Featuring Braden Trauth, Assistant Professor of Industrial Design
UC College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning

Humans are the most impactful Keystone Species on Earth. Mutualism is when one organism benefits all others. Permaculture Design can empower humans to heal ecological destruction while providing for the needs of humans and all living beings all at the same time.

Mutualistic Design builds on both concepts by focusing on guiding humans to enhance the Earth’s productivity of our primary producers (plants) through diverse resilience and systems design, while mimicking them in our built environments and products, enhancing energy and resource independence.

How can Permaculture be transformative? If we want to live more sustainably on Earth, must we transition from being Consumers into being Producers?  

Educational Forum will be held Monday, May 11, 1:30-2:30 PM at Nightingale Montessori, 2525 N Limestone St, Springfield, OH 45503

This event is a special preview for our upcoming Permaculture Design Certification Class at Nightingale Montessori this July. If you are interested in a deeper exploration of permaculture, learn more about the class here.

Growing berries is one of the easiest ways in this area to ensure fruit production and reduce your grocery bill.  Those clams of berries at the supermarket are not getting any cheaper!

Doug Crouch (bio) joins us for this spring workshop. Learn the different growth habits of classics like raspberry and blackberry while also getting excited about underutilized ones like honeyberry and gooseberry.  We will examine plant layers, trellis construction, and ongoing maintenance.  From how to get started to practically growing season long harvest, this course will accelerate your growth. 

PLUS! Get 10% OFF your purchase of berry plants from the nursery after the workshop!

$40. Pay ahead of time online or bring cash or check to the event. Questions? Email cpinursery@gmail.com. Outdoor events are subject to weather conditions and may be rescheduled if needed.

Come experience the magical wonders of weaving with Willow & Kudzu! 

Sunday, February 8th from 10-4pm @ IMAGO NATURE CENTER: 700 Enright Ave. 45205

(Backup location for freezing weather)

This is an exciting opportunity to learn to build and weave a beautiful, strong, and functional Ribbed Hand Basket with mostly willow and some kudzu vine. This one-day class will provide the skills and foundation for building a small to medium basket to take home and the ability to create future baskets! 

At the workshop, together we will:

• Talk about Willow- growing, harvesting, using, storing, rehydrating, and its medicinal uses; Kudzu too 

• Weave in community and connect in a way our ancestors did 

• Observe as your own creative genius unfolds before your eyes ~ go from Willow whips to functional tool or basket art!

• Connect with natural fibers and the living earth to build, create beauty, heal, commune together, gift, and live!

—> Contact Allison for Registration and questions: Text: 859-640-9575   

Cost: $90 ***Register promptly, class is limited to 10 people

What’s Provided: Willow and Kudzu materials! Warm snacks

What to Bring: water, lunch, your favorite pruners, and a sharp knife

Join us for an introductory webinar about the Transition Town Movement on Wednesday, October 15 at 7:00pm. Learn more and see examples from the over 1,000 communities engaged in transition across the globe before registering. Webinar attendance is strongly recommended for all workshop participants.

Transition Towns is a global grassroots movement helping communities build resilience in the face of climate change, resource depletion, and economic uncertainty. Through practical projects and collective imagination, neighbors come together to re-localize food, energy, and so much more. Join us to learn how to become a local leader and prepare your community for a thriving, sustainable, and connected future.

This webinar is a preview for the 2-day workshop at the end of October, led by author of The Regeneration Handbook: Transform Yourself to Transform the World and Transition Network International training coordinator, Don Hall. The workshop will take place at two nearby locations where lunch and beverages will be provided. Potluck style desserts are welcomed.

Dates:

Free Preview Webinar: October 15, 7-8:30 PM - Register with Green Umbrella

Workshop Day 1: October 25th, 9:30am - 4:30pm at the UC Digital Futures Building
Workshop Day 2: October 26th, 9:30am - 4:30pm at the Civic Garden Center
Early Bird Registration thru 10/16 - $55 / Regular ticket price $75 - Register with Green Umbrella