USU Extension Sustainability Hosts Permaculture Event Sept. 27-28
What is permaculture?
Simply put, permaculture is a design concept mimicking natural ecosystems.
“Consider a forest,” says Roslynn Brain, Utah State University Extension sustainable communities specialist. “The forest canopy provides shade, and plants and animals within the forest supply each other’s nutritional needs. A forest does not rely on humans for water or nutrients. Permaculture builds on this idea in human-made gardens and structures.”
Cache Valley residents are invited to learn more about permaculture and participate in a two-day, hands-on workshop at two valley locations Sept. 27 and 28.
Friday, Sept. 27, renowned permaculture and ecological restoration expert Joel Ganzberg leads an all-day workshop in permaculture principles from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at USU’s American West Heritage Center at 4025 U.S. Highway 89 in Wellsville, Utah. Participants should bring their own lunches.
Saturday, Sept. 28, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., workshop participants will construct a permaculture rain garden in the grassy area east of the Ernstrom Nutrition and Food Sciences Building at approximately 750 N. 1200 East in Logan. Participants should wear work clothes, shoes and gloves. Snacks will be provided but participants should bring their own lunches.
“This is a chance to be part of history, as we build Utah’s first campus permaculture garden,” says Brain, assistant professor in USU’s Department of Environment and Society. “The garden will supply herbs and produce that will be used by USU nutrition, dietetics and food science students and for USU Extension’s educational outreach.”
Cost for the two-day workshop is $15 for students and $25 for community participants. For registration information, visit the workshop website or call 435-797-3313.
Garden sponsors include USU Extension Sustainability, Community Rebuilds, Utah’s Own, Slow Food Utah, Bill and Diane Oblock, the RockHaus Gym, USU Sustainability Council and USU’s Department of Environment and Society.
A second Permaculture Workshop is planned for Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at USU’s Moab Campus.
On Oct. 2, USU’s Department of Environment and Society hosts University of Arizona McArthur fellow Gary Paul Nabhan, who presents “Tapping into the Wisdom of the Desert: Sustainably Growing Food in the Face of Climate Change and Water Scarcity.” Nabhan’s talk, free and open to all, is from 7-8 p.m. in the Eccles Science Learning Center Emert Auditorium, Room 130, on the USU campus.
Related links:
- USU Extension Sustainability
- USU Department of Environment and Society
- USU Quinney College of Natural Resources
Contact: Roslynn Brain, 435-797-3313, roslynn.brain@usu.edu
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
USU Extension Sustainability hosts a two-day Permaculture Workshop Sept. 27-28. Cost is $15 for students; $25 for community participants.
On Sept. 28, workshop participants will construct Utah's first campus permaculture garden in the grassy area between USU’s Ernstrom Nutrition and Food Science Building and the Facilities building.
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