Present and Past Convergences

Archives of Past Inland Northwest Permaculture Convergences.

2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  2017  2018  2019  2020  2021  2022

 

The Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild is a network of permaculture practitioners who inhabit a region of the northwestern U.S. between the Cascade Mountain Range and the Rocky Mountain Range. We host annual gatherings and operate this interactive website to facilitate communication among Guild members and between the Guild and the greater community to inform ourselves and others about the promise of permaculture.

Membership
only $35/year
Members may attend the annual convergence.

2024 Convergence

2024 INPC Poster

14TH ANNUAL INLAND NORTHWEST PERMACULTURE CONVERGENCE - REGISTER HERE

The Northeast Washington Permaculture Guild looks forward to hosting the 14th annual Inland Northwest Permaculture Convergence in Rice, WA next weekend!

Have a look at the tentative schedule of events which is subject to change. HERE

This gathering features several workshops and facilitators from permaculturists and experts from the Inland Northwest and further regions. Permaculture focuses on restoring local economies and local ecosystems, natural building, renewable energy, water harvesting, resilient communities, sharing information and having fun.

Some of the workshop facilitators and topics at the 2024 convergence include:

• Jason Smith - Mushrooms, Fungi and Mycelium

 Chrys Ostrander - Gardening A-Z

 Brad Ananda - JADAM Fermentation

• Gabriel Gaul – Companion Planting

 Kevin Froggiey and Starla Mulder – Vermiculture

 Joe Bass - Xeritypic High-Latitude Permaculture

 Jessica Spurr - Plant Walk and Discussion

• Tom Aeschleman - Fermentation Demonstration

 Dianna Michaels - Green Cleaning

• Panel discussion on Electroculture

• Several children's activities with Bridgette, Marc, Mark, Jason, Caite and more

• Cobb-making and other hands-on activities

• Trade circles, Equinox ceremony, potluck meals, live music, drum circles and more!

Primitive camping is available and car camping is available but limited. Limited space for camping in sheltered buildings is available. Water and electricity are also available but limited.

We will be sharing food for meals so please bring something pre-made to share or you can prepare it before the meal.

If you have any information or skills to share with the group, bring it and we'll provide a space for sharing.

PRICES:

- $35 annual INPG Membership fee (INPG Members attend the convergence for free)

- $50 for all 3 days, includes shared meals and camping

- $15 Day Fee

- $20 Camping for weekend

- Children are free

WHAT TO BRING:

Chair

Plate/Bowl/Utensils/Water bottle

Apples to press and clean jugs to take some cider home in

Primitive camping supplies

Food for self and for meal sharing

Information/Skills to share

Location is at 2332A Scott Rd. Rice, WA 99167

Call Gabe for questions and arrangements at (509)738-2087

REGISTER HERE


2023 Convergence

2332 Scott Rd, Rice, WA 99167

Contact the Guild if you have questionsor call Gabe at  (509)738-2087.

Thank you to everyone that came out to Uhuru this weekend for the work party! We got a lot accomplished to prepare for the Inland Northwest Permaculture Convergence happening this weekend, September 8-10th. 

The theme for this 13th annual convergence is "For the Children" and there will be several hands-on activities and workshops for Children of Earth of all ages (including adults). 

This year, some of the workshop facilitators  at the convergence include:

 Michael Pilarski - Friends Of The Trees Society
 Jason Smith - Boundary Conditions
 Anthony Smith - award winning stone mason
 Chrys Ostrander - BZ Permaculture Farm Collective
 BZ Israel - Bezaleel Israel Eco-Village
 Marc Gordon - Play Attention
 Indigo Sutra - Herbalism and Gardening
 Gabriel Gaul - FungiPermastead
and more to be announced!

Primitive camping is available and car camping is available but limited. Limited space for camping in sheltered buildings is available. Water and electricity are also available but limited.
We will be sharing food for meals so please bring something pre-made to share or you can prepare it before the meal.
If you have any information or skills to share with the group, bring it and we'll provide a space for sharing. 

Prices:
 $35 annual INPG Membership fee
  INPG Members attend the convergence for free
  $15 Day Fee
  $9 Camping for weekend
 Children are free

Please arrange to pay when you arrive. 

We are unable to process bank cards.

If funds are unavailable, please still come and we will work out a work trade agreement

What to bring:
 Chair
 Plate/Bowl/Utensils/Water bottle
 Primitive camping supplies
 Food for self and for meal sharing
 Information/Skills to share
 

Call Gabriel for questions or arrangements at the convergence at (509)738-2087.

Schedule



Past INPC Presenters

...and some of the workshops they have previously presented.

  • Bezleel Israel

           I started out very early in life with a born-in passion for the great outdoors. My mother was conceived at the top of Mt. Whitney" herself an avid climber who then inspired the spirit of the wilderness into everyone she met. I spent most of those wonder years in early San Jose before artificial trees of silicon displaced cherry plum and walnut orchards of phenomenal size. Those fragrant and stately giants from another time proved to be the perfect candidates for honing climbing skills and constructing sturdy tree forts continually built inner self confidence by pushing me to new heights. My brother and I would spend all day in the woods nothing more than imagination as our friend. Year after year we spent 6 wks. in the summer exploring every last piece of wilderness we could find in 14 Western states and Canadian provinces as well. Lasting impressions solidly etched into small and flexible tree trunks eventually grew strong and wide and tall as adults. Escapades of joy into the mountains and forests are something I practice to this day. Rejuvenation in some form is nearly always the result.

