Open & Free to the Public: Community Panel on Job Creation, Food Security and Sustainable Community

By michelle | Published: May 15, 2012
In an action-packed panel discussion, key regional leaders in  community scale sustainability and job creation will come together to describe and discuss their most recent projects, as well as opportunities for public involvement.
 
Saturday, May 19, 2012
10:45 AM
W.C. Reid Center
133 Livingston St.,
“There are so many incredible organizations and projects in the Asheville area related to food, sustainable living and job creation. For this event, we crafted a format that would provide a unique chance to participate in cutting-edge next steps for the regional movement towards economic and ecological sustainability.
“We’ve invited the members of this panel to highlight some of the most effective endeavors going on, and provide a new venue for them to work together and get more people involved,” says Zev Friedman (www.livingsystemsdesign.net), an organizer and teacher of the Permaculture in Action program, which the panel is a part of.
The panel includes Gordon Smith (Asheville City Council member, creator of the Asheville Buncombe Food Policy Council), Dewayne Barton (Co-founder, Green Opportunities), Patricia Allison (Regional Permaculture Teacher, Earthaven Ecovillage), and Tom Knaust (Buncombe County Fruit and Nut Club, CrobMob West).
The event will begin with a brief introduction to Community-Scale Permaculture by Dylan Ryals-Hamilton and Zev Friedman.
There will be an emphasis on collaboration between organizations and individuals who haven’t worked together in the past, and on ways that different people can join in to support and benefit from these projects. The event will begin promptly at 10:45 a.m.

The event is free and open to the public.  Please forward and share with your networks.

Dylan Ryals-Hamilton

Thanks,

Dylan Ryals-Hamilton

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We’re ready! Follow along and learn with us!

By michelle | Published: April 15, 2012

Go and like our Facebook page.  We’ll be posting lots of video, photos, tips and more.

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Getting Ready for Action! A list of Handy Tools

By michelle | Published: April 14, 2012

Dylan Ryals-Hamilton

Hey Folks!  Dylan here.  We’re glad you’re able to follow along and share some  of  Permaculture in Action 2012 through the magic of electronic media even if you weren’t able to join us in  person this time.

Most of you have projects that you’re already working on or are planning to begin working on soon, so we put our heads together to come up with a small list of some of the tools we find the most useful, which we think you might want to acquire.

While most of these tools aren’t required for the course, we think you’ll find them handy to have around. Most if not all of them can be found in your local hardware store or garden supply shop.  The list includes: Felcos, tape measure, pruning saw, leather gloves, hand mattock, trench spade. See below for details.

Must- Have tools:
Gloves: Most folks prefer leather, some prefer neoprene.
Good work boots with firm ankle support, well-tread (not slick) soles, tightly lacing. Open-toed shoes are not permitted at all during work days.
Trench Spade: A narrow and light digging tool more versatile than a shovel.
Highly recommended tools
Pruning Saw: For pruning and management of larger trees and shrubs. Some come as a folding saw, some come with a sheath, or “scabbard”.
Hand-Pruners: For doing light pruning and harvesting of perennials, trees, and shrubs. We find that Felco brand pruners are the best bang for your buck. Durable and functional, they also sell replacement blades for their products, if you ever need one. Be sure to get a pair that fit nicely in your hand.
Optional tools
Tape Measure: Just generally handy. 25 and/or 100 feet in length are ideal.
 Hand Mattock: A small tool useful for digging, weeding, and chopping. Has a small mattock on one side and a 3 or 4-pronged claw on the other side.
We’ll be posting through out the course.  Let us know what you think.
Great day!
Dylan
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Lucky winner of the surprise scholarship by UUC of Asheville Social Justice Council

By michelle | Published: April 8, 2012

Stephanie Crawford-Wilson, founder and director of Casa dei Bambini Bi-lingual Village School in West Asheville, got a big surprise when her name was chosen in the drawing for a surprise scholarship to Permaculture In Action 2012 granted by Social Justice Council of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Asheville.

Stephanie had accompanied me to the SJC screening of  Permaculture: the Growing Edge last night at their monthly Justice Film night at the UUC on Charlotte St.    This short but inspiring documentary had everyone feeling the love for promise of Permaculture design principals to create meaningful, beautiful solutions for regenerative, resilient human communities. If you haven’t seen it, do yourself a favor!  Get a group of friends together and watch it. You’ll be hooked!

David Williams announced the drawing for the scholarship and Stephanie put her name in the jar along with several other folks.   She was surprised and thrilled when her name was called!

All of sudden, Stephanie has some new plans for the spring!  Hands-on Permaculture Training with top teachers in the region.  She plans to bring all that she learns back to her school so that the children and families served by Casa dei Bambini can see Permaculture in Action all year long.

Thanks so much to the SJC of the UUC Asheville for this gracious gift!  I know it will return value for our community again and again for years to come.

Peace and fun!

Michelle Smith

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Is it too late? Is there still room?” Permaculture in Action 2012 deadline drawing close!

By michelle | Published: March 29, 2012

“I just heard about this great course.  Is it too late?  

“I just needed to make sure I could make all the week-ends.  Is there still space in the course?

“I just have a bad habit of doing things at the last minute.  Can I still register?“

YES!

Lots of folks have contacted us in the last week who want to participate in Permaculture in Action 2012.

And for good reason!

