I just wanted to officially get the word out that I will be co-teaching a Permaculture Design course at SBCC this coming semester (Thursdays from 2-5:20p). My co-instructors will be Mike Gonella (head of SBCC Environmental Horticulture Dept.), in addition to several local guest teachers. It will be offered through the college itself (not adult ed.), and is cross-listed between the Environmental Studies and Environmental Horticulture Depts. -- ENVS 210 and EH 210. At this time, the course is not approved as an official PDC, but we look forward to being able to offer a certificate-based course in the near future. We will model this course after the format of a PDC, however, and will include discussions of all the primary PDC course topics in addition to a final group design project.

We are super excited to be offering this course through SBCC; we look forward to interacting with what we expect to be a diverse group of environmental studies and environmental horticulture students combined with SB-area community members at large. The cost for this 50-hour course is under $40, so it will be accessible to many who cannot afford most permaculture courses (thanks to Environmental Studies Dept. Head, Adam Green, for facilitating the curriculum approval process at SBCC and making this course offering possible).

Regardless of your level of experience with permaculture, we would love for you to come be a part of the first (inaugural) SBCC Permaculture Class! The curriculum detail and weekly schedule is coming together at this point, but I have not yet contacted everyone whom I would like to involve as guest speakers/teachers. If you feel you have something to contribute to the class, and would rather pop in and share a bit than take the whole course, please let me know soon. However, I'd encourage you to sign up for the course if you can, since we need a minimum of 20 students for the course to take place (maximum 30).

Permaculture Design Course*

at Santa Barbara City College

January 29^th – May 21^st, 2008

15 Thursdays, 2-5:20pm

Taught by Kendy Radasky and Mike Gonella (with guest teachers)

Permaculture is a design system that enables humans to interact in a positive and regenerative way with our surroundings, as we consciously create lifeways that focus on emulating natural patterns such as diversity, connectivity, resilience, flow, and cycling.

Everyone can learn permaculture design principles and techniques and apply them fruitfully to their lives… including: students, architects, massage therapists, homeowners, environmental/social activists, medical professionals, teachers, retired people, gardeners, dancers, and more!

Topics of this course will include: the philosophy and ethics of permaculture, concepts and methods of design, pattern understanding, ecological functions of soils and plants, relocalizing food production, water harvesting systems, animal systems, natural building, renewable energy, and building community connections (among others).

Our goals with this course:

· inclusive and empowering

· breadth and depth

· creative teaching styles (including lots of group and hands-on activities)

· affordable (~$40 including all SBCC fees)

· practice your skills to create your own design

Join us in our efforts to create a more sustainable Earth Community – sign up for SBCC’s first Permaculture Design class. We look forward to learning with you!

Enroll online at www.sbcc.edu or on the SBCC campus.

Course is cross-listed as Environmental Studies (ENVS) 210 (CRN # 59034) and Environmental Horticulture (EH) 210 (CRN # 59033).

* This is not currently a certificate-based (PDC) course.

Questions or problems? Contact Kendy Radasky at kendyrad@verizon.net or 961-9378.