Tag: course

Scythes the Cutting Edge!

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April 30 @ 10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Sell the Weed Eater and use a Scythe!

Maintain your body, not your machines. Learn the sharper points of this elegant tool. Thought to be old school, but better blades and an ergonomic set up makes them one of the most efficient tools out there. Learn what makes a good scythe, how to select a scythe for your needs and how to properly maintain it for years of efficient use. Participants will be able to try out a number of different blades and snaths (handles) to learn the benefits of each.

Discounts available for couples.

Make sure to reserve your space by Registering Here.

Topics to be covered

  • Scythe – parts, styles, blades, snathes
  • Scythe setup and adjustments.
  • Mowing technique stance, angle, swing.
  • Mowing pattern strategies, fences, trees, working as a team.
  • Sharpening, Peening the blade
  • Fixing nicks and cracks
  • Sharpening with a stone

Brian Kerkvliet

+1 (360) 319-2029

View Organizer Website

Inspiration Farm

617 E Laurel Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226 United States
+ Google Map
360-319-2029
View Venue Website
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Practical Permaculture Intensive

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April 22 @ 10:00 am - April 23 @ 5:00 pm

A fun filled Practical Permaculture Immersion Weekend. We will illustrate practical ways to design an integrated thriving living system that that partners with nature. Designed to be self regulating, diverse, abundant and resilient. Whether you are on an urban lot or a farm homestead, energy, water, soil building, animal systems, food production and preservation systems, with diverse income streams. Join us if these are important to you.

An extended site tour of the established systems at Inspiration Farm will augment this experiential weekend. A detailed presentation over viewing Permaculture ethics, principals and strategies will be covered on the first day. On the second day an in depth dive into systems relationships and design mapping process and strategies will be covered.

Class format includes lectures, discussions, extensive tours of an established site and hands-on activities.

Presentations and discussion in the AM, site tour, hands on projects with plant guilds, soil creation, Nursery establishment and other integrated systems in the PM.

Discounts for couples, Pot luck lunch for both days. Camping is available. Limited to 15 Participants. Feel free to call if you have any questions. 360-319-2029

Grow Abundance

Put together a design

Make it so, let it GROW!
Meet others who share your passion!
To Pay BY Check: Please make it payable to Inspiration Farm and mail, or drop it by 619 E Laurel Rd Bellingham Wa. 98226. This saves us from having to pay the transaction fee, thank you!

$200.00

Tickets

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$200.00

Brian Kerkvliet

360-319-2029

View Organizer Website

Inspiration Farm

617 E Laurel Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226 United States
+ Google Map
360-319-2029
View Venue Website

Worm Compost & Microscopy class

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July 22 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Making Bio-Active Teas & Extracts With Worm Compost & Microscopy

What are Bio-Active Compost Teas & Extracts?  They are biological liquids that come from compost that has been quality tested with a Microscope?  Microscopes have become more accessible/affordable & with some practice are actually quite easy to use.  One can even attach a phone/camera to a microscope to document/share what they see.  This class will be hands-on so you can see if microscopy it's a right fit for your situation.

Starting with an explanation of the soil food web and its members.  Shifting to how worms improve soil, worm & hot compost comparison and how to set up different worm composting systems and consideration.  Next would be tea/extract methods & equipment.  Microscopy would conclude the workshop where I would show the class how to set up a sample, which would be projected for all to see.  I would then give folks an opportunity the set up the scope themselves.  Folks are welcome to bring their own sample that could be assessed if there is time. 

Students leave the class with the knowledge of what goes on in the soil food web, how to start and maintain a worm bin, how to make teas/extracts & how to set up a microscope to observe soil biology. This class is suited for beginners & there are no physical requirements. The class will run for roughly 3 hrs but I’m happy to exceed that time.

