The Science Behind Permaculture

Have you ever wondered how something works or how something was made? In the monthly Science Behind series, we partner with a guest presenter to explore a large variety of interesting topics. The Science Behind series offers opportunities for adults to apply new knowledge and skills to everyday life, while having fun! 

** This Science Behind event took place in October, 2018 **

The Science Behind Permaculture

Permaculture.  You’ve heard of it, but what is it?  In short, permaculture (the word, coined by Bill Mollison, is a portmanteau of permanent agriculture and permanent culture) is the conscious design and maintenance of agriculturally productive ecosystems which have the diversity, stability, and resilience of natural ecosystems. It is the harmonious integration of landscape and people — providing their food, energy, shelter, and other material and non-material needs in a sustainable way.

Join Walking Mountains Science Center with Vanessa Harmony from the Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute to learn how to use the lenses of permaculture to inform and improve daily life and community. The philosophy behind permaculture is one of working with, rather than against, nature; of looking at systems in all their functions, rather than asking only one yield of them; and allowing systems to demonstrate their own evolutions.

Vanessa will provide hands-on, thought provoking activities and discussions to guide participants through the permaculture design principles.In a world of rapid ecological change & seemingly insurmountable social & environmental problems, Permaculture offers practical solutions using design principles drawn from the observation of natural systems. From individual homes to entire bio-regions, Permaculture has the potential to repair damaged landscapes, build capacity in communities and replace apathy with self-empowerment.  You can do Permaculture too, starting right outside your front door.

Vanessa Harmony is a tree hugger, horticulturist, arborist, edible plant enthusiast, and mulch fanatic. She owns and operates a plant nursery near Basalt, CO growing hardy fruit trees, fruit shrubs, grapevines, nitrogen-fixing trees and shrubs, and edible perennial herbs for sale to the public.  Vanessa's business, Colorado Pear LLC, also offers services in edible landscape design, installation, maintenance, and education.  Vanessa is a resident and contributor at Central Rocky Mountain Permaculture Institute (CRMPI), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to education of permaculture design and demonstration of high-altitude agriculture on Basalt Mountain.

IF YOU GO…
What: The Science Behind Permaculture
When: Wednesday, October 10, 2018 | 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: Walking Mountains Science Center, Avon
Cost: FREE, $5 suggested donation