         I spent almost 40 years immersed in a system of civilized chaos" where I spent a lot of time building and repairing petroleum dinosaurs as a full time mechanic. As I watched vehicle after vehicle leave the shop and go back to the world spewing noxious fumes and supporting a petroleum chokehold on our lives I knew there had to be a way to cut the cord. It took every bit of fortitude and faith I had to make the leap of abandoning the mechanical mindset and embracing the spirit of creativity I could nurture on my land in Idaho. I look back now with pride and joy on that decision. It took almost 3 years of isolation and reflection to absorb the teachings of the land"" to see the possibilities and the pleasures of working with it. The PDC course I took online in 2014 with Geoff Lawton cemented the whole process into one holistic design that included an eco-tourism cottage industry based on a living classroom format for community education and awareness.  

    Workshop 1:
    Clinic on Raising Grass-fed Geese

    BZ will be putting on a clinic on raising grass-fed geese. Part of the demonstration will include a sacred surrender along with preparations for sharing with the convergence. 


  • Carol Wilburn

    Permaculture is just the right framing for the Renaissance mix of Carol’s diverse experience and current work that pivot around building multi-generational human community while caring for & living with our planet in a regenerative way:  raising food while building soil and sequestering carbon with no-till organic agriculture and intensive rotational grazing.

    A committed elder and teacher she has worked with people in transition and personal inquiry since 1990 grounded in rites of passage council circles and community building.   She carries a deep awareness of the legacy we are creating for all the children as well as the power of intentional retreat time on the land to inspire each of us to risk bringing our fullness into our lives and the world.  She considers elderhood an ever-deepening spiral of understanding one's path of service. 

    Her support of others in conscious eldering and mentoring processes especially focuses on stepping forward now rather than waiting to be even better prepared and affirming we are just the ones to do what the world calls us to. 

    This woman has hard-won practical skills too rooted in years of living in various forms of intentional community homesteading gardening and carpentry.  Also a writer a photographer a watercolor artist and a Professional Engineer her latest endeavors in these realms are designing and building tiny homes in support of community that embodies simplicity sustainability and the safeguarding of precious resources; and advocating for energy policies and technologies that support the health of the planet all species and future generations.  

    Carol is especially interested in the permaculture design process as it applies to the social financial and physical aspects of building an intentional light-footprint community of collaborators close to Sandpoint ID.

    P.O. Box 1238
    Sandpoint, ID 83864
    Phone 1:
    919 969-6553
    Business/Organization Name:
    Phoenixes Rising

    Phoenixes Rising is an intergenerational project: an engaged circle with young people in their late teens and in their twenties & thirties alongside committed elders who are stepping into their decades of service beyond mid-life adulthood. Each are inspiring, witnessing and mentoring the other, based in rich community and experiences together. My intention is to link with good land and collaborators, so that Phoenixes Rising becomes a rooted learning community: based in practices that support each person in discovering and cultivating the particular gifts and talents they have to bring to the larger world. Practices, projects and workshops include community building, permaculture and sustainability, rites of passage and legacy work.

    Workshop 1:
    Humans Living in Community Together
    Taking a look at the possibilities for humans to live intentionally together in community, through the lens of permaculture. Building all the grassroots bridges we can imagine across every scientific and social discipline and across every gap of thinking and interest and experience-- this will generate life-sustaining solutions to pending energy water equity and food crises most powerfully. Shared values and a deep listening to each other generate a closeness and a connection that fosters true community, even more so when the listening is across divides" that the larger culture frequently leaves un-bridged. Certainly this is potent across generations.

  • Casimir Holeski

    Hi fellow Permaculturists!
     
    My name is Casimir Holeski. I am the owner/operator of Infinity Matrix Permaculture Nursery and the founder of the Boundary County Orchard Restoration Project.
     
    I am passionate about permaculture and real food! Land access for permaculture minded growers is the topic that is most on my mind these days.
     
    My story: the nutshell version...
    Following a mystical experience that occurred in my early twenties I caught the health bug. I immediately cut white flour and white sugar from my diet and began eating a plant based organic diet.
     
    I quickly realized that in order to eat the diversity of clean and nutrient dense food I desired I would have to learn to grow my own.
     
    Accompanied by visions of an abundance of fruit, vegetables, nuts, flowers, birds, bees, and more I planted my first garden in a four by eight raised bed.
     
    At this point I knew nothing of Permaculture. I spent years working on my garden learning the information that I needed to fulfil my desire to be surrounded by natures bounty and natures beauty.
     
    I expanded my vegetable gardens and planted a small backyard orchard. I planted a strawberry patch and some raspberry canes but I felt like I was lacking some fundamental information that I needed to make my vision of being surrounded by abundance a reality.
     
    Discovering Permaculture after several years of organic vegetable gardening was the key I needed to pull all of the disparate pieces of my own garden puzzle together to create a more holistic vision by design. 
     
    A garden that emulates a forest, a forest garden, was the closest match to the vision in my head I had yet discovered.
     
    As I enthusiastically began to work on my own forest garden I quickly ran into the same obstacle I had already encountered, namely how to acquire the genetic materials (i.e. perennial woody plants and trees) to fill out my planting. 
     