Class Outline

  • Soil Food Web
  • Photosynthesis, rhizosphere, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes & micro-arthropods
  • Org. interaction & poop loop
  • Vermi-Composting vs. Composting.
    • Pros & Cons
    • What study’s have shown about worms composting
  • Worm Composting Systems
    • Home bin, worm bed, tote tank, flow throw, wedge
    • Bedding, feed, moisture, temperatures, location
    • Other critters in the system.  Good & bad.
    • Compost tea & extracts
      • Why, how, with what
        • Tea bag
        • Vessels
        • Method
        • Tea vs. leachate
        • Bubbler
        • Food for microbes
        • Time/temp & other variables.
    • BREAK 5min
    • Microscopy
      • How to gather a sample
      • Setting up a sample for assessment
      • Projecting images from scope onto projector from compost.

Hunter Wolf Lydon’s love for soil began as a WWOOFER in 2013.  This was when he first heard about Permaculture, & began to study/practice ways to try & live in harmony with the Earth. Wanting to deepen his understanding of soil, Hunter found the work of Dr. Elaine Ingham founder of the Soil Food Web School.  This education has given him a solid foundation in soil microscopy assessment and a better understanding of how, through proper management, we can improve degraded soil.  More info and resources at, Lifeinthesoil1.com

$30.00 sliding scale

Cost is sliding scale of 30-40$. 

To register please RSVP below and make a payment to Hunter by Venmo: @LifeInTheSoil

Inspiration Farm

617 E Laurel Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226 United States
+ Google Map
360-319-2029
View Venue Website
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Upcoming events for 2023

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EVENTS AT INSPIRATION FARM 2023

Hi Everyone! Just wanted to take a moment to let you all know some of what we have planned for this year. Other events may pop up to fill in some gaps but here are the events we have on the books at this point.

Ongoing- Permaculture Meet-ups will continue to happen the last Friday of each month. Stay tuned for locations and details at www.whatcompermaculture.com

Salish Seed Swap Saturday Feb. 18th, 12:00 pm – 3:00 pm At the – Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship Downstairs, 12 noon to 3pm – Masks Requested

$10 suggested donation, at the door. No one turned away for lack of funds
Early entrance (11:30 am) for members of the Salish Seed Guild and people bringing seeds to share
Find out more.

Please Bring your own Envelops to package bulk seeds being offered.

Hope you can make it to the Salish Seed Swap happening in person for the first time in three years!

A Past Seed Swap Gathering

March 2023

Great Grafting / Plant Propagation

Sat. March 11 @ 11:00 am – 2:00 pm

Create your own Fruit Nursery Stock. Fruit Tree Grafting and Propagation from Cuttings. Pruning season is upon us! Remember to save scion wood for the Grafting Gathering! You can learn how to collect scion wood here. Bring Apple, Pear, Plum…
Read more

Get Tickets $30.00 

Create your own nursery plants

April 2023

Practical Permaculture Intensive

April 22 @ 10:00 am – April 23 @ 4:00 pm

A fun filled Practical Permaculture Immersion Weekend. We will illustrate practical ways to design an integrated thriving living system that that partners with nature. Designed to be self regulating, diverse, abundant and resilient. Whether you are on an urban lot…
Read more

Get Tickets $200.00 

Meet others and learn about Practical Permaculture applications

Scythes the Cutting Edge!

April 29 @ 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Sell the weed eater and use a scythe! Maintain your body, not your machines. Learn the sharper points of this elegant tool. Thought to be old school, but better blades and an ergonomic set up makes them one of the most efficient tools out there. Find out more

Get Tickets $50.00 

Different blades and set ups for different tasks

May 2023

INTERNATIONAL PERMACULTURE DAY TOUR & PLANT SALE / SWAP

May 7 @ 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm Free event!

We will celebrate International Permaculture Day May 7th 2023! A day to showcase permaculture around the world.  An opportunity to experience permaculture and meet its practitioners. Visitors can see first hand an established permaculture system and ask questions. See how… Read more

Be part of the movement!

