[Sdpg] Apr.17, Rainwater Harvesting talk & slide show

[SDECC & Permaculture Center]

The Ilan Lael Foundation and the
San Diego Permaculture Center Present:

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands:
Turning Water Scarcity into Water Abundance

Slide Show & Booksigning with
author Brad Lancaster

Monday, April 17th, 7:00-8:30 pm.
New School of Architecture & Design
1249 F St in downtown San Diego
Admission is free; donations are welcome.
Info/RSVP: (619) 255-6111 or sdecc at igc.org

Although rainwater harvesting has been accomplished
by humans in virtually every drought vulnerable region
of the world for millennia, our society seems to have
collective amnesia about the utility, efficiency,
sustainability and beauty of these time-tried
practices.

In his newly published book, "Rainwater Harvesting for
Drylands, Volume 1," Brad Lancaster encourages us to
turn water scarcity into water abundance by welcoming
rain into our lives, landscape, and soil.  Sharing
techniques and strategies from around the world, some
ancient, some new---including the inspiring story of
Mr.Phiri, water farmer from Zimbabwe---readers are
empowered to create their own integrated
water-sustainable landscape plans.

Rainwater harvesting is the process of capturing rain
and making the most of it as close as possible to
where it falls.  By harvesting rainwater on the land –
within the soil and vegetation, or in cisterns that
will later irrigate the land, we can control erosion,
reduce flooding, and minimize water pollution.  Living
in a world with a finite supply of fresh water that is
increasingly polluted this practice becomes especially
valuable.

Living on an eighth of an acre in downtown Tucson,
Arizona, where rainfall is less than 12 inches
annually, Brad practices what he preaches by
harvesting over 100,000 gallons of rainwater a year.
Brad and his brother Rodd have created an oasis in the
desert by directing this harvested rainwater not off
their property and into storm drains, but instead
incorporates it into living air conditioners of
food-bearing shade trees, abundant gardens, and a
thriving landscape that includes habitat for wildlife.

Brad Lancaster is a permaculture teacher, designer,
consultant and co-founder of Desert Harvesters
(DesertHarvesters.org). Brad has taught programs for
the ECOSA Institute, Columbia University, University
of Arizona, Prescott College, Audubon Expeditions, and
many others. He has helped design integrated water
harvesting and permaculture systems for homeowners and
gardeners, including the Tucson Audubon Simpson Farm
restoration site, the Milagro and Stone Curves
co-housing projects.


-------------------------------------------
San Diego Economic Conversion Council (SDECC)
San Diego Permaculture Center
sdecc at igc.org
http://sdecc.igc.org