Permaculture
Course + Retreat
Immersive learning experience
next staging: in 2025
Learn permaculture with others who share a passion for Earth Care.
Explore whole-system design and practice applying Permaculture concepts from the very first day.
We will explore core concepts of Permaculture Design combined with fun, practical activities that develop your ecological 'designer's mind' and build life skills. You can live on-site in our residential retreat or manage your own accomodation and attend sessions each day.
Create the foundation to see Earth differently, build soil, grow food, read landscapes, and design thriving living environments. No prior knowledge required.
Bilingüe: Español (abajo)
When we work with nature, rather than trying to impose our will, the solution is often found within the problem.
- David Holmgren, Permaculture co-originator
We will cover:
Permaculture Design Principles and Ethics
Reading Landscape and Site Analysis
Soils and Composting
Designing for Water
Ecosystems and Microclimates
Trees and Food Forrests
and much more!
(full topic list below)
Why Permaculture
Permaculture is a holistic design approach that creates productive systems for human settlement in greater harmony with nature. From growing food regeneratively to bio-construction, Permaculture approaches can be applied to homes, communities, broadscale farming and ultimately, ecosystem restoration.
Permaculture presents a set of design principles derived using ‘whole-systems thinking’ that looks on systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them;
venue
Artvark Centre
St. Ann, Jamaica
Artvark Centre is a nature-based retreat space in Colgate, St. Ann (approximately 20 minutes from Ocho Rios). The venue will provide a tangible space for practicing site analysis, reading landscape, making compost and more!
It is designed for co-living, learning, and exploration surrounded by mountain forest overlooking sea. The location has comfortable teaching spaces, a pool, modern rooms, and WiFi.
Our host location is also beginning their Permaculture journey and will be using this course to deepen their own site analysis and planning.
topics
We've selected foundational Permaculture topics, adapted from the full Permaculture Design Certification, that empower you to start practicing Permaculture now.
See Differently
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Permaculture Principles & Ethics
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How to observe using many senses/skills
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Identifying patterns in nature
Soil & Compost
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Basic soil science
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How to analyze soils on a site
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How to build an effective compost
Designing Sites
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How to map & analyze sites
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Designing for water (first)
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Ecosystems and microclimates
Food Forestry
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Natural plant successsion
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Concepts of Syntropic Agro-forestry
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How to design a food forrest
By valuing and making use of all the resources that are available to us, nothing goes to waste.
- Permaculture Principle #6
instructor
Erle Rahaman-Noronha
@wasamakipermaculture
Erle has been pioneering tropical Permaculture in the Caribbean for over 22 years. He grew up in Kenya, obtained his BSc in Biochemistry and MSc in Zoology in Canada and has made Wa Samaki Ecosystems in Trinidad his home since 2007. Wa Samaki is a multigenerational permaculture farm where Erle has taught and implemented Permaculture Design
His teaching has spread across the Caribbean and he currently consults on regenerative projects Caribbean-wide on both a small/home scale and broad/corporate scale.
He was the permaculture specialist in charge of the regeneration at Walkers Reserve in Barbados from its inception (one of the Caribbean's largest regeneration projects) and now is lead regeneration and education specialist at the Caribbean Permaculture Research Institute all while managing his Wa Samaki site in Trinidad in a very hands on way.
Erle brings a wealth of practical experience to tropical projects seeking to become regenerative. He is also a crazy barefoot runner whenever he gets the chance to be off the farm!
cost
Course Only: $260 USD
Full Retreat: $600 USD (course + accomodation)
We have two price options depending on how you want to participate. Compare them below. Both options include all course sessions, practical activities, access to digital resources, and a great time.
*Payment plans and funding available on request.
Course Only
$260 USD
• 5-Days of Learning
• Access to digital resources
• Build relationships with others
• Meals available for purchase
Full Retreat (+ accomodation)
$600 USD
Everything in 'Course Only' plus:
• 5 nights accomodation (see below)
• Meals + shared kitchen
• Additional evening sessions
• Co-living with other participants
• Yoga/movement (optional)
accommodation
We have simple, comfortable accomodation available onsite. The full course retreat registation includes the option of accomodation in either a double room, a large private tent, or space to bring your own tent and camp on your own. All options include meals, bathrooms with showers, and WiFI in the common area.
Private rooms cost extra US$500 (limited spots).
Double Room
Room with two beds and bathroom shared with one other person. Includes a large balcoys with wide views from the mountains to to the sea and ample space for exercise, socializing, or quiet time.
Cost included in Fee.
Bring Your Own Tent
Bring your own tent and camp on the grounds. You can setup your tent in our tent area or go explore elsewhere on the grounds. Includes access to a shared bathroom. You're responsible for your camping gear (mattress, pillow, linen).
Cost included in Fee.
Large Tent
A large tent for one person (or pairs). The tent area is floored and covered from rain. Includes mattress, pillow, and linen, personal electrical outlets, and a shared bathroom.
Cost included in Fee.
Private Room
A private room with one bed, bathroom, closet, and a small workstation. Rooms have large balconies with wide views from the mountains to to the sea and ample space for exercise, socializing, and quiet time.
Cost: $500 additional
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Location & Getting ThereThe location, Artvark Centre, is about 20 minutes away from Ocho Rios, St. Ann in the Colgate community. Getting there via vehicle or public transportation is fairly straightforward. Parking is available. You can view and navigate to the location via Google Maps. Via public transportation: There are taxis that run from Ocho Rios to Orange Hill. You'll need to take one up the hill and walk about 15 minutes from the main road to the location.
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ScheduleYou may access the full schedule here. We'll release more details closer to the start'of the Course.
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Clothing & EnvironmentWe will spend time outside each day at different times of day. Please bring clothing suitable for enjoying light-to-moderate activity outdoors. The environment is generally warm, sunny, and humid. Bring shoes suitable for walking over different terrain and clothes that you can sweat in. For a few activities, you may get a little dirty. If you want, you may also bring swimwear for the pool.
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DeadlinesFull Retreat: Registration closes May 14, 2024. The last day to pay for the Full Retreat is May 14, 2024. Course Only: Registration for the Course-Only closes on May 20, 2024 and is subject to availability. The last day to pay is May 20, 2024.
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EspañolEl programa se impartirá tanto en inglés como en español. Habrá traducción disponible e instructores que hablan español. Para determinadas sesiones, el grupo se dividirá en secciones de español e inglés. Aunque el programa es principalmente en inglés, los participantes de habla hispana serán bienvenidos. Recomendamos que los participantes de habla hispana se comuniquen con nosotros directamente para discutir sus necesidades. Nuestro equipo incluye personas bilingües que están listas para ayudar. English: The program will be delivered in both English and Spanish. There will be translation available and instructors who speak Spanish. For certain sessions, the group will be divided into Spanish and English sections. Even though the programme is mainly in English, Spanish-speaking participants will be accomodated fully. We recommend that Spanish-speaking participants contact us directly to discuss their needs. Our team includes bilingual persons who are ready to assist.
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FoodThe food will feature mostly local foods! We will offer three meals daily. They will be mostly vegetarian with other options available. There are also local food services available who can deliver meals. Participants will have access to a small fridge and kitchen space. If you have special dietary needs, please speak with us or bring some personal food. The nearest shopping locations are in Ocho Rios, which is only 20 minutes away via car.
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Online Coure MaterialBy registering, you have access to all the course materials and additional learning resources via our online platform. Once the course begins, you'll receive credentials to login to the platform. You'll have access for at least 3-years through your OneRegeneration account.
details & FAQs
