[SustainableTompkins] NEPC Convergence & Summer Permaculture Course

[Steve Gabriel]

UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS
from
FINGER LAKES PERMACULTURE INSTITUTE
www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
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IN THIS ANNOUNCEMENT:

-- SIGN UP NOW FOR 2007 NORTHEASTERN PERMACULTURE SUMMER CONVERGENCE
-- INFORMATION POSTED ONLINE FOR PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE AUGUST 3 - 19
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*2007 NORTHEASTERN PERMACULTURE SUMMER CONVERGENCE*
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm
Cayuga Nature Center - Ithaca, NY
July 6 - 8

*PLEASE SIGN UP ASAP SO WE CAN PLAN ACCORDINGLY!*

*WE NEED MORE WORKSHOPS, TALENT SHOW ENTRIES, AND PROJECT EXHIBITS*

WHO?

Since January 2005, permaculture activists throughout the Northeast have 
been meeting and actively creating a network for mutually supporting 
each other and advancing permaculture solutions among the wider public 
in our area.

As permaculture designers we strive to recognize existing resources and 
create beneficial relationships between them. Farmers, teachers, 
designers, authors, researchers, extension agents, and other pc 
enthusiasts have all met face-to-face or otherwise communicated to 
collectively envision a complex mutualism where we share experiences, 
information, and resources, identify and meet each other’s needs, and 
recognize and advance permaculture skills and ethics as a new cultural 
paradigm.

WHAT?

Our mission for the 2007 NEPC Convergence is to stimulate the network by 
focusing on local and regional connections, sharing resources, and 
continuing to define the structure, function, and organization of the group.

We intend to create an open and inclusive atmosphere that is a well 
balanced experience of interactive presentation, roundtable discussion, 
and skill sharing mixed with healthy local food, music, and ample social 
time.

WHERE?

We are hosting the gathering in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region of New 
York State. Ithaca, long known for its progressive politics and pursuits 
of alternative living.

The site is 130+ acres of farm, field and forest operated by Cayuga 
Nature Center, the parent organization for the Finger Lakes Permaculture 
Institute. We are currently engaged in several designs and implementions 
of permaculture on the property, including extensive gardens, a keyline 
project at our farm, and the beginnings of a forestry program.

See www.cayuganaturecenter.org for more information.

WHEN?

The convergence will take place from Friday, July 6 through Sunday, July 8.

On Friday we will gather, share a potluck meal, and open an exhibit 
which will showcase permaculture projects from around the northeast 
(including yours!) The evening will culminate with the first NEPC Talent 
Show. We invite you to show us your favorite talent. Are you a bowling 
ball juggler or contortionist? Flamenco dancer or Poet? Permaculture 
Stand-Up comedian or Permie Punk Rocker? Please share with the northeast 
crew your songs and stylings.

On Saturday we will focus on understanding and developing the 
permaculture movement. Several sessions will focus on various elements 
of permaculture with a focus on "making connections" and sharing ideas. 
Concurrently, a permaculture fundamentals course will be offered by 
emerging teachers to those who are new to the discipline. In the 
evening, we will gather as a community to articulate our goals for NEPC 
before kicking off our shoes and enjoing live music and discussion 
'round the fire.

On Sunday the emphasis will be on "skill sharing," where folks will 
demonstrate concrete skills for participants, from a medicianl plant 
walk to "hot box" cooking technology. There will be a fundraising brunch 
for Cayuga Nature Center from 10 - 12, featuring organic & local foods. 
(Suggested donation $6 - $20) We will close the convergence with a 
circle to offer our thanks and set intentions for the coming year.

visit 
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm for 
a complete schedule.

WHY?

Climate change, peak oil, an unstable food system, violence, and social 
justice are all reasons to develop a movement which addresses the needs 
of both humans and the environment. We are faced with unprecedented 
challenges and need discussion, support, and good organizing if we hope 
to overcome them. Permaculture has been a source of positive, 
solution-oriented thinking that has proven to restore ecosystems, 
increase diversity, and improve the qualilty of living for thousands of 
people around the world.


HOW?

These gatherings are made by the participants. (YOU!) The steering 
committee is focused on ensuring that the logistics and mechanisms to 
achieve our stated goals (above) are functional, and we are asking 
everyone to read below and get involved!

*We are now accepting registrations and proposals for interactive 
workshops, roundtable discussions, and skill shares, as well as entries 
for the project exhibit and talent show!*

The cost is sliding scale $25 - $100. This includes breakfast, lunch, 
and dinner on Saturday.

PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR COMPLETE INFORMATION & REGISTRATION: 
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/2007nepcsummerconvergence.htm
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*INFORMATION POSTED ONLINE FOR PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE AUGUST 3 - 19*

with
STEVE GABRIEL, educator, organizer, and land use caretaker for Cayuga 
Nature Center
KARRYN OLSON-RAMANUJAN, educator and co-founder of FLPCI
KAY CAFASSO, educator, designer, and natural builder

Hands on experiential learning on 130+ acres. Explore the principles, 
techniques, and challenges of permaculture though presentations, 
projects and games. Spend two weeks immersed in the language of nature, 
looking at natural systems and how we can mimic them in our own designs 
and lives.

Here is what a past student had to say:

"The Permaculture Design course with FLPCI has been both a 
quantitatively and qualitatively rich experience in sustainable living 
design. The teachers are dedicated and organized with the material, as 
well as responsive to their students."

*OUR WEBSITE IS NOW UPDATED* See 
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org/summerpdc83819.htm for complete 
details.

Principles - Ethics - Attitudes - Ecology
Pattern - Whole Systems - Design
Reading the Landscape - Earthworks
The Built Environment - Global Perspectives
Economic Systems - Governance, Community, and Legal Systems
Waste Treatment and Recycling - Water - Soil
Forests and Trees - The Home System - Gardening
Design: Theory and Methods - Design Practicum

Cayuga Nature Center
Ithaca, NY
$800 tuition
$225 for local, organic food