Food Forest & Permaculture Guild Plants

May 13 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

Plant a garden, eat for a year, plant a Food Forest Guild, eat for decades! This hands on workshop shares design elements necessary for a perennial food forest. Learn about fruit and nut trees as well as supper food berries…
Read more

Get Tickets $24.00 – $40.00 

Learn about a Plant Guild and how to install one.

August 2023

Earthworks for a Water Resilient Landscape 2023

August 19  – August 20 … Exact details are still being worked out.

This workshop will cover reading the landscape for water retention and management. Diving into, Mapping, ponds, swales, reed-beds, terraces, key line design, implementation cover cropping and guild planting. This will be a hands-on workshop/installation, with earth moving equipment and lasers! Read more!

Get Tickets $450.00 

Observe, Plan, map, install systems for a water resilient landscape.
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Social Relations and Practical Tools

July 9, 2022 @ 8:00 am - July 10, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

Permaculture course weekends you can attend separately!

We will be offering certain modules of the course as a stand-alone workshops for people who are interested in specific topics but may not be able to commit to an entire course. 

Weekend #4  July 9th and 10th $200

This Fourth weekend will focus on  Social Relations and Practical Tools. On Saturday we will explore awesome Community Projects happening within the scope of Permaculture Design.  We will also investigate social relationships between ourselves, each other and our larger consumer culture as well as how to design in the Human Landscape.

On Sunday, we will learn How to Use and Care for Tools.  Both hand tools and power tools are an essential part of any land-based work.  We will cover the basic tool kit, trade-specific kits, power tools, safety and maintenance.

Tickets

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$200.00 weekend price

Brian Kerkvliet

360-319-2029

View Organizer Website

Queen Mountain Homestead

660 Montgomery
Bellingham, wa 98226 United States
+ Google Map

Designing within a Pattern Literacy Context

June 4, 2022 @ 8:00 am - June 5, 2022 @ 7:00 pm

Weekend #2  June 4th and 5th $200

The second weekend we will look at Designing within a Pattern Literacy Context. We will also be joined by the renowned permaculture designer and practitioner Doug Bullock. As we look at topography, geology, climate and microclimates Designing from patterns to details using natural patterns as a design tool. Looking at the overview of the permaculture design process and methods of design using the Zone and Sector System.

Day two we will go into the Roles of Trees and Plants. How do these elements relate to developing a stable system. Polyculture plants and their many functions. Methods for propagation, care and the yields they offer back to the system.  Strategic design of plant communities for the orchard food forest system including; hedgerows, windbreaks, shelter belts and the home garden.

Tickets

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Tickets are no longer available


Brian Kerkvliet

360-319-2029

View Organizer Website

Inspiration Farm

617 E Laurel Rd
Bellingham, WA 98226 United States
+ Google Map
360-319-2029
View Venue Website
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Permaculture Course Update

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As we move closer to the start of our Whatcom Hands On Permaculture Design Course, We wanted to share an update of how things are progressing. At this point the course is half full, with a half a dozen or so interested and thinking about it.

We would like to offer an incentive for people to sign up.

  • We are extending the early bird price of $1600 till May 1st, $200 off the regular price
  • Sign up a friend and get $100 off of your tuition.
  • Sign up as a couple and get a $200 discount

We are really looking forward to getting into the nuts and bolts of the class schedule. If we have not reached minimum enrollment by May 5th, we will strategically pivot to a slightly different format.  We would still continue to offer some of the course content, but as stand-alone workshops conducted throughout the Spring and Summer. 

Upcoming Events

Here are a few upcoming events if you are interested in meeting us or visiting a site prior to the course.  These are also great opportunities to meet other people in our area interested in Permaculture.  They are also a great chance to invite your friends who may be exploring some of these ideas ; )

Saturday, April 23rd-  9 - 2pm Whatcom Farm Expo Exhibition Free! Put on by the Whatcom Conservation District. Come visit us at this trade convention for our local Agricultural Community.  More information at their Website, Eventbrite, and Facebook event, pages.

