People have become increasingly concerned with the resiliency of our food, water, energy and economic systems and are looking for personal and community security. This has propelled a global permaculture movement that is permeating the United States and has made its way to the Midwest.

Permaculture is an ecological design system for sustainability in all aspects of our lives. Permaculture teaches us how to build natural homes, grow our own food, restore diminished landscapes and ecosystems, catch rainwater, build communities, take care of waste and much more.

The philosophy within permaculture is one of working with rather than against nature, and of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than premature and thoughtless action. Permaculture design techniques encourage land use which integrates principles of ecology and applies lessons from nature. It teaches us to create settings and construct ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and the resilience of natural ecosystems. In the spirit of sustainability, it also teaches us to allow natural and designed ecosystems to demonstrate their own evolutions.

The Resiliency Institute offers both Permaculture Design Certification courses and Advanced Design courses that are designed as commuter and family friendly. Courses are taught by knowledgeable, experienced instructors with class sizes ranging from 10-20 attendees to ensure a quality experience and to foster community connections.

Permaculture Design Certificate Course (PDC)

The Permaculture Design Certificate course is a training program that utilizes the teachings of Bill Mollison’s Permaculture Design System. The goal is to achieve a basic working understanding in ecologically-based planning, site design and management.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to permaculture principles, applications and design practices as first set out by permaculture founder, Bill Mollison. The PDC meets a common international standard as a foundational course for Permaculture practitioners and teachers.

The Resiliency Institute is hosting Peter Bane in the spring of 2014 to teach a PDC over three weekends (4-3-3) in March and April. Only a few seats remain, so register today!

Advanced Design Courses

Food Forest Workshop

This Advanced Design Food Forest Workshop focuses on site assessment, regenerative plant systems, polyculture design, and assembling the best species suited for each participant’s property. Food forests and forest gardening bring together the best ecological systems that allow us sustainable, low input, and high-yield harvests. 2014 dates TBD

Homestead Design Workshop

The Homestead Design Workshop is an intensive course with direct instruction for building design skills and practices. You will learn ecological landscape design language and technique while using the permaculture design process to create an ecologically balanced residence and abundant lifestyle. The class will culminate with each participant completing a personal homestead design ready for implementation. 2014 dates TBD