Explore Permaculture
Retreat
Immersive learning experience
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Learn permaculture with others who share a passion for Earth Care.
Explore whole-system design and practice applying Permaculture concepts from the very first day.
We will explore core concepts of Permaculture Design combined with fun, practical activities that develop your ecological 'designer's mind' and build life skills. You can live on-site in our residential retreat or manage your own accomodation and attend sessions each day.
Create the foundation to see Earth differently, build soil, grow food, read landscapes, and design thriving living environments. No prior knowledge required.
When we work with nature, rather than trying to impose our will, the solution is often found within the problem.
- David Holmgren, Permaculture co-originator
We will cover:
Permaculture Design Principles and Ethics
Reading Landscape and Site Analysis
Soils and Composting
Designing for Water
Ecosystems and Microclimates
Trees and Food Forrests
and much more!
(full topic list below)
Why Permaculture
Permaculture is a holistic design approach that creates productive systems for human settlement in greater harmony with nature. From growing food regeneratively to bio-construction, Permaculture approaches can be applied to homes, communities, broadscale farming and ultimately, ecosystem restoration.
Permaculture presents a set of design principles derived using ‘whole-systems thinking’ that looks on systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them;
venue
Artvark Centre
St. Ann, Jamaica
Artvark Centre is a nature-based retreat space in Colgate, St. Ann (approximately 20 minutes from Ocho Rios). The venue will provide a tangible space for practicing site analysis, reading landscape, making compost and more!
It is designed for co-living, learning, and exploration surrounded by mountain forest overlooking sea. The location has comfortable teaching spaces, a pool, modern rooms, and WiFi.
Our host location is also beginning their Permaculture journey and will be using this course to deepen their own site analysis and planning.
topics
We've selected foundational Permaculture topics, adapted from the full Permaculture Design Certification, that empower you to start practicing Permaculture now.
See Differently
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Permaculture Principles & Ethics
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How to observe using many senses/skills
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Identifying patterns in nature
Soil & Compost
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Basic soil science
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How to analyze soils on a site
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How to build an effective compost
Designing Sites
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How to map & analyze sites
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Designing for water (first)
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Ecosystems and microclimates
Food Forestry
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Natural plant successsion
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Concepts of Syntropic Agro-forestry
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How to design a food forrest
By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.
- Permaculture Principle #6
accommodation
We have simple, comfortable accomodation available onsite. The full course retreat registation includes the option of accomodation in either a double room, a large private tent, or space to bring your own tent and camp on your own. All options include meals, bathrooms with showers, and WiFI in the common area.
Private rooms cost extra US$500 (limited spots).
Double Room
Room with two beds and bathroom shared with one other person. Includes a large balcoys with wide views from the mountains to to the sea and ample space for exercise, socializing, or quiet time.
Cost included in Fee.
Bring Your Own Tent
Bring your own tent and camp on the grounds. You can setup your tent in our tent area or go explore elsewhere on the grounds. Includes access to a shared bathroom. You're responsible for your camping gear (mattress, pillow, linen).
Cost included in Fee.
Large Tent
A large tent for one person (or pairs). The tent area is floored and covered from rain. Includes mattress, pillow, and linen, personal electrical outlets, and a shared bathroom.
Cost included in Fee.
Private Room
A private room with one bed, bathroom, closet, and a small workstation. Rooms have large balconies with wide views from the mountains to to the sea and ample space for exercise, socializing, and quiet time.
Cost: $500 additional