    There is a limited amount of genetic material propagated by traditional nurseries and many of them adhere to a conventional model of agriculture that I do not want to support. Economics was also a limiting factor. 
     
    I found myself asking how I was going to be able to establish my forest garden on a limited budget.
    When one grafted apple tree costs $25 and up it can be very expensive to put in more than a very small planting.
     
    I also chafed at being limited to what was available through the nurseries I was aware of at the time.
    This desire for more independence from the forces of lack and capitalism led me eventually into the world of fruit exploring and propagation.
     
    As I learned more about genetic diversity, local adaptability, and propagation I began noticing the myriad fruit and nut trees in my locale that were going unused, dripping fruit and nuts onto the ground year after year.
     
    An abundant resource and it was being unused by those caretakers who didn't realize the wealth of nutrition and beauty in their own backyards.
     
    It was then that I began to talk to these people about their fruit.
     
    I quickly realized that the majority of people with unused fruit are very generous and I began to harvest some of this abundance for my family to eat as well as for propagation purposes.
     
    I was ecstatic because I found myself in a win/win situation where each party benefitted.
     
    The homeowners or renters had their fruit mess cleaned up and I received a bounty of fresh and nutritious food for my family to consume as well as a wealth of genetic material to propagate.
     
    In the course of this education I was amazed to discover the amazing diversity of high quality fruit and nut trees that had been planted in my locale by past generations.
     
    I realized what an invaluable resource these old heirloom trees were to me and to the greater community of fruit lovers and growers, and I realized that they were dying!
     
    I am passionate about preserving the best of these old trees for future generations and sharing genetic material with like minded growers.
     
    Together we can add to the diversity of our plantings while preserving and continuing the work begun generations ago by our ancestors.
     
    Onwards and upwards, and for the good of all!
     
    See you at Convergence!
     
    Camp 9
    Bonner ferry Idaho, 83805
    Phone 1:
    2085975871
    Business/Organization Name:
    Infinity Matrix Permaculture Nursery
    Infinity Matrix Permaculture Nursery was begun to propagate plants and trees for my own garden as well as being a way to "share the abundance".
     
    To "create a yield" is one of the first goals of the permaculturalist. 
     
    My nursery is intended to be a vehicle to fulfill the permaculture principles of "people care" and "fair share".
     
    By growing more than I need I have an abundance to share and trade with like minded growers.
     
    In this way Infinity Matrix Permaculture Nursery is a vehicle for me to be of service to the greater community through sharing information and resources.
     
    I have a dream of many similar permaculture oriented nurseries networked and working together to empower those in need of information and/or genetic material to add to their plantings.
     
    A permaculture nursery network that exists to share information and resources such as locally adapted trees and plants makes us all more adaptable and resilient in the face of climate change, political instability, and economic pressures.

     
    Join the movement! 

     
    Nursery something that you are passionate about and share it with the world!
     
    Camp 9
    Bonners Ferry Idaho, 83805
    Phone1:
    2085975871
    Workshop 1:
    Fruit Exploring and Permaculture
    In many areas of the inland northwest settlers of a hundred years ago and more planted high quality fruit and nut trees. 
     
    They did this around their homes as well as in larger commercial plantings.
     
    Because there are still large areas of land in our region that are not overdeveloped many old plantings yet remain.
     
    They will not persist forever though and we lose more each year to development, disease,and age.
     
    Locally adapted cultivars from a century or more ago are an invaluable resource of genetic material for permaculture minded plant propagators and breeders.
     
    These "elders" have weathered everything nature and man has thrown at them for a century or more and in so doing have proven their adaptability and resilience, traits we can bring into our own forest gardens and breeding programs.
     
    Traits like resistance to disease and pests, along with exceptional texture and flavor, productivity, cold hardiness, drought resistance, and early ripening, are just some of the attributes we are looking for.
     
    In this workshop we'll talk more about how to explore for fruit as well as how to utilize the fruits of your labors to empower your own designs and plantings, while in a broader context empowering the greater permaculture community and movement.
     
     
     

  • Chrys Ostrander

    Chrys is caretaker at Heartsong, a former retreat center 25 miles north of Spokane and the venue for the INPC for three years running. Heartsong occasionally hosts permaculture groups, and others, for holding educational events that revolve around permaculture, the healing of individuals, groups and the planet. At Heartsong, Chrys raises dairy goats, takes care of a flock of laying hens, maintains an 8000 sq. ft. garden and assists in the implementation of the permaculture design for the property. A resident of Washington since 1990, Chrys has been active in sustainable agriculture circles since the mid-90's. He learned to do web design twenty years ago working on the first-ever Tilth Producers of Washington website. He now provides web services for private clients and for Washington State University Extension as a part-time employee. He earned his Permaculture Design Certificate from Michael Pilarski in 2012 and enjoys teaching organic gardening, cheese-making, goat husbandry and permaculture.

    PO Box 1255
    Tumtum, WA
    Phone 1:
    914-246-0309
    Business/Organization Name:
    Chrysalis Organic Web Design

    I’m an affordable, flexible, creative, responsive and communicative website designer. I will answer your emails in a timely manner. I’ve been told my rates ($20 per hour) are “insanely” low. I see my role as making the Internet accessible for those of us of modest means. I can build powerful and effective websites for folks who might otherwise not be able to harness the power of the Internet. I can build a website that you can maintain or I can stay on and maintain the website for you (with a 24 to 48 hour turn-around time after you notify me of your desired edits). I can also maintain your pre-existing website.

