Cornell University offers online Permaculture Courses in 2013

PERMACULTURE I, II, & III
offered online by
Cornell University, Department of Horticulture

The study of permaculture helps gardeners, landowners, and farmers combine a knowledge of ecology combined with it’s application to supporting healthy soil, water conservation, and biodiversity.

Permaculture systems meet humans needs while restoring ecosystem health. Common practices include no-till gardening, rainwater catchment, forest gardening, and agroforestry.

Each course is 6.5 weeks long and provides an opportunity for you to build your knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Participants will explore the content through videos, readings, and activities and complete portions of design for a site of their choosing.

While the course is online, the format is designed for consistent interaction between facilitators and students through forums and live video conferences. Readings and presentations will be directly applied through hands-on activities students will engage with at home.

Completion of a single class gives students a certificate of completion from the Department of Horticulture and continuing education credits.

Completion of all three courses gives students the portfolio necessary to apply for an internationally recognized certification in Permaculture Design though the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute.
(www.fingerlakespermaculture.org)

Classes are best taken in order but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well. Tuition for each class is $600. Sign up for all three at once and tuition is $1500.

REGISTRATION OPENS ON DECEMBER 10th. (email sfg53@cornell.edu to be notified)

PERMACULTURE I: Fundamentals
January 21, 2013 to March 7, 2013.

Introduction Week: Welcome & Introductions
Week 1: History & Definitions of Permaculture
Week 2: Ethics & Case Studies
Week 3: Ecological Principles
Week 4: Climate, Energy, & Technology
Week 5: Zone, Sector, and Elevation Planning
Week 6: Permaculture Plants & Polycultures

PERMACULTURE II: Ecosystem Mimicry
March 11, 2013 to April 25, 2013

Introduction Week: Welcome & Introductions
Week 1: Key Permaculture Concepts and Tools
Week 2: Reading the Landscape & Pattern
Week 3: Building & Sustaining Living Soil
Week 4: Working with Water
Week 5: Forestry & Agroforestry
Week 6: Aquaculture & Animals

PERMACULTURE III: Design Practicum
April 29, 2013 to June 6, 2013.

Introduction Week: Welcome & Introduction
Week 1: Key Permaculture Concepts
Week 2: Maps & Base Mapping
Week 3: Goal Setting
Week 4: Site Assessment
Week 5: Conceptual Design
Week 6: Final Design

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Steve Gabriel is an ecologist, extension educator, and forest farmer living and working in the Finger Lakes Region of central New York. He currently spends his time working for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, splitting his efforts between the Garden-Based Learning program (www.gardening.cornell.edu) and coordinating the Northeast Mushroom Growers Network (http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu). He also teaches for the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute and serves on the Board of Directors for the Permaculture Institute of the Northeast. He is currently co-authoring a book on Forest Farming with Cornell professor Ken Mudge, which is expected to be published through Chelsea Green in 2014.

To view a full syllabus of each class visit
http://blogs.cornell.edu/permaculture/online

REGISTRATION IS OPEN DECEMBER 10th!
(email sfg53@cornell.edu to be notified)