(Excerpted from a brochure designed by Diana Young)

• Working with, rather than against nature
• Protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor
• Looking at systems and people in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them.
• Allowing systems to evolve in their own way

Permaculture is a practical concept which can be applied in the city, on the farm, and in the wilderness. It's principles empower people to establish highly productive environments providing for food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs, including economic and social infrastructures. The concept was developed in the 1970's in Australia by Bill Mollison and David Holmgren and first taught as an applied design system by Mollison in 1981. Originally a contraction of "permanent agriculture," Permaculture designs and nurtures agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the stability, diversity, and resilience of natural ecosystems.

Carefully observing natural patterns characteristic at a particular site, the permaculture designer gradually discerns optimal methods for integrating water catchment, human shelter, and energy systems with tree crops, edible and useful perennials, self-seeding annuals, domestic and wild animals, and aquaculture. Permaculture turns constraints into resources, and arranges as many functions as possible in every element of the landscape and as many elements as possible per unit of horizontal and vertical space.

The excess or waste products from plants and from animal and human activities are used as inputs to benefit other elements in the system. Plantings are arranged in patterns that catch water and sun and block the wind. Particular associations of trees, perennial vines, shrubs, and ground covers known to nourish and protect one another (plant guilds) are clustered together. Ponds and other elements are constructed in patterns which maximize their edges to take advantage of the increased biological activity at the intersection of ecosystems.

The implementation of a design requires proper sequencing and flexibility so that changes can be made as observation and experience bring new understanding. Creating a permaculture environment is a gradual long-range process, but permaculturists also use "quick start" techniques like "sheer composting" - covering weedy or compacted areas with layers of newspapers, cardboard, and straw, watering thoroughly, then making little planting holes in the mulch, inserting soil and seedlings and letting the worms, bugs, microorganisms, and roots conditon the soil

Permaculture adopts techniques and principles from ecology, appropriate technology, sustainable agriculture and the wisdom of indigenous peoples, but it is based primarily on direct observations of nature in a particular locale. No two designs and no two trainings are quite the same. Since 1981 thousands of people have attended permaculture workshops, seminars and design courses. Graduates form a loose global network; their work fosters growing understanding and appreciation of nature's patterns and generates models for sustainable living which achieve maximum productivity with minimal labor.

The Ethical basis of Permaculture rests upon care for the earth - maintaining a system in which all life forms can thrive. This includes human access to resources and provisions but not the accumulation of wealth, power, or land beyond their needs. "Give away surplus" is a Permaculture maxim. Observing the general rule of nature - that cooperative species and associations of self-supporting species make healthy communities, permaculture practitioners value cooperation and appreciate each others' unique contributions rather than trying to conform and compete.

Politics

The concept of Permaculture grew from an awareness of impending ecological crises. It generates a vision of people breaking free of the dying system and using the land around their homes intensively to provide for more and more of their basic needs gradually requiring less labor thus freeing them for more creative and socially responsible work. Permaculture activitists are working to lay foundations for the gradual emergence of self-reliant cooperative clusters - communities or villages as models for the larger society. The more intensely productive the areas adjacent to people's dwellings become, the more feasible it is to preserve the remaining natural forests and other wild lands from destruction. Permaculture practiced on a large scale will make it possible for land formerly devoted to monoculture, grazing, and fossil fuel extraction to be freed up for restoration as plant and wildlife refuges.

Recommended Reading

• The Mendocino Country Environmentalist A publication worth subscribing to. Published 20 or more times per year by MCE, P. O. Box A, Ukiah, CA 95482
• Permaculture in a Nutshell by Patrick Whitefield, from Permanent Publications
• Creative Propagation: A Growers Guide by Peter Thompson
• The Best of Permaculture: A Collection by Max o. Lindegger and Robert Tap
• Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison with Reny Mia Slay from Tagari Publications
• Earth User's Guide to Permaculture by Rosemary Morrow Illustrated by Rob Allsop from Kangaroo Press
• Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison (1991) 213 pages.
• Permaculture: A Designer's Manual by Bill Mollison (1992) hard cover, 576 pages
• The Permaculture Way (1992) by Graham Bell
• The Permaculture Garden (1994) by Graham Bell
• Forest Gardening by Robert A. de J. Hart (1991)
• The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka (1978)