Friday, April 29 -  4 - 6pm Permaculture Meet-up at Inspiration Farm: Free! Come meet and chat with our local Permaculture Community.  We can share ideas, plants, books or tools. 

Sunday, May 1st - 2 - 5pm  International Permaculture DayFree! We are hosting a Plant sale/swap as well as a site tour.  Bring plants to share or a little bit of cash for purchasing and join us.

Saturday, May 14 - 10 - 4pm Food Forest & Permaculture Guild Plants $40 Workshop at Inspiration Farm.

Permaculture course weekends you can attend separately!

We will be offering certain modules of the course as a stand-alone workshops for people who are interested in specific topics but may not be able to commit to an entire course.  The cost will be $200 per weekend.  Please share these opportunities with anybody you know who may be interested.  Thanks. 

Weekend #1  May 21st and 22nd $200

The first weekend will cover the Foundations of Permaculture overview and logistics of the whole course. This will be an introduction to the foundations of permaculture. If you decide you are interested in taking the whole course you may roll this fee into the total cost of the course.

The first two information packed days we will cover permaculture defined; observation skills; ethics and the basis of ecological design; permaculture principles. We will include a comprehensive site tour with observation skill exercises while looking at indicators of sustainability, and how to use them. We will address whole systems thinking and how to look at fast track succession as it applies to design strategies.


Weekend #2  June 4th and 5th $200

The second weekend we will look at Designing within a Pattern Literacy Context. We will also be joined by the renowned permaculture designer and practitioner Doug Bullock. As we look at topography, geology, climate and microclimates Designing from patterns to details using natural patterns as a design tool. Looking at the overview of the permaculture design process and methods of design using the Zone and Sector System.

Day two we will go into the Roles of Trees and Plants. How do these elements relate to developing a stable system. Polyculture plants and their many functions. Methods for propagation, care and the yields they offer back to the system.  Strategic design of plant communities for the orchard food forest system including; hedgerows, windbreaks, shelter belts and the home garden.


Weekend #3  June 18th and 19th $200

This third weekend will focus on  Soil and Water. On Saturday, we will explore the complex, living, breathing edge between the earth and the sky.  By exploring the dynamic Soil Food Web, we will learn about both the geological and ecological relationships which best facilitate plant growth.  Sunday will explore Water Systems and provide a practical and accessible approach to this most critical infrastructure.  We will look at Residential Irrigation systems that connect the garden to the home.  We will also explore Domestic Plumbing systems such as the kitchen sink, toilet and grey water irrigation.  We’ll learn how to troubleshoot simple problems that homeowners and renters may encounter in everyday life.


Weekend #4  July 9th and 10th $200

This Fourth weekend will focus on  Social Relations and Practical Tools. We will also be joined by the renowned permaculture designer Penny Livingston.  On Saturday we will explore awesome Community Projects happening within the scope of Permaculture Design.  We will also investigate social relationships between ourselves, each other and our larger consumer culture as well as how to design in the Human Landscape.  On Sunday, we will learn How to Use and Care for Tools.  Both hand tools and power tools are an essential part of any land-based work.  We will cover the basic tool kit, trade-specific kits, power tools, safety and maintenance.

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Upcoming Permaculture Events 2022

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As we enter the new year, we are excited to offer paths towards abundant solutions.

We have been quietly hibernating during the past few years of Covid but feel it is time to reboot and get this information out to people who need it. With all the issues facing us at this time we feel we compelled to share solutions that help people learn positive ways to move forward in their own life.

Collectively we are facing so many challenges; from supply chain issues, drought, flood, fires, inflation, healthcare crisis, to ecosystem degradation and social collapse. There are tools in the Permaculture tool box that can solve all these issues.