    Workshop 1:
    How to Grow Healthy Quack Grass

    Chrys will demonstrate how to effectively choke out your pesky garden vegetables with a vigorous stand of indefatigable, healthy quack grass.

    Okay, seriously, what's planned is to start early Friday morning with an in-depth, hands-on, participatory, all-out attack on the Quack Grass that is threatening to engulf the 8000 sq. ft. garden at Heartsong using SHEET MULCHING as our primary weapon.

    This will be our second go at this. One lesson learned from the previous attempt is: You can't skimp! No stretching of limited cardboard supplies by layering on too thin. In that case, do a smaller area thickly.

    Corrugated cardboard is a fantastic mulch for killing sod, moisture retention and weed suppression, but to beat an established sod of Quack Grass rhizomes, you need to layer it on thick (not so if you don't have a grass problem-- depends on the individual situation). Worms love it! You will immediately see an increase in your earthworm population as they feast on the cellulose-rich paper. Some folks worry about toxins in the glue, but my feeling is we have a lot more important things to worry about in the world, plus, I have great faith in the ability of the worms and other micro/macro flora/fauna in living soil to break down small amounts of toxins. I do worry about excessive heavy metals from too much colored ink, but minimal-ink cardboard is still readily available.

    There will be other garden tasks, some transplanting, trellissing, perhaps a bit of carpentry on the goat barn, maybe some irrigation assembly in the orchard, putting together of beehive frames, and the like.

    So come early to the Convergence and get down and dirty with me in the garden.

    Extra credit will go to anyone who brings any quantity, large or small, of corrugated cardboard (no plastic tape, minimal ink-- black preferred or single color).

    Workshop 2:
    My Wife is a Goat: Goat Husbandry

    Chrys has been raising dairy goats for nearly 20 years and, though largly self-taught, has developed an approach that keeps modern medicine and cruelty out of the picture and integrates the keeping of goats into the design of a diversified permaculture homestead. Chrys raises a small herd of six cross-bred dairy goats at Heartsong. In past years he's kept upwards of 25 goats at a time. In addition to his goat husbandry workshop, he'll be milking four goats each morning and will likely make a batch of fresh goat cheese sometime during the Convergence, so, if you can catch up with him, he won't mind if you tag along.

    Workshop 3:
    Build a Solar Food Dehydrator (with Ken Casler) / Heartsong Work Party

    Come to the Inland Northwest Permaculture Convergence early this Friday morning to participate in some fun and educational hands-on projects implementing permaculture on Heartsong's 8 1/2 acre site. All day Friday will be a fun and energetic work party!

    We'll be building two of these solar food dehydrators. We'll also be doing a lot of sheet mulching in the Heartsong garden and food forest, also some transplanting, harvesting in the orchard, tending of the hedge-row, maybe some drip irrigation, construction work on the goat barn or putting up raspberry trellis depending on the size of the crew.

    Later on Friday: 4:30-6:00pm Astrology and the Four Elements-a Cosmic Perspective with Steven 'Stargazer' Pack.

    Workshop Period A 8:30pm - 9:30pm Movie (Inhabit) Permaculture videography with Jason Patrick Smith Socializing and Singing around the campfire.

    Inland Northwest Permaculture Convergence
    Tumtum WA Sept. 9 - 11
    http://www.inlandnorthwestpermaculture.com/


  • Cindy Santi

    As a 3 year old child, Cindy was fascinated by life and spent hours and hours exploring nature, playing with bugs, and feeling a very deep and spiritual connection to the world. On the very first day she entered the San Diego school system in Kindergarten, she asked the teacher, "Why are we here?" to which the teacher replied, "We're here to learn to tie our shoes and play together!" Cindy replied; "No, I mean; 'WHY ARE WE HERE!!!?'   She never received the answer she was looking for from an educational system that seemed totally out of touch with what really mattered in life. After years of searching through religious and philosophical teachings she was given visions during meditations that told her to seek out the definition of the word 'Nothing'. Cindy Santi fell into that void before the age of 5. She has come to realize through time that only through surrender to grace can we achieve any lasting connection to source. She is by birth is a Black Water Dragon Master number 22....she is a fore runner and a strident progressive. She is shamanic by nature loves simplicity in form and beauty is full of complexity herself and shies away from the complicated and chaotic. She has been a lifelong devotee to the practice of healing arts; physical emotional and spiritual. She has developed a loyal following of private public and corporate clients from across the U.S. that keep her in a semi-nomadic yet fully grounded state of mind. Time energy and committment have created a long list of evolving individuals who have acheived balance wisdom" and joy in their lives through the cultivation and containment of energy for dynamic relationships and projects. These are the things that matter and give meaning in life for her and she has made them her specialty. That is why she is here.

    157 Granite Ridge Rd.
    Priest River, ID, 83856
    Phone 1:
    208-290-3916
    Phone 2:
    208-265-6482
    Workshop 1:
    The Cultivation and Containment of Energy for Dynamic Relationship and Projects

    "It is said that one has only to look inward to truly see." Cindy's deep desire is for all people to be Realized and Free. If you are looking for more Freedom, Joy and movement in your Life... Come to her presentation. You will be given practical tools for growth, discover meaning in your life, study the art of building sustainable community, and learn how to get the most out of each moment you live. There will be deep discussion about the connection to self, nature, and others. Find powerful purpose for your existence through the practical application of yoga, meditation, and pranic breathing in your daily routines. Permaculture as a design science can be lifted to new levels of awareness and application, using introspection and observation as its premise. When you want to know how to become the vessel for that which is, surrender to grace and it will come through and be discovered as unfiltered reality without agenda, as truth and beauty in all that you create.  