Permaculture Resources

Seed and Plant Catalogs

• Bamboo Sourcery, 666 Wagnon Rd., Sebastopol, CA 95472 Ph:707-823-5866 FAX:707-829-8106
• Living Tree Center, P. O. Box 10082, Berkley, CA 94709-5082 Ph:510-420-1440
• Forest Farm, 990 Tetherow Rd., Williams, OR 97544-9599 by Ray and Peg Prag
• Peace Seeds 2385 S.E. Thompson St., Corvalis, OR 97333 by A. M. Kapular Ph.D (he has a great poster available of flowering plant coevolutionary structure and classifications)

Books by Bill Mollison

These BOOKS and VIDEOS are available from: Networks Productions
"We create and collaborate to produce media designed to inspire optimal evolutionary potentials."

Permaculture: A Designers Manual

A must for all who are seriously interested in permaculture. Some call it the "Bible". It's a big book.

Ferment and Human Nutrition

Traditional recipes passed through the centuries by and for humanity. Nourishment for the next millennium. Most unusual.

Introduccion a la Permacultura

Spanish translation of the English version of the same name.

Video Series

• Only $5.00/video for 2 weeks rental

• Contact the BAPG by Phone 415-761-8220

• Or by Email bapg@slip.net

• Tell us your phone number, address & video selection.

• For more information see the Networks Productions page

The 16 titles in this series of video tapes are documents from two design courses taught at the Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, Texas in 1994 and 1995. Those who have taken a design course from Bill have been awed by the massive amount of information he imparts in a two week period. This series of videos was an answer to repeated requests for an opportunity to review the material. These tapes bear many viewings. They represent only a smattering of the total course curriculum. This series will benefit anyone who seriously wants to learn how to live sustainably and who wants to help others to do the same. Teachers of permaculture will find these tapes an invaluable tool. The tapes are edited to one hour length.

BAPG Calendar of Events

Click here for Past Event Information

June '96

1 (Sat. 2 - 5 P.M.)

How to grow and design with Native Plants

In Oakland, with Louise Lacey of Growing Natives. At 59th St Community Garden, between Market and Adeline, 2 - 5 P.M., free. Spiral Gardens (SG): 510-549-9159

2 (Sun.)

Water Conservation: Swales and Mulching

In Glenn Ellen. Sonoma Permaculture (SP): 707-829-5524

4 (Tue. 7:00 P.M.)

Video: Bill Mollison on Pasture/Range Restoration, in Sebastopol

Renew degraded lands $4 at the Wish Fulfilling Tree (WFT): 707-829-8392 and the Garden of the Heart (GOH): 707-829-5524

6 - 9 (Thu. - Sun.)

The Craft of Herbalism, in Orleans

How to make packs, poultices and percolation tinctures, focusing on herbs to enhance immunity and vital energy. Cost is $175, includes all meals. Call the Sandy Bar Ranch at 916-627-3379 for more information.

8 (Sat. 11:30 AM)

Spiral Gardens Volunteer Orientation, in Oakland

Looking for new membes to transform unused city land into thriving edible landscapes, develop neighborhood-based economies in organic produce, herbs, worms, nursery plants. 11:30 AM at 59th St. Community Garden, between Market and Adeline, (SG): 510-549-9159

8 (Sat.)

Planning and Building Your Renewable Energy Home

$100 with veg. lunch, (RG): 1-800-762-7325

9 (Sun.)

Organic Gardening & Drip Irrigation

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

9 (Sun. 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM)

Tour of Permaculture site and Plant Sale in Sebastopol

11:30 AM to 2:30 PM (GOH): 707-829-5524

10 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight. (running through August.)

15 (Sat.)

Garden Gallivanting in Permaculture Perennial Polycultures, in Pt. Reyes

With Keith Johnson, Penny Livingston, and Janice Sandeen. Cost is $50. Contact PINC or phone 415-663-9090 for more information.

15 (Sat. 2 - 5 PM)

CSA's and Urban Market Growing, in Oakland

With Mark Burnett, organizer of 80 farm community supported agriculture local networks, describes how the system was developed.. At 59th St. Community Garden, between Market and Adeline, (SG): 510-549-9159

16 (Sun. 10 - 5)

Permaculture with Penny Livingston, in Pt. Reyes

How our actions affect the larger systems around us, ways of creating ecologically sound solutions. 10 AM to 5 PM, $65. A benefit for The Sacred Grove Women's Forest Sanctuary: 510-548-1693

16 (Sun., 11 AM - 5 PM)

Father's Day Plant, Seed Exchange and Sale, in Sebastopol

At the Wish-Fulfilling Tree in Sebastopol. (WFT): 707-829-8392 and (GOH): 707-829-5524

19 (Wed. 12 Noon)

Permaculture on KPFA 94.1 FM

With Carrie Core of East Bay Urban Gardeners

20 - 23 (Thu. - Sun.)

Third Annual West Coast Permaculture Gathering

With hands-on workshops, caucuses, slide shows, volleyball, swimming, music, story-telling, FUN. Cost is $75.At Sandy Bar Ranch. Phone 916-627-3379

21 - 23 (Fri. - Sun.)

Straw Bale House Workshop

In Santa Cruz with Vincent Pastore and guest. $240. Call the PCSC at 408-763-3848 for more information.

21 - 23 (Fri. - Sun.)

Real Goods Solar Living Center Grand Opening, in Hopland

(RG): 1-800-762-7325

24 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight, running through August.

30 (Sun. 9 - 12 Noon)

Drought Proof Your Garden, in Sebastopol

Plant Sale and Tour at 2:30 PM (SG): 510-549-9159

July '96

8 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight, running through August.

8 - 21

PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE at Shenoa Retreat and Learning Center

With Mark Dupont, Penny Livingston, and Tom Ward. Cost is $750. Call 707-895-3156 for more information.

13 (Thur.)

Straw Bale Construction

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

14 (Fri.)

Sustainable Building and Eco Design

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

22 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight, running through August.

22 - 24 (Mon. - Wed)

3-day Organic Gardening Course: Planting Your Winter Garden, in Occidental

Bio-intensive methods, soil fertility enhancement, composting, crop rotations, biological control, cover cropping, greenhouse management. Call the OAEC at 707-874-1557 for more information.

26 -28

Build 7000 Gallon Ferro-Cement Water Tank, part 1, in Big Sur

Two weekends, with Jack Rowe and Jaime Morton. Low cost, fireproof, permanent. First weekend: fabricate 11 ft. cylinder of rebar, remesh & Lath, attach to foundation, apply 1st inside coat of mortar. $350 both weekends. Call Chris Christianson: 805-927-1411

28 - Aug. 2 (Fri. - Tue.)

5 Day Permaculture Design Intensive, in Big Sur

With Jack Rowe & Jaime Morton. Basic Permaculture concepts, dryland strategies, water harvesting and ponds, zone locations, trees, gardening for profits. Hands on. Beautiful property, decks, campsites, showers and good food. $380. Chris Christianson: 805-927-1411

August '96

1 - 4 (Thu. - Sun.)

A women's Herbal Workshop, in Orleans

Focusing on women's health, the moon cycle and herbal first aid. Cost is $175, includes all meals. Call the Sandy Bar Ranch at 916-627-3379 for more information.

2 - 4 (Fri - Sun.)

Build 7000 Gallon Ferro-Cement Water Tank, part 2

Second weekend: Hand troweled mortar applied to 8 ft. walls. Plumb exit pipe, build framework and finish roof. Decks, campsites, showers and good food. $350 both weekends. Call Chris Christianson: 805-927-1411

3 - 16

PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE, in Santa Cruz

With Keith Johnson, Tony Pastore and Bruce Biernick. 12 Acre site, mixed conifers, zone 16, catchment systems, off grid, large greenhouse, gardens, developing village community. Meals and camping included. Cost is $700 before June 1, $750 after June 1. Call the PCSC at 408-763-3848 for more information.

10 (Sat.)

Realizing the Dream - Planning and Buying the Perfect Country Property and Developing your Homestead

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

11 (Sun.)

Planning and Buklding Your Renewable Energy Home

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

12 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight, running through August.

26 (Mon. 11 PM to 12 Midnight)

Bill Mollison Lecturing on TV Ch. 53

In San Francisco on City Visions, Channel 53, on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month at 11 PM to 12 Midnight, running through August.

September '96

13 - 15 (Fri. - Sun.)

3-day Seed Saving Course in Occidental

Includes garden layout strategies, seed harvesting, processing and storage, discussion on politics of biodiversity in food crops and seed saving. Call the OAEC at 707-874-1557 for more information.

14 (Sat.)

