offerings, can engage you from 7 am till 9 or 10 pm (14 to 15 hours)
In addition, the course participants will receive an introduction to permaculture reading 40 days before the course starts. The reading is not required and it is highly recommended.
COURSE LOCATION & ACCOMODATIONS
Driving & Flying
Driving & Flying
- Our new Midwest farm is located in a semi-remote area, between Lake of the Ozarks and Bennet Springs, in the vicinity of the City of Lebanon, Missouri. This area has some of the best temperate climate nature attractions in the continental US, including forest trails, many rivers and lakes. Springfield, a fun college town with a large International Airport, is 1 hour away, Kansas City is 3 hours away and St Louis is 2.5 hours, driving time.
- We can pick up and drop off participants at the Springfield Airport any 1 or 2 days before and after the course.
- If you are driving, WE RECOMMEND CARPOOLING WITH OTHER COURSE PARTICIPANTS WITH LARGER CARS, and we can make arrangements for you to connect. There is ample parking on the farm!
- A sign-up sheet to make arrangements for Airport pick-up and drop-off and carpooling will be provided 40 days prior to the course.
- WE RECOMMEND NOT DRIVING OFF THE FARM DURING THE COURSE! 2 designated days, mid course and towards the end, will be offered for off farm driving.
- All participants can camp on a designated camping area on the farm free of charge. All participants who do so are responsible to bring their own tents, sleeping bags and other accessories to make their camping experience pleasant. Some of the camping spots will feature off-the ground covered platforms and some will not, we offer them on a first come first served basis.
- We do offer the opportunity for participants to bring their campers, RV's or RV trailers. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THOSE WHO PLAN TO BRING THESE VEHICLES TO COMMUNICATE WITH US IN ADVANCE, so we can plan the parking the best way possible.
- We offer a limited number of single and double regular tents, as well as lotus tents, for rent during the course for $150 to $500, depending on size and style. Please communicate with us in advance if you need this accommodation.
- ADDITIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY PRACTICES TO ADDRESS ANY "OFFICIALLY" STATED EMERGENCIES WILL BE IN PLACE (as always, we will practice frequent and regular hands washing and health check ins.
- We have 2 solar heated showers on the farm and 2 compostable toilets with washing stations. Participants are responsible for their own self-care and WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND WASHING HANDS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. A list with recommended items to bring for self-care will be e-mailed 40 DAYS prior to the course.
- WE REQUIRE EVERY PARTICIPANT TO BRING AT LEAST 1 REUSABLE BOTTLE FOR WATER AND OTHER LIQUIDS. We provide multiple drinking water stations on the farm.
- FOR BEST COURSE EXPERIENCE, THE FARM DURING THE COURSE IS A "DRY CAMPUS" (meaning no alcohol or recreational drugs). IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH PARTICIPANT TO COMMUNICATE WITH US ABOUT ANY CONDITION THEY MAY HAVE THAT REQUIRE MEDICATION, AND WE WILL COMMUNICATE HOW THAT CAN BE DONE DURING THE COURSE ON THE FARM.
A LOOK AT THE LEARNING EXPERIENCES WE CREATE
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2020 High Desert Permaculture Course at our 1st Farm
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2018 Coastal California Permaculture Course at our 1st Homestead
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2020 High Desert & 2022 Midwest New Village Location
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NEW! INCLUDED WITH THE COURSE (a $700+ value)
THE BOOK BUNDLE TO HELP YOU DIVE DEEP INTO THE SUBJECTS MOST INTERESTING TO YOU!
ALL ARE FULL DIGITAL AND SOME PAPERBACK BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
Regenerative Soil, Homestead and Farm Scale Compost & Vermicompost A to Z, Rain Tanks & Pond Building, Natural Water Filtration Systems, Agroforestry, Food Forests Design & Build, Synthropic Agriculture, Regenerative Farming, Aquaponics, Solar Power & other Renewables DIY, Market Garden Production, Straw-bale House Construction, Building with Cob, Natural Beekeeping, Food Preservation, Animal Micro-Stock Husbandry, Herbalism, Mushroom Growing, Home-made cleaning products, Lumber Processing, Community Building, Eco-Village Design & Build, Self Improvement & Growth, Alternative Fuels, and more.
BOOKS ARE GIVEN TO COURSE PARTICIPANTS ON A SCHEDULE THAT FITS THE SUBJECTS EACH ITEM IS CONNECTED TO
A 1-ON-1 CORE GIFT DISCOVERY SESSION WITH A CERTIFIED MASTER FACILITATOR
Core Gift Discovery is a proven process in discovering your uniqueness, allowing you to lead with natural strength, and live a more satisfying life in alignment with your deeper purpose and potential. Only YOU can give YOUR Gift, which is your unique contribution to the collective. THE SESSION WILL BE BOOKED AFTER REGISTRATION ON ONE OF THE AVAILABLE SLOTS DURING THE COURSE.
