Permaculture Education

Education at Heathcote


What is Permaculture?

Permaculture is the conscious design of sustainable human habitats. The design process of permaculture offers practical ways to increase the abundance of natural systems and improve the efficiency of human activities. Rooted in the careful observation of the natural patterns characteristic of a particular site, permaculture applies techniques and principles from ecology, cooperative economics, appropriate technology, and sustainable agriculture with the wisdom of indigenous people to heal the earth and our selves. Permaculture is a powerful tool for redesigning our lives as well as our landscapes!

Why Permaculture?

We are living on a planet in crisis. The political and economic systems that have given rise to our modern lifestyles have created societies that consume more than they produce. The products and by-products of this consumer culture are polluting the Earth’s biosphere and destroying our fragile life support systems. To make the transition toward a sustainable society, it is imperative that we take responsibility for our own lives and meet our basic needs for soil, food, water, shelter, energy, waste recycling, right livelihood, and supportive community. Permaculture is an ethical and holistic design system for building a sustainable culture. Prepare to activate!

What is the Permaculture Design Course?

The Permaculture Design Course is a curriculum covering the basics of Permaculture design that was developed by Permaculture founders Bill Mollison and David Holmgren. Heathcote’s design courses focus on design applications for the Chesapeake bioregion, including information about best management practices for protecting local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay. Students who complete the Permaculture Design Course will receive a permaculture design apprentice certificate.

What are your Permaculture education offerings in 2014?

1)  Our next 12-day Permaculture Design Course starts September, 20-21, 2014.  For more information see: