Pittsburgh Permaculture

Over six weekends, Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, we will present the internationally recognized curriculum in permaculture design. Permaculture can have a huge impact in the formerly industrial cities of the Midwest, where shrinking populations and abundant urban land are leading the development of regenerative urban food systems. This course will place a focus on exploring options for developing healthy local food systems, community resilience, and local networks of support.  Participants will gain experience with permaculture by developing designs for emerging urban garden projects, installing a demonstration garden and visiting established systems. This course will also include a weekend trip to explore the renowned local food system of Athens county, Ohio.

This course is sponsored by:  the Green Triangle Project, Grow Youngstown,  Nature Center at Shaker Lakes,  Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association, and Habitats Ecological Design.

Instructors:  Mark Cohen, Josh Beniston, and Peter Bane with local guests.

Downloadable pdf’s of presentations throughout the Northeast Ohio Permaculture Design Course:

• 2-6-2010 – Permaculture Principles Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 by Josh Beniston
• 2-20-2010 – The Age of Soil and Home System Design by Josh Beniston
• 3-6-2010 – The Permaculture Design Process by Josh Beniston, Aquaculture by Brad Melzer, Home Energy Part 1 & Part 2 and Sustainable Biochar Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3 by Ryan Hottle
• 3-7-2010 – Agroforestry and Swales by Josh Beniston
• 3-13-2010 – Natural Building Part 1 & Part 2 by Josh Beniston
• 4-10-2010 – Forest Gardens and Dry-Land Permaculture

Additional Course Resources

• ODNR Windbreaks Guide
• University of Florida Microclimate Modification Fact Sheet
• Ohio State University Forest Gardening in Ohio Fact Sheet
• Ohio State University Edible Landscaping Fact Sheet
• Midwest Home Fruit Production Guides Part 1 & Part 2
• YSU Bioswale Study
• Storm Water Filtration Guide