THE BOOK BUNDLE TO HELP YOU DIVE DEEP INTO THE SUBJECTS MOST INTERESTING TO YOU!
ALL ARE FULL DIGITAL AND SOME PAPERBACK BOOKS & OTHER MEDIA ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS:
Regenerative Soil, Homestead and Farm Scale Compost & Vermicompost A to Z, Rain Tanks & Pond Building, Natural Water Filtration Systems, Agroforestry, Food Forests Design & Build, Synthropic Agriculture, Regenerative Farming, Aquaponics, Solar Power & other Renewables DIY, Market Garden Production, Straw-bale House Construction, Building with Cob, Natural Beekeeping, Food Preservation, Animal Micro-Stock Husbandry, Herbalism, Mushroom Growing, Home-made cleaning products, Lumber Processing, Community Building, Eco-Village Design & Build, Self Improvement & Growth, Alternative Fuels, and more.
BOOKS ARE GIVEN TO COURSE PARTICIPANTS ON A SCHEDULE THAT FITS THE SUBJECTS EACH ITEM IS CONNECTED TO
A 1-ON-1 CORE GIFT DISCOVERY SESSION WITH A CERTIFIED MASTER FACILITATOR
Core Gift Discovery is a proven process in discovering your uniqueness, allowing you to lead with natural strength, and live a more satisfying life in alignment with your deeper purpose and potential. Only YOU can give YOUR Gift, which is your unique contribution to the collective. THE SESSION WILL BE BOOKED AFTER REGISTRATION ON ONE OF THE AVAILABLE SLOTS DURING THE COURSE.
OTHER COURSE PERKS
A big aim of our courses is to build community and long lasting relationships! All graduates have access to:
A big aim of our courses is to build community and long lasting relationships! All graduates have access to:
- multiple opportunities for continuation of learning (both regular meetings online and in-person projects)
- community of graduates who always have projects to be engaged in and are willing to support any and all new grads
- heavy discounts to all future courses, trainings and workshops offered by About And For Sustainability
- 5 hours of 1-on-1 project and/or business mentorship & consulting after the course with Lucian and/or Anna Maria
- opportunities to partner with or be part of the About And For Sustainability team
- 1 free week of camping for your party of up to 10 people on one of our farms
- pre-launch access to our eco-village lot sales
A LOOK AT OUR FARM LOCATION AND OPERATIONS
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COURSE INSTRUCTORS
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Lucian Toma (lead instructor)
Lucian is a sustainability, leadership and permaculture designer, educator and consultant with over 10 years of professional experience in the design, development and implementation of regenerative programs and projects in academic, government, business and nonprofit environments. He led over 300 workshops, lectures and courses on topics from the realms of sustainability, permaculture and regenerative leadership, touching the lives of over 7000 individuals of all ages. To date, Lucian led 11 Permaculture Design Courses, with a focus on both urban and rural solutions. As a permaculture practitioner he designed and installed over 50 small, medium and large private and public spaces in 5 major climate zones, including tropical, sub-tropical mid latitudes, dry (mostly) and and moist continental mid-latitude. Lucian is also a college professor, the co-founder of reEarth Consulting and Bloom Farms (Desert Bloom and Sun And Bloom), as well as the founder and master mind behind About And For Sustainability. He holds a BA in International Relations, a MA in Global Leadership and Sustainable Development from Hawaii Pacific University and multiple Permaculture Design certifications. Currently he is completing certifications in Holistic Management and Regenerative Agriculture, and undergoing a Phd in Soil Sciences. |
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Anna Maria Desipris (lead instructor & mentor)
Anna Maria is a bee guardian, herbalist, farmer, permaculture consultant and educator with 10 years of professional experience in the realm of sustainability, beekeeping, urban farming and community building around the farm to table movement. She has been rescuing and relocating beehives to safe locations since 2011 and now shares with others this craft in her Bee Guardian Apprenticeship. She has also spent many years in work around local food systems, gathering over 1000 key individuals around community tables and supporting local regenerative farmers and chefs. As an educator she has led over 100 workshops, lectures and courses on topics from the realms of beekeeping, urban farming and regenerative food systems. As a farmer she has been a key designer, planner and manager of multiple neighborhood farms and farming based educational spaces in Reno, Nevada and Orange County, California. Anna Maria is also a college professor and co-founder of Bloom Farms (Desert Bloom and Sun and Bloom). She holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Reno and an array of certifications in Permaculture, Master Beekeeping and Herbalism. Currently she is completing certifications in Biodynamic Farming and Regenerative Agriculture, and pursuing higher education in Natural Medicine. |
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More instructors will be announced soon!