Permaculture in Action 2012 is going to be so rich and rewarding!  Everyone who participates will  be getting hands-on training in the principals of creating whole living systems for resilient human communities with top teachers in the region at a price that is within reach of more people.

We have a great group of folks registered and after looking at our plans and the projects we’ll be building, we’ve decided that there is a little room to stretch.

We really believe expanding the base of people who have experience with Permaculture systems and familiarity with the principals is important at this time of historic opportunity.

So if you’ve been thinking about joining us go ahead and email us at permacultureinaction@gmail.com or call Dylan at 828-989-9030.    Here’s the student agreement that you can download and print out yourself, or we’ll send one too you.

Registration has been extended until Friday, April 6 so, don’t panic.  

But don’t dawdle either.  Contact us right away if  you have questions or you want to register.

Peace and fun!

Michelle

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Permaculture training…and so much more

By michelle | Published: March 18, 2012

I just received the link to a document called Permaculture in Action Big Picture Ideas where Zev Friedman and Dylan Ryals-Hamilton articulated not only their teaching goals for this class but also their vision for the greater good they intend from Permaculture in Action 2012.

 

 

In case you just heard, Zev and Dylan are the creators of this innovative format for making permaculture available to more people while rapidly increasing the number of functioning permaculture features in the Asheville area.

 

 

I was really moved by what I read and they reminded me of why the Permaculture movement is capturing the attention of people across the globe and the spectrum of positive change.

Here’s a little sample of Zev and Dylan’s vision for this course:

  • Head/heart/hand integration, INSPIRE everybody who is engaged, whether students, landowners, teachers, panelists”
  • Educating community at large about broader scope of permaculture beyond typical perceptions
  • Instilling ethics and values of caring for times beyond our own (future generations)
  • Making the economic/jobs training connection- helping people to see creative niches for income creation doing meaningful work that’s networked through whole systems understanding
  • Emphasizing the metaphor of Permaculture systems to social and cultural systems
So while it may look like we’re learning practical skills for installing ponds and growing mushrooms and building ovens, what we’ll really be doing is creating resilient communities to enjoy and pass on.
I hope you’ll join us.  We still have about a half dozen spaces open.
Free conference call to find out more — Thursday, March 22, 2012 @ 6pm
 Registration closes April 1, 2012.
**We still need one more work-trade participant.
Email permacultureinaction@gmail.com or call 8285-989-9030 to register.
Visit Permaculture in Action 2012 for more information.
Peace and fun,
Michelle Smith
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Zev and Dylan on Live Conference Call for Permaculture in Action 2012!

By michelle | Published: March 13, 2012

As April draws closer, folks are getting really excited about Permaculture in Action 2012!  Though we’re getting close to capacity for this innovative hands-on experience, we do have about open 9 spaces remaining. 

If you’ve been longing for hands-on permaculture training with top instructors in the area at the most affordable price possible then join us on Thursday, March 22, 2012 for a conference call with Instructors, Zev Friedman and Dylan Ryals-Hamilton.

You’ll be able to ask Zev and Dylan all your questions and  hear about the exciting hands-on projects they have lined up.  Projects like:

  •  Mushroom log inoculation (and covering the log-care basics)
  • Cob bench/oven construction
  • Installing the plumbing for a rainwater catchment system overflow 
  • Finish work on the construction of a large pond
  • Small pond construction (from start to finish)

  •  Installing a small plant guild        
  •  Building a chicken or duck run

  • Swale and berm construction (and locating the contour of a hill)
  • Cardboard sheet mulch installation
  • Raised bed construction and garden prep

 
Email Permacultureinaction@gmail.com to get the phone number and password for the Conference Call with Dylan and Zev on Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 6pm.  We will be recording this call so you can listen later if you’re not able to join us at that time.
More information about this innovative 10 Day Hands-On Course happening this spring here:
Like our Facebook page!  
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More Permaculture on the Ground in 2012!!

By michelle | Published: February 11, 2012

Between  the people who want hands-on training in Permaculture principals and technique,  the people who have spaces and plans ready for functioning Permaculture systems, and the people who have a passion for teaching Permaculture…

We are going to be able to

learn and share

Permaculture in a whole new way!

Click on the image to see, share and download the full flier.

Beginners to Certified –no matter what your skill level in Permaculture, this course will expand  your knowledge and our community!

I want to make sure no one misses the chance to participate in this unique Permaculture Training in Asheville this spring at the most affordable price possible.

10 days of hands-on Pemaculture training with top teachers in western NC for $275 if you register before

Early Bird Registration ends next Wednesday, Feb. 15.

So if you are interested or know of one or two folks in your circle who would be interested, please share this with them!

Peace and fun,

Michelle
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Early Bird Registration Closes in 7 Days — Contact Dylan today!

By michelle | Published: February 7, 2012

Practical, visual examples in our neighborhoods

There is still time to get 7 Daysof Hands-On  Permaculture Training with WNC’s top teachers at the mostaffordable price possible.

Early Bird Registration ends

Wednesday, February 15th.

Click here to find out more about Permaculture In Action 2012.

Click here to download a copy of the Permaculture in Action 2012 Student Agreement.

Dylan Ryals-Hamilton

 To register or for questions contact Dylan Ryals-Hamilton at 828-989-9030 or email permacultureinaction@gmail.com.

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Protected: Southern Appalachian Forest Gardener’s Year

By michelle | Published: January 31, 2012

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