Strawbale Construction

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

15 (Sun.)

Planning and Building Your Renewable Energy Home

$100 with veg. lunch (RG): 1-800-762-7325

20 - Oct. 4

PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE at Occidental Arts and Ecology Center

With Brock Dolman, Penny Livingston, and guests. Cost is $750. Call the OAEC at 707-874-1557 for more information.

September 27 - October 7

The Sixth International Permaculture Conference and Convergence

In Perth, Australia. Hosted by the Permaculture Association of Western Australia. Visit their web page for more information. Or send email to ipc6-1996@iinet.net.au

October '96

4 - 6 (Fri. - Sun.)

Straw Bale House Workshop in Santa Cruz

With Vincent Pastore and guest. Cost is $200 before Aug. 1, and $240 after Aug. 1. Call the PCSC at 408-763-3848 for more information.

December '96

5 - 8 (Thu. - Sun.)

Fall Mushroom Retreat

Learn about the wild world of mushrooms, edible, medicinal, for dyes, the role of the mushroom in forest ecology and more. Cost is $105.

Upcoming Permaculture Design Courses

July 8 - 21, 1996

At ShenoaWith Penny Livingston and Mark Dupont.

For more information contact PINC or phone 415-663-9090 or contact
Shenoa at P. O. Box 43, Philo, CA 95469. Phone 707-895-3156

September 20 - October 4

At the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center in Occidental, CA

Call 707-874-1557 for information.

Who is the BAPG

The Bay Area Permaculture Group is a group of people from all walks of life who have a common interest in sustainable living and Permaculture. Experienced Designers are available to provide consultation on the use of Permaculture principles to help you in your corner of the world. Some members are available for speaking engagements or most any event that promotes related themes. Many members are not connected to the WWWeb as yet. Communicate with them through snail mail or use the phone numbers provided. Email will be forwarded to the appropriate persons.

Membership Information

The Bay Area Permaculture Group is run by a core of dedicated volunteers and publishes a quarterly calendar of permaculture-related activities and learning opportunities. It is reproduced here for your on-line convenience. Annual membership is $25.-$50. per individual or $35 - $60 for families, sliding scale. Your membership enables us to have a phone line, post office box, and to keep you informed. Members receive discounts on BAPG events. For a donation of $10 to cover costs, non-members can be added to our mailing list.

Field trips are free to BAPG Members. From everyone else we ask a donation of $3 - 5, which is shared with our hosts. Car pooling from Mill Valley area available. Call Paule Marx to coordinate.
These pages are a new part of keeping you informed of what's going on locally with Permaculture Design Courses and Workshops. We intend to expand these pages with lots more information on Permaculture. Check back frequently to stay up to date. When you find resources that could be useful for all of us send me a note so it can be added to these pages.

Contact Information :

Bay Area Permaculture Group
1850 Union St. #1138
San Francisco, CA 94123
Phone 415-761-8220
Email bapg@slip.net

Networks Productions
3145 Geary Boulevard #451
San Francisco, CA 94118
Tele/FAX (415) 387-0121

Occidental Arts and Ecology Center
15290 Coleman Valley Rd.
Occidental, CA 95465
Phone: 707-874-1557
FAX: 707-874-1558
email to Dave Henson: dhenson@igc.apc.org

Permaculture Activist
P. O. Box 12209
Black Mountain, NC 26711
Phone/FAX 704-683-4946
Editor: Peter Bane

Permaculture Institute of Northern California
P. O. Box 341
Point Reyes Station
CA 94956
Phone/FAX 415-663-9090
email: pinc@nbn.com
WWW: http://www.nbn.com/people/pinc/ Visit their new web site.

Sandy Bar Ranch
P. O. Box347
797 Ishi Pishi Rd.
Orleans, CA 95556
Phone: 916-627-3379
FAX: 916-469-3415

Garden of the Heart
3696 Burnside Rd.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-829-5524

Wish-Fulfilling Tree
3696 Burnside Rd.
Sebastopol, CA 95472
707-824-8392

Thanks to
North Bay Network for donating this space!
and
Internet Interface
for assistance in establishing the BAPG Web Site.

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Last Updated 6-2-96 by Larry Berlin

Thanks to Keith Johnson for sharing some of his photos!

Comments or Questions about these pages? Send email to lberlin@sonic.net
visit Larry's pages at http://www.sonic.net/~lberlin/