Due to COVID-19, we have decided to postpone this course until further notice. Please stay tuned for course dates. We’re excited to start this course again as soon as it’s safe.

This course is an exciting opportunity to learn Permaculture Design in an urban environment with like-minded individuals in your community. St. Louis is full of potential, as well as amazing work happening right now, and we uncover what it looks like to create a sustainable and equitable city through group design projects, local and global showcases, and hands-on practice on the land—all in conjunction with the paradigm-changing Permaculture Design Course curriculum through renowned Permaculture Institute instructorship.

Ample opportunities to experience diverse applications of Permaculture in action are offered as part of this course, from intensive food production gardens, edible forest gardens, rainwater harvesting systems, soil creation, and network building. We will visit projects like EarthDance Organic Farm School in Ferguson, MO and engage with Confluence Farms, a 240 acre farm and forest under development, as our primary course location.

Class material is presented through discussion, slideshow, hands-on skill building, touring Permaculture sites, and interactive activities.

Participants receive an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certificate from the Permaculture Institute, Inc. founded by Bill Mollison and Scott Pittman.

One weekend per month from February to July (postponed until further notice due to COVID-19). Specific dates will be published once the pandemic eases (likely 2022). Contact us to be put on the first-to-contact list.

Jason Gerhardt is the lead instructor with over 15 years experience professionally practicing and teaching permaculture. He will be joined by guests Joel Glanzberg of Regenesis Group, Pandora Thomas of the Black Permaculture Network, Matt Lebon of Custom Foodscaping, Crystal Stevens of Flourish, and others. Read about our lead instructor here and follow the links to learn about guest instructors.

Class will begin promptly at 9am, ending by 5pm each day. Field trips to local sites will be a regular occurrence, as will outdoor exploration. Group design projects will be a requirement in this course and participants must commit to the entire course to facilitate stable community building and class projects.

We will be spending time indoors in a classroom and outdoors in forests, fields, and tour locations during this course. Dressing in layers, having boots available, sunblock, and any other accessories is encouraged for adapting to field work and nature exploration in varying weather conditions. Participants should be prepared for the weather extremes of St. Louis stretching over winter and summer.

Lunches are not provided during this course. Participants should bring a bag lunch each day to stay energized and focused. We will supply coffee, tea, and excellent snacks.

Contact us for help planning your attendance.