COURSE GUEST SPEAKERS (more soon to be announced)
Matt Powers
Matt Powers
- Advanced Permaculture Design Course Creator & Instructor - Author of best selling books Regenerative Soil Education - Founder of The Permaculture Student
- urban farming & ecological landscape educator and practitioner - regenerative farm owner/operator Maine, US - Founder of Cultivate Together & Sustainable Sam
- urban farming & ecological landscape educator and practitioner - regenerative farm owner/operator Oregon, US - Founder of Cultivate Together
- permaculture farmer chef designer - Portland area food justice leader
- urban farming & ecological landscape educator and practitioner - Ecology & Permaculture youth teacher
- permaculture and regenerative community building educator and consultant - Founder of Terra Livre, Aurora Community, and Co-Founder of Permaculture Research Institute of Romania
COURSE COSTS & REGISTRATION
A non-refundable $400 deposit must be paid to be registered in the course.
Full cost must be paid by May 1st, 2023, unless otherwise arranged with course coordinators.
Please read refund policies below on this page.
MISSOURI RESIDENTS GET 30% OFF THE FULL TUITION - REACH OUT TO LEARN HOW!
20 years of age or older
Groups of two or more receive discounts! Pay for one individual and e-mail us to arrange for the discounts!
We provide payment plans, work trade opportunities and scholarships for those that need them!
A non-refundable $400 deposit must be paid to be registered in the course.
Full cost must be paid by May 1st, 2023, unless otherwise arranged with course coordinators.
Please read refund policies below on this page.
MISSOURI RESIDENTS GET 30% OFF THE FULL TUITION - REACH OUT TO LEARN HOW!
20 years of age or older
- Super Early Early-Bird Tuition - $2,000 - when paid in full before January 1st, 2022
- Early Bird Tuition - $2,100 - when paid in full before April 1st, 2023
- Full Tuition $2,400 - must be paid in full by May 1st, 2023
- Super Early Early-Bird Tuition - $1,800 - when paid in full before January 1st, 2022
- Early Bird Tuition - $1,900 - when paid in full before April 1st, 2023
- Full Tuition $2,000 - must be paid in full by May 1st, 2023
- (the parents of all individuals under 18 years of age, must contact us prior to registration)
Groups of two or more receive discounts! Pay for one individual and e-mail us to arrange for the discounts!
We provide payment plans, work trade opportunities and scholarships for those that need them!
- Payment plans - we offer 2 to 6 months payment plans - full course cost must be paid in full by April 1st, 2023.
- Work Trade - we offer up to $1,000 work trade opportunities - all work trade must be performed before course starts
- Scholarships - we offer one $600, one $1,200, and one full course cost scholarships
- All payment plans, work trades and scholarships apply to the full course cost (not the discounted/promotional amount)
CONTACT US IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS
info@aboutandforsustainability.com
info@aboutandforsustainability.com
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What to bring at each in person session:
What to bring at each in person session:
- Paper, pen or pencil for notes
- Reusable water bottle
- Snacks
- Please wear closed toed shoes and farming appropriate clothing every weekend session
- A portion of your payment will be used to sponsor scholarships for individuals, who would otherwise not afford it, and who will positively impact our shared environment and community with the knowledge and skills gained in this course.
- A portion of your payment will support the work of our instructors and the development of the Bloom Farms, and other eco-educational hubs around the world.
- We will be using farming tools, and on occasion we will be working on slopes and uneven terrains. Safety will be priority number 1 and we ask that you follow the course and sessions leaders directions at all times. You can choose not to participate in some of the activities and observe only.
- AS LONG AS YOU NOTIFY US VIA EMAIL AT LEAST 60 DAYS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE COURSE, WE WILL REFUND THE AMOUNT WE RECEIVED FROM YOU TO THAT DATE, MINUS THE $400 DEPOSIT FEE. Alternatively we can credit the full amount towards a future course. If you notify us of your need to cancel within 60 days of course commencement, your payment is not refundable. However, you can transfer your ticket to another name for that same course or join a later course.
- Some filming and picture taking will occur throughout the course. By registering to participate in this course you agree to our "Video, Pictures, Release of Liability and Cancellation Agreement" found in the registration form and provided for signing when you arrive and check-in at our location on the first day of the course on June 13th 2022.
SEE SOME OF OUR INSTRUCTORS' WORK
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LUCIAN
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ANNA MARIA
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JEREMY & JD
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CLAUDIAN
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