We would like to invite you to take check out the offerings for this year, and look forward to sharing solutions to the problems of our time.


“Though the problems of the world are increasingly complex,

the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.”

― Bill Mollison founder of Permaculture


Hands on Permaculture Design Certificate Course Event! May through July, Learn the skills to work with nature to create integrated Permaculture systems of abundance and productivity! Early bird price ends soon. Find out more »

Permaculture Tour and Meet-Up Feb 25 Inspiration farm, Free!

A Free gathering time for People interested in Permaculture from Whatcom county to come together and discuss ideas. Agenda-- Tour, talk, swap plants seeds, books. After the tour we invite you to stay for an informal discussion. How can we move…
Find out more »

Circle of Permes

Great Grafting / Propagation Gathering March 12th, $20

Create your own Fruit Nursery Stock. Fruit Tree Grafting and Propagation from Cuttings. Pruning season is upon us! Remember to save scion wood for the Grafting Gathering! You can learn how to collect scion wood here. Bring Apple, Pear, Plum…
Find out more »


Practical Permaculture Immersion Weekend March 19th & 20th, $150

A fun filled Permaculture Immersion Weekend. We will illustrate practical ways to design an integrated living system that that partners with nature and is self regulating, abundant and resilient. Whether you are on an urban lot or a farm homestead,… Find out more »


Scythes the Cutting Edge! April  9th, $40

Sell the weed eater and use a scythe! Maintain your body, not your machines. Learn the sharper points of this elegant tool. Thought to be old school, but better blades and an ergonomic set up makes them one of the most efficient tools out there. Find out more »


PERMACULTURE DAY TOUR & PLANT SALE / SWAP May 1st, Free!

We will celebrate International Permaculture Day May 1st 2022!

A day to showcase permaculture around the world.  An opportunity to experience permaculture and meet its practitioners. Visitors can see first hand an established permaculture system and ask questions. See how…
Find out more »


Food Forest & Permaculture Guild Plants May 14, $40

Plant a garden, eat for a year, plant a Food Forest Guild, eat for decades! This hands on workshop shares design elements necessary for a perennial food forest. Learn about fruit and nut trees as well as supper food berries… Find out more »


Permaculture Design Certificate Course, May through July, $1500

Hands on Event! Learn the skills to work with nature to create integrated Permaculture systems of abundance and productivity! Find out more »

4 weekends and a five day camp out.

  • Weekends May 21,22, June 4,5 & 18,19, July 9,10
  • Camp out design session July 18,19,20,21,22 –
  • 13 days total, Daily Time: 9am – 6pm

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Terraforming Earthworks for a Water Retention Landscape

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August 13, 2021 @ 5:00 am - August 16, 2021 @ 10:00 am

Join us for a unique permaculture design earthworks experience! This workshop will give you firsthand insights into design considerations and principles based on clients objectives. We will explain stages of the design process, from observation, working with the client, through to the final design and real live implementation on the property over the weekend.  This workshop will cover reading the landscape for water retention and management. Diving into, Mapping, ponds, swales, reed-beds, terraces, key line design, implementation cover cropping and guild planting. This will be a hands-on workshop/installation, with earth moving equipment and lasers! OUTLINE:
  • Day one will be introductions and an overview of the design considerations and the scope of the project. A site tour assessing information on, water, soils, access, structural positions, slope, orientation, zoning and sectors. 
  • Day two, we will demonstrate how to work with earthworks machine operators to achieve desired permaculture design goals.  Exercises in designing watersheds and a variety of strategies used.
  • Day three we will fine tune aspects of the project and install cover crop and some of the food forest guilds. This workshop is intended to help you to become a more confident earthwork installer. You will get familiar with the equipment and strategies used to efficiently get the job done.
  • WHAT YOU CAN LEARN: Site Observation Skills, Site Assessment Process, Design Evolution Process, Earthworks Process, Design and Work Methodology, Site Restoration with Cover Crops and Guild Planting considerations.
  PROJECT BRIEF: This workshop will implement a permaculture master plan by converting old pasture with invasive grasses into a diversified food forest. The project will encompass 5 of 20 acres. Over time the property will be used to host an educational center for nature based early childhood education and multi-generational skill building workshops focused on sustainable methods of food production and preservation. The long-term goal is to provide opportunities for the local community and visitors to reconnect with each other and nature while cultivating more harmonious and resilient relationships. Lead Instruction by Brian Kerkvliet co-steward of Inspiration Farm and a 15 year Permaculture practitioner, designer, consultant. A Student of Geoff Lawton in design methodologies and earthworks for Permaculture projects. Brian has designed and installed numerous projects around the county. When: August Friday 13th 12pm through Sunday 15th 4pm Where:  Facilitated on location at the client’s property, between Sumas and Kendall Wa. — Saar Creek Farms—  Camping available and Meals provided Cost: $450 |  Register before July 1st for the Early bird discount $375 Space is limited. Payment due upon registration. Limited Work trade and discounts available.

