Permaculture Weekend Intensive @ Community Systems Learning Center

The first Permaculture Weekend Intensive of 2011!!. This is the summer of Grow!!!

This powerful weekend is for those that are ready to jump head first into hands on Permaculture design. Take home life changing skills in self sufficiency, renewable energy, organic agriculture, primitive skills, whole systems composting, fermentation and nature awareness. 

Head Instructor:

Nathan Ayers - Director, Chiwara Permaculture

Join Permaculture educator Nathan Ayers on this journey through the principles, ethics, and applications of Permaculture Design. Nathan has been teaching students and leaders across Michigan on how to make the transition away from fossil fuels, and towards self sufficiency. This transition is all about becoming producers rather than consumers, and reintegrating humanity with Nature. Nathan's curriculum is based on taking responsibility for yourself and your family, in the areas of food, energy, water, building, transporation and waste. Students leave his courses with the tools needed to inititate personal transformation, self sufficiency and community resilience.

www.chiwarapermaculture.com

Featured Guest Instructors:

Craig Toepfer - Author of "The Hybrid Electric Home"

Craig is a legend in the American Wind industry, designing wind energy systems since the 1970s. He designed and installed the hybrid wind and solar energy system at CSLC, and will teach you the basics of renewable energy and their practical applications for both the city and country.

www.hybridelectrichome.com

David Klingenberger - Owner of "The Brinery" 

David will be leading a workshop on the ancient art of fermentation, and how food preservation applies to permanent culture. Its safe to say that David and the brinery are larger than life. He has the skills (and kim chi) to back it up, and his workshop will most definately "stimulate your inner economy".

www.thebrinery.com

Justin Pawloske - Owner of "Your Recycling Aid"

Compost Everything! Even yourself!!

Justin is is a composting fanatic and expert. He brings his love of trees, plants, and animals into every course he teaches, and his passion for turning "waste" into treasure comes through in all he does. You'll see why there is no such thing as "trash" in nature, and how composting and recycling energy are critical to permaculture design.

Michael Wilson - Perennial based, rotational grazing farmer and permaculturist

Mike has been an organic farmer since before it was hip. He decided to switch to perennial based rotational grazing when the "tractor broke" 20 years ago. Thanks to Joel Salatin, this method of farming has all the perma people talking, and you will get the benefit of Mike's leadership & expertise in this field. 

Jason Hogans - Primitive skills and Nature awareness expert

Jason is an animal. Really. This is who you want with you if things ever get "hairy" out there. Learn from someone that knows not just about wild edibles, but how to build a civilzation from scratch, starting with the dirt under your feet. What should you do if you're stranded in the woods? Spend 2 hours with Jason and get a head start.

Cost is $185.62 and includes camping and gourmet local meals.

($175 + 10.62 eventbrite fee. Vegetarian options at each meal)

 About Community Systems Learning Center  

Nestled amongst 400 acres of organic farmland and woods in Camden Michigan, Community Systems Learning Center is the vision of luminary educator and scientist Dean Wilson. Since the 1960's, Dean has been instructing students and communities around the world using his method of "problem based learning". Dean's passion for ecological sustainability, self sufficiency, and renewable energy shine bright at 90 years old. He created CSLC as a science based, research and design laboratory for students of all ages. Come find out why this hidden Michigan treasure is the ideal environment for Permaculture education and training. CSLC is a 501c3 Non Profit organization.

More info at: www.cslearningcenter.org

Our Community Partners

What To Bring:

Tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, pillow, folding camping chair, toiletries

Notebook(s) and pens/pencils

Boots, Rain gear and cold weather gear ( just in case)

Flashlight

Snacks (like fruit and granola). All meals are provided, but bringing some of your own "energy boost" snacks always helps a lot.

Water Bottle/Coffee mug

Camera

An open mind and a readiness to change your life for the better.

**No Alcohol or drugs please.

Camden Michigan is located on the Michigan, Indiana, Ohio Border. About 2 hours from Detroit, 2.5 hours from Chicago, and 3 hours from Indianapolis. Get directions by clicking on the mapquest link in the "where" section above.