[Scpg] Press Release/ Los Olivos/ Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands with Brad Lancaster, April 21

[Santa Barbara Permaculture Network]

Contact: Betty Seaman
(805) 698-3840 , email: cobbetty at gmail.com


SANTA BARBARA PERMACULTURE NETWORK
Presents:

Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands
Turning Water Scarcity into Water Abundance

Slide Show & Booksigning with
Brad Lancaster

Friday, April 21, 2006,7:00 pm  Donation $5-$10 
Grange Hall , Los Olivos


        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 annual
rainfall is less than 12 inches, 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 incorporate 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.

The evening lecture takes place at the Grange Hall 2374 Alamo Pintado
Avenue Los
Olivos, CA 93441, on Friday, April 21, 7:00-9pm.   No reservations are
required
and Donation $5-$10 . A free all day workshop will also be held on April
22, at
the SB City College Campus.  The Santa Barbara Permaculture Network and Santa
Barbara Ecological Education Coalition/SBCC Adult Education Series sponsor the
events.  For more information, please call Betty Seaman cobbetty at gmail.com,
805-698-3840 or (805) 962-2571, www.HarvestingRainwater.com, or
www.sbpermaculture.org.   
***April 22, 10 AM-2 PM. Workshop in Santa Barbara:  
Turning Water Scarcity into Water Abundance 
Rain harvesting guru Brad Lancaster joins local ecological systems designer
Art
Ludwig to show how to actualize the potential of your landscape and
neighborhood for rain and greywater harvesting. Simple site assessment tools
for the home, plus multiple-use water-harvesting earthworks, will be
constructed in this hands-on event. Art and Brad will also sign copies of
their
new books Rainwater Harvesting for Dry lands, Volume 1, Water Storage, and
“Branched Drain Greywater Systems.” Santa Barbara City College Earth and
Biological Science Building, Room ESB 309, Sat, April 22, 10 AM-2 PM. Wear
work
clothes. Free admission, no reservations required. Lunch available for
purchase.  
-end-

Santa Barbara Permaculture Network
(805) 962-2571
sbpcnet at silcom.com
www.sbpermaculture.org

"We are like trees, we must create new leaves, in new directions, in order to
grow." - Anonymous

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