Click Here To Register

For information on the course please contact Brian at Inspiration Farm or call 360-319-2029 For information on camping, food, the project site please contact Connor or call 360-489-8098

Details

Start:
August 13, 2021 @ 5:00 am
End:
August 16, 2021 @ 10:00 am
Event Categories:
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Website:
www.inspirationfarm.com

Organizers

Brian Kerkvliet
Connor Harron

Sumas, Wa

cross creek Rd.
Sumas, WA 98229 United States
+ Google Map
1-360-319-2029

PDC Schedule

Overview Schedule for the Whole Systems Design Intensive,

Schedule subject to change! This is an example schedule showing the scope of topics we will cover. A final schedule will be posted as we get closer to the course.

Day 1: Foundations of Permaculture Course overview and logistics; permaculture defined; observation skills; ethics and the basis of ecological design; permaculture principles, indicators of sustainability, and how to use them.

Day 2: Design for Pattern Literacy Designing from patterns to details; natural patterns as a design tool; the permaculture design process; methods of design; the Zone and Sector System.

Day 3: Thinking Like a Watershed The water cycle; Catching and storage water; designing tanks, cisterns, and other water storages. Roof-top water catchments

Day 4: The Path to Water Wisdom Ponds, swales, and key line design; water in the permaculture landscape; grey water and blackwater system design; aquaculture.

Day 5: Soil: The Living Skin of the Earth Soil structure and composition; soil ecology and nutrient flow; creating healthy soil; analyzing your soil; compost, nutrient teas, and mulches; cover crops and green manures; strategies for your own soil conditions.

Images From past courses

Day 6: A Revolution Disguised as Gardening How ecosystems work; the home garden; plants of many functions; polycultures; integrating animals and insects into the garden; pest management; wildlife habitat

Day 7: Food Forests, Guilds, and Ecosystems Trees and their many roles; designing plant communities; the orchard; food forest design; hedgerows, windbreaks, and shelter belts; Biomimicry. Design Teams.

Day 8: The Built Environment The functions of shelter; methods of green and natural building; designing shelter for climate and culture; living roofs; site selection; designing for disaster.

Day 9: Energy and Tools for Working Wisely Population, energy use, and Peak Oil; renewable energy strategies; appropriate technologies for heating and cooling, transportation, cooking, and construction.

Day 10: Thinking Globally: Permaculture for Different Climates and Densities Tropical, Dry land, and Temperate strategy review. Designing for urban, suburban, or rural situations.

Day 11: Green Economics, Right Livelihood and Community Building Money, finance, and local currency networks; permaculture in education; green business guilds and networks; building social capital. Community dynamics; intentional communities, eco-villages, and group decision-making processes.

Day 12: Putting it Together: The Design Project Presentations Group design project presentations; Where to from here? Finding your ecological niche.

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