  • Deborah Berman

    Deborah Berman is the founder of Palouse Permaculture, and a cofounder of the Institute for Regenerative and Integrative Science. 

    Workshop 1:
    Permaculture Conservation Trust Roundtable

    All over the world permaculture designers have created wonderful permaculture sites.  These perennial landscapes are designed to come to maturity  in a scale of decades, and can go on being productive for centuries, well outlasting the lifetimes of their designers. The intent of these sites is to create permanent agriculture. To fulfill this intent we need an additional design element:  we need a way to guarantee that these designed landscapes survive and are allowed to fulfill their potential through multiple changes in property ownership.

    We are developing the Permaculture Conservation Trust  as a way of protecting permaculture sites in the Northwest.   A conservation land trust accepts a conservation easement on a particular piece of property, and then protects the property from being used for anything not allowed in the easement. Conservation easements have been used to protect  sites for their ecological values, such as scarce habitat or important biodiversity, as well as to preserve farmland and historical landmarks. Permaculturally designed landscapes have the kind of value typically protected by conservation easements.

    We invite people who are interested in protecting permaculture sites, either their own or in general. as well as people who are interested in invisible structures in general. to join us in a roundtable discussion of the Permaculture Conservation Trust, where we are in its development, what we still need to do, and how we can best meet the needs of the permaculture community.


  • Debra Williams

    Debra is affectionately known around these parts as The Tipi Lady. She is a master seamstress and has been making Tipis since 1997. She is also an accomplished artist whose artwork has graced more than 50 Tipis. Her Tipis live in numerous states in the US and are also planted internationally in Canada France Chile & Mexico.

    Back in 2003 she became more aware of the toxic impacts on the Earth and the Water that result from the cotton industry. The chemical treatment of the standard cotton canvas used for Tipis compounds these impacts and the health effects of handling this material on a regular ongoing basis in her work was also a concern. She began experimenting with Hemp canvas and made her first Hemp Tipi in 2004. She has become the trailblazer for Hemp in the Tipi world.

    Debra's work has taken her on some amazing journeys. Most notably she was commissioned in 2012 by Grandmother Margaret Behan "Red Spider Woman" of the International Council of 13 Indigenous Grandmothers to make 13 Tipis for their 11th Council Gathering which was held on the Northern Cheyenne Reservation in Lame Deer Montana. As Spirit would have it she "moved shop" to Lame Deer that summer and ended up staying with Grandmother Margaret for another year after the Council as she immersed herself in Grandmother Wisdom and deepened her knowledge of the spiritual & cultural significance of the TIPI.

    For more info about Debra and her offerings visit her website: http://www.sagebrushtipiworks.com

    1070 Hoop Loop
    Priest River, Idaho 83856
    Phone 1:
    509-690-7303
    Business/Organization Name:
    SAGEBRUSH TIPI WORKS
    Workshop 1:
    CANCELLED (sorry) LEARN TO PITCH A TIPI !!

    It wasn't in the stars for Deb to make the Convergence as a presenter again this year after all, but she'll be here part of the day on Saturday just to hang.

    (Cancelled) Debra the Tipi Lady is bringing an 18-ft. Tipi to offer up for workshop presentation space during the Convergence. She will be supervising the pitching of this Tipi and needs helpers and others who want to learn the process. This may be repeated during the weekend with a smaller Tipi that the kids can learn to pitch.

    Workshop 2:
    Women's Moon Lodge Mysteries ~ The Red Thread

    Debra the Tipi Lady will be providing a MoonLodge Tipi on Saturday evening, as Sacred Space for women who wish to circle up and join in sharing about this most ancient common thread that connects us as women. Let's relax and retreat together as we explore the ways we can bring these Ancient Knowings forward into our modern lives for the Healing, Empowerment and Blessing of ourselves, our families, our communities and the Earth. Mommas with Babes and Daughters are welcome to join us. The Lodge will be open for quiet retreat space during the weekend as well.


  • Diana L. Duke

    As an endurance athlete and ultra runner, Diana Duke began her journey in permaculture with an interest in nutrition.  In 2009 she embarked on an adventure, riding her bike from San Diego to San Francisco, working on organic farms along the way.  She completed her Permaculture Design Course (PDC) in Costa Rica, in 2010, under the guidance of Scott Pittman of the Permaculture Institute.  She has also studied hugelkulture under Sepp Holzer.  An intership at a dairy farm in Colorado, Sustainable Settings, fostered an interest in livestock.  It is on this dairy farm where she met her husband, Collin Duke.  In November 2012, Diana and Collin landed in Sandpoint, Idaho and purchased 20 acres of forest land in Priest River, Idaho.  Here they started a sustainable tree farm and forest products business.  In 2013 Diana completed the Idaho Master Forest Stewardship and Master Naturalist Progams, and now volunteers her time at Round Lake State Park, as a Nature Hike Leader. Diana also completed her yoga teacher certification in Cuzco, Peru, and has recently started playing the violin.  She has turned her home in Sandpoint, Idaho into an urban homestead, appliying permaculture pricipals and sustainable practices.  Her in town home is complete with ducks, meat rabbits and an uban permaculture fruit guild and orchard.  Most recently, Diana, has been voluteering her time, toward an effort through the Kinksu Land Trust to encourage community, organic gardening and community outreach to those in need.

