Permaculture Workshop May 9

For many who live in the Wet Mountain Valley gardening is not only a hobby but a way of life.  In our high altitude environment with a short, unpredictable growing season the challenges to gardeners are unique, requiring different techniques to generate maximum production.  One way to turn out high yields in climates that are less than ideal are through the application of permaculture principles.  Permaculture is about developing a layout to a landscape or garden that allows for the flow of energy and elements, such as water,  within the living system.  By utilizing the natural resources available in perennial systems rather than human work to thrive, this bringing together of  “permanent” and “agriculture” increases production while decreasing labor.  These concepts require practitioners to think away from conventional gardening and farming methods and instead focus on sustainable living environments with minimal environmental footprints and maximum outputs.

As part of our summer community outreach, MMR will be hosting a free workshop on permaculture and high altitude gardening in conjunction with Sustainable Ways of Westcliffe.  Sustainable Ways is a non-profit 501C3 organization whose mission is to educate, advocate, and demonstrate ways of living that are sustainable for ourselves, our families, and our community.  The workshop will be directed by Becky Elder of Pikes Peak Permaculture, an associate who was involved in the design of MMR’s own permaculture garden.  Topics covered will include the basics of permaculture and garden design, how to work with nature to grow food in our climate, meeting wind and water challenges in microclimate environments, applying permaculture principles to your own property, and the long term effects of implementing permaculture in dryland environments.  There is no charge for this workshop, but reservations are required as the number of participants is limited to 40.  A tax deductible donation of $20 is suggested, with all proceeds going to benefit Sustainable Ways and the Westcliffe Food Co-op. If you would like to reserve a spot at this workshop or would like more information please email Jen at jcole@maytagmountanranch.com as soon as possible – this workshop is likely to fill very quickly!

Schedule for the workshop is as follows:

9-9:30 Introduction and circle, asking participants about why they came and what they want to get out of the workshop
9:30- 10:30 Introduction to Permaculture
10:30-10:45 Break
10:45 -11:45 Forest Garden (including microclimates, zones and sectors -emphasizing extending season and dealing with wind and water)
11:45 – 1:45 Tour of Maytag Ranch Garden and BYO picnic lunch (lunch in the garden weather permitting)
1:45-3:00 Participatory Home Design (Bubble Chart) exercise so students can walk away with an idea of what they might do on their own property
3:00-3:15 Break
3:15-3:45 Q & A
3:45-4:30 Bill Mollison’s PBS show on Drylands
4:30 Close and cleanup – Becky will be available for individual questions/comments if any of the participants want more information