I am very excited to announce what I hope will be the first of many educational events I am hosting to promote green living ideas with hands-on instruction for how to implement the techniques you often read about but have no clue how to do!

For the first time in Northwestern Connecticut, the Center for Sustainable Living is offering the Permaculture Design Course, and Introductory Lecture at its facility in Bethlehem.

Permaculture is a whole systems ecological design science. It offers insights and practical techniques for living a fruitful and abundant life while addressing the major issues of our day. Permaculture has become a world-wide movement and is an important tool for change in urban, suburban and rural environments.

I travelled to Brooklyn, NY last March to meet with Andrew Faust, New York’s visionary teacher in Permaculture design and education. I was so inspired by his knowledge and enthusiasm that I set to work to bring this comprehensive program to Connecticut. To my knowledge, this will be the first time Permaculture Design Certification is offered here.

In the introductory lecture, Andrew will explain fundamentals of Permaculture and outline the essentials of creating true health and wealth through the design of ecological communities and businesses, with practical ideas and solutions to transform your “green” dreams into reality. Come and hear Andrew at the intro lecture with no obligation to take the Certification course. This will be a good way to get a taste of what Permaculture is all about.

In the Permaculture Design Course, you will learn the essential elements of Permaculture, and cover topics essential to every Permaculturist’s development: from soil structure and health, to the invisible structures of our economy and society.

The curriculum includes: climate, energy and food, conservation techniques, long-term approaches to soils, water systems and waste, rethinking economics and more. At the end of the course you will be ready to apply these principles to real-life situations, and – mentored by Andrew for 1-2 years – you will be able to change your life and the communities in which you live and work.

WHERE: The Center for Sustainable Living, Bethlehem, CT
WHEN: Introductory Lecture: 15 December 2009, 1pm-4pm
Permaculture Design Course: 2/12-2/14/10, 2/26-2/28/10, 3/5-3/7/10, and 3/12-3/14/10. Fridays and Saturdays: 10am-9pm, Sundays: 10am-3pm.
FEES: Introductory Lecture $15.00
Permaculture Design Course $1,500.00 includes 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches
2 dinners plus incidental snacks, per weekend (32 meals over 4 weekends)
MORE INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION:Cynthia Rabinowitz 203-266-5595; connsoil@att.net Visit www.connsoil.com for a more detailed course description.