    Phone 1:
    208-290-0016
    Business/Organization Name:
    Devadaru Farm

    A sustainable Tree Farm and forest products business

    Workshop 1:
    Permaculture, Community Outreach and Volunteering: Kaniksu Land Trust Project, Sandpoint, ID

    Kaniksu Land Trust Project: Creating a community organic, food forest with fruit guilds and hugelkulture.

    ~ Permaculture Design of 80 acres under the Kaniksu Land Trust Project

    ~ Creating community through leadership and volunteering

    ~ Feeding the community youth and elderly

    ~ Efforts beyond the growing; food preperation. fermentation projects, canning/jarring and drying. 


  • Diane Bruce Miller

    Diane has always called the Pacific Northwest her home, growing up in Spokane, Washington then moving to Sandpoint, Idaho in 1978. Her love of nature and its gifts are readily experienced due to the magnificent beauty in which she lives. Diane has a gardening business dealing with landscape design and maintenance. She also has deleloped a theraputic salve with a range of healing applications. A lifelong student of indegious culture bridging their teachings back into our modern world, has made way for a balanced life linked with the laws of nature.

    PO Box 66
    Sandpoint, ID 83864
    Phone 1:
    I2082905346
    Business/Organization Name:
    Aunt Monkeys Botanicals

     Aunt Monkey's botanicals makes an all purpose salve. It's effective organic ingredients is for everyone and every purpose, slather your body with our trusted time-tested balms and oils.It's used for wrinkles age spots blisters bug bites cuts scrapes abrasions eczema psoriasis dry skin cuticles burn stretch marks scars beards hair massage and the list goes on ...

    Po box 66
    Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
    Phone1:
    2082905356
    Workshop 1:
    Medicinal plants uses and applications

     Diane's workshop will  include   A teaching of medicinal plants and herbs, their healing properties and applications.  She will teach how to make healing salve and oils as well as plant identification .


  • Gabe Gaul

    Gabe Gaul is thrilled about Nature! Loves the outdoors. Permaculture for 10 years.

    More than a decade of  permaculture experience.

    Experienced designer.

    Two introductory and two full-on Permaculture Design Courses (Friends of the Trees/Michael Pilarski).

    Many  years on the Inland Northwest Permaculture Guild (INPG) Board of Directors.

    Affiliated with Northwest Build & Guild.

    Three years homesteading, cultivating and logging.

    Six years commercial, ethical wildcrafting.

    Mushrooms

    Hunting mushrooms since six years old. Won Morel Mania contest (Illinois).

    Radical Mycology Network Certification Course.

    Two years teaching mushroom workshops privately and in conjunction w/ INPG.

    Two years tincturing and making mushroom medicine.

    Gabe offers Workshops Classes & Forays for All Ages.  Subjects include Ethics & Principals of Wildcrafting Introduction to Permaculture Home Mushroom Inoculation and more. Forays with eight to eleven people are guided excursions into natural places for the purposes of learning improving observation skills harvesting or design.

    Phone 1:
    509-680-9826
    Business/Organization Name:
    fungipermastead.com

    FungiPermastead & PermaSteadyReggae

     

    Workshop 1:
    Feel the Burn!!!

    "I believe that mycelium is the neurological network of nature."   -- Paul Stamets Author and advocate of bioremediation and medicinal mushroomsHunting mushrooms in the burn!!! Where how when and why to set out on a mycelium hunt.


  • Gloria Flora

    Gloria lives, works and stewards TerraFlora, a permaculture demonstration homestead in Stevens County, WA. A landscape architect by training, she was a Forest Supervisor in the U.S. Forest Service before founding Sustainable Obtianable Solutions and the U.S. Biochar Initiative.  She and her husband Marc are developing and practicing the art and science of sylvanculture. Gloria loves to teach and talk about all of the above and then some!

    1509 McFarlane Road
    Colville, WA 99114
    Phone 1:
    509-684-6233
    Phone 2:
    406-459-3486
    Business/Organization Name:
    TerraFlora Permaculture Learning Center

    Sustainable Obtainable Solutions - a nonprofit founded to ensure the sustainability of public lands and of the plant, animal and human conmmunities that depend on them.

    U.S.Biochar Initiative - promoting the sustainable production and use of biochar.

    TerraFlora Permaculture Learning Center - encouraging wholistic permaculture design and implementation specializing in sylvancture, that is supporting ecosystem services in forested settings in ways that provide reciprocal support to humans.

    Workshop 1:
    Managing Natural Risks of Wildfire, Drought and Climate Change

    We'll explore various design and mangement techniques to better manage natural risks on small farms and ranches.  Emphasis will be on water harvest and vegetation management to maximize resilience to drought, wildfire and climate change.

    Workshop 2:
    Biochar for Soils and Livestock

    Depending on interest and knowledge level of participants, we'll explore how to make and use biochar to improve soils and improve livestock health and management - from beginner to advanced.  Biochar production will be demonstrated either in conjunction with this workshop or independently as time permits.  


  • Indigo Sutra

    Indigo has been studying herbs for 40 years and raised a healthy family without the use of any pharmaceuticals.

    Uhuru
    Rice, WA
    Phone 1:
    509-680-6730
    Workshop 1:
    Herbal Adaptogens
    The definition of herbal adaptogens is changing as more research is happening in this new field of herbology. "Adaptogens are plants that increase your resilience to stress of all kinds both mental and physical. While you might think of stress as being mostly psychological there are endless ways you also experience physical stress. It occurs when you eat poorly sleep too little drink too much get sick or injured are exposed to toxins run a marathon or expose yourself to extreme environmental conditions.

    "Adaptogenic herbs have been used extensively in ancient healing practices but they weren’t called adaptogens until recently. They were traditionally referred to as tonics or rejuvenators. The term adaptogen was first coined by Dr. Nikolai Lazarev in 1947 to describe a plant that helps you adapt to stressful circumstances. Later the widely accepted definition of an adaptogen came to be a plant that meets these three criteria:

        It is safe and nontoxic.
        It increases your resilience to stress.
        It supports overall health not by targeting one specific organ but by helping the body achieve a state of balance or homeostasis."
    -- source: http://reset.me/story/adaptogenic-herbs-ancient-balancing-tonics-for-stress-and-anxiety/
     
    Indigo will present on many herbs that fall into the category of adaptogenic herbs. Although few are native to the Inland Northwest many can be cultivated here. Since many adaptogens are endangered species she will also concentrate on responsible harvesting strategies to ensure the sustainability of the different species and she will provide printed handouts.
    Workshop 2:
    Discussion group on “A permaculture approach to natural healing”

  • Jeannine Tidwell

    Jeannine Tidwell is co-Founder and co-Director of Twin Eagles Wilderness School, a family-operated nature connection school centered in Sandpoint, Idaho and offering programs, events, gatherings and community building extended through out the Inland Northwest. She has helped to bring the Twin Eagles vision for people to live in balance with the earth through rekindling relationships with nature, community and oneself by learning and sharing wilderness living skills, the arts of traditional mentoring, permaculture and cultural repair and restoration. Jeannine's path has been one of fate and destiny as she has been on a journey of manifesting her life's work since being with her first mentor at 13. She and her husband lead Rites of Passage for young people and help bring adults through a transformative journey in the Wilderness Immersion Program. She is the mother of two sons and lives in pristine Sandpoint, Idaho.

    433 Cedar Springs
    Sandpoint, ID 83864
    Phone 1:
    208-265-3685
    Phone 2:
    208-597-5544
    Business/Organization Name:
    Twin Eagles Wilderness School

    We are nature based mentors, who believe that our role on Earth as humans is that of stewards, and that in order to take care of the Earth we need to deeply connect with it. Wilderness survival, permaculture, and herbal remedies are just a few of the approaches we use to facilitate deep nature connection. We also belive that this level of deep connection is best facilitated through mentoring. We believe that in order to really make a difference, we must be able to work together as people, as community. At Twin Eagles, we are centered on the age old truth that in order to change the world, we must first "Know Thyself". Twin Eagles offers programs for adults and youth in: Wilderness Survival & Primitive Skills Wildlife Tracking Wild Edible & Medicinal Plants Permaculture & Regenerative Design Nature-based Mentoring & Cultural Restoration Naturalist Training Bird Language & Native Scout Teachings Inner Tracking (nature based journey of self-discovery)

    433 Cedar Springs
    Sandpoint, ID 83864
    Phone1:
    (208) 265-3685
    Workshop 1:
    Putting the Culture into Permaculture

    What is culture? What creates good permaculture, practices and design principles that makes for strong, self-sufficient systems in your home, right out your door, with yourself, your family and/or in your community? In this workshop we'll explore culture, the facets of good healthy vibrant culture and what qualities will bring out the best in the movement of Permaculture be it personal movement, in your own front or backyard, with your family, friends, your local community or beyond. Be prepared for storytelling and sharing as well as a possible interactive immersion on the land together. Bring a water bottle, small notebook and writing implement.

    Workshop 2:
    Twin Eagles Wilderness School: Youth Program for Ages 6 - 13

    Back by Popular Demand! After a fantastic introductory year last year, Jeannine Tidwell of Twin Eagles Wilderness School returns this year to offer another children's program for kids aged 6 - 13 on both Saturday and Sunday. 


  • Jesica Peterson

    Jessica Peterson of Inside Edge Design based in Helena, Montana is going to be one of INPC’s keynote speakers.  Jessica, along with Caroline Wallace, has been developing a public forest garden in Helena,  6th Ward Garden Park, since 2011. They have been assisted by David Jacke who taught a 10-day course there in 2015.  Inside Edge Design just hosted Penny Livingston-Stark for a recent workshop and are holding their first pdc (permaculture design course) in 2016.  They are on a roll and Jessica is coming to INPC to give us a taste of what they have learned.

    Jessica Peterson grew up in a natural setting within an urban environment. Her parents lived communally with family and friends in the early years and shared a large corner garden in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She remembers vividly an “earthworm immersion” class her mother taught the kids on summer evenings, getting used to handling them gently while learning of all the good those squiggly, slimy seeming things brought to the garden, the butterflies, ladybugs, and birds, and to the humans’ plates and tummies. Twenty-five years later, Jesse now lives and works as an independent consultant in Helena, Montana. She holds an MA in Social Economics and a BA in Psychology. She applies the knowledge from social economic theory, along with personal work and life experience (like serving in the Peace Corps in Madagascar), to choose the projects and the organizations to work with in her community. She uses whole systems approaches, including permaculture design and applies them toward social and environmental justice and bio-regional food sustainability.

    Helena, MT
    Business/Organization Name:
    Inside Edge Design

    Inside Edge Design, LLC (IED, LLC) is a collaboration and exchange of skill sets between Jessica Peterson and Caroline Wallace, based in Helena, Montana. Jessica and Caroline met in Montana and joined forces in 2012 to bring clients a unique pairing: a socioeconomic and community engagement focus with a whole systems design approach to landscape architecture.

    Helena, MT
    Phone1:
    (406) 219-7065
    Workshop 1:
    Keynote Address

    Details soon!


  • Joanna Castro

    Joanna is the mother of 7 year old Willow, and the co-founder of Vedrica Forest Gardens. Joanna was raised in Central Oregon on an 80% self-suffient homestead with her parents and older brothers. She was professionally trained in Mental Health Counseling and has traveled extensively to experience international communities. Joann awas inspired co-create Vedrica after reading the Ringing Cedars of Russia. Now, Joanna and her son live on their three acre Space of Love without electricity or plumbing, growing and wildcrafting food, making medicine from the wild herbs and intimately learnining the flora and fauna of the land. There are five families sharing in the experiment and raising their children with the land. More families and individuals are welcome!!!

    891 Forest Garden lane
    Weippe, ID, 83553
    Phone 1:
    541-735-1578
    Business/Organization Name:
    Kin Domain Academy 501c3

    Kin Domain Academy provides education, practice, experience, and sharing opportunites to increase our ability to live in harmony and ballance with the Earth and all her inhabitants.

    KDA offers long term and short term resdiential study terms at Vedrica Forest Gardens. We offer wild food and herb walks, share seeds, and wild medicines. We welcome your interest and enthusiasm. Contact Joanna at joannaopentrust@gmail.com

    Workshop 1:
    Harmony and Ballance in Gardening and Thought

    Creating harmony and ballance in our relationships with the Earth and all her inhabitants is the ultimate aspiration of my "gardening" practices. I have been inpsired by the Ringing Cedars of Russia and find that it strongly influences how I interact with the various influences that come into the "homestead" I tend. You are invited to come share in the practical as well as the theoritical applications of the concepts of the Ringing Cedars of Russia. We will explore Gardening, freedom of thought, science of imagery, and intentional child rearing from the perspective of the Ringing Cedars in this sharing workshop.


  • Karie Lee Knoke

    Karie’s passion in life is about living in harmony on the planet.  As a youngster, she focused on wildlife and environmental activism to heal the planet.  Now, she sees the value of healing ourselves first.  Her own healing journey has taken her to that place of faith and trust where the great mysteries of life unfold.  She helps others restore true peace, love, and compassion within themselves.  When we can live in that place of harmony, we can begin to restore the balance of the earth and her inhabitance. She is a certified Energy Medicine Practitioner, in the modalities of Eden Energy Medicine, Light Body energy medicine using shamanic practices in the Incan tradition, plant spirit medicine, EFT, acupressure, Reiki and has a degree in Psychology.  She uses wild-crafted herbal remedies and flower essences to supplement her healing practice. She is very passionate about indigenous skills and spiritual connection with nature.  She is a skills instructor and teaches from her home and many skills gatherings, including Rabbitstick, Wintercount, the Buckeye Gathering, Saskatoon Circle and Between the Rivers gathering.  You can find her teaching braintanning (making deerskin into buckskin), buckskin sewing, beading, herbal remedies and nature awareness skills.

    Sandpoint, ID
    Phone 1:
    208-659-9000
    Workshop 1:
    The Art of Sacred Living

    The Art of Sacred Living is a practice of learning how to live our busy lives in a sacred way that nurtures our relationship to the earth and all her inhabitants. How do we intertwine our spirituality, heighten our awareness, and give back to Mother Nature, while still holding down our jobs and taking the kids to soccor? How do we trend lightly and live in right relation to the earth in modern society? This topic goes beyond Sustainable Living. It's too late for that. It's time to Regenerate, Revitalize and be Resilient!

    Workshop 2:
    Skill-share Village

    Karie is also coordinating the Skill-share Village at this year's Convergence to share homesteading, ancestral and/or primitive skills, such as, blacksmithing, spinning, weaving, fiber craft, skills, flint-napping, fire making, tanning, buckskin sewing, pottery, bow and arrow making, etc., that can be demonstrated or be hands-on. The Skill Share Village will have a schedule of activities throughout Saturday and Sunday. You are invited to have a booth, tent or station to do your activities, show your stuff, and do education. Outreach and sales are encouraged. Generally we do not pay presenters/instructors, but we can waive admission. Meals are included.  For INPC contact Karie Lee at 208-659-9000 or email kariek@sandpoint.net


  • Kathleen E. Callum

    Kathleen E. Callum is an archeologist with a love for living soils. She is a passionate advocate of a strong local food netowrk, thriving local communities, and bustling historic districts. Kathleen graduated with a M.S. from the Institute for Quaternary Science (now the Climate