This is one of the first Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) courses in NYC, students will be pioneers in learning how to make the city more sustainable and healthier for all. The goal of a PDC is to teach you how to think like a permaculturist -- to be able to understand and use patterns in nature to create a harmonious system that meets your needs and improves the natural environment at the same time.

This course combines a traditional introduction to Permaculture design fundamentals with special attention to the NYC setting through hands-on design exercises to apply at home. The 72+ hour course culminates in the student-led design practicum where you can experience the entire design process, and also features optional field trips and group events.

Topics will include:
• Principles and patterns of design and designing for urban space
• The challenges and advantages of designing in the city
• Climate and microclimates
• Energy efficiency and retrofits
• Water catchment and use
• Composting and urban vermicomposting
• Soil health, food systems
• Garden design, greenhouses, cold-frames
• Home heating, cooling, retrofits
• & much more!

WHEN:

full weekends, 9am . 5pm (with lunchtime and breaks) Saturday and Sunday, starting May 19/20, roughly every three weeks
May 19 - 20
June 2 - 3
June 23 - 24
July 14 / 15
August 4 / 5
August 25 / 26

WHERE:

Inwood Hill Nature Center located in Inwood Park at 218th and Indian Road

Directions to Inwood Nature Center:
(A) Take the 1 or the 9 train to the 215th St. stop. Walk north to 218th St. Take a left and walk on 218th St. The entrance to the park is at the end of the street. The Nature Center is located in Inwood Park.
(B) Take the A train to 207th St. If you are in the last car of the train (near the handicap elevator), proceed west to Seaman Ave., then north to Isham St. If you are in the first car of the train, you will exit onto Isham St. Go west to Seaman Ave. and proceed north into the park, keeping the baseball field to your right. Walk toward the water. The Nature Center is the building on the water.

COST:

only $300! (consider the amazing value and incredible experience, and compare to most other courses which cost $1000+)

WHO:

Lead Teacher: Christopher-Robin Healy
Robin is a native of Albany, NY and received his Permaculture Design Certificate in 1986 under Dan Hemenway of Elfin Permaculture. Since then, Robin has taught numerous workshops and has over 20 years of design work experience in and around Lake George, NY, including a super-productive forest garden system. His particular areas of expertise include: bioshelters, solar greenhouse designs, natural swimming pools, water systems, home energy systems, and suburban and urban Permaculture. Robin is also a trained team facilitator and has led various types of trainings for groups large and small. Robin is deeply knowledgeable and dynamic. He has incredible energy and is also entertaining!

David Travis
Bio forthcoming...

REGISTRATION:

To sign up for the course please call Tom at 718 441 0246. Due to great interest and such low tuition, this class is almost full and space is limited, so call now!

This course is organized by Green Phoenix Permaculture and Local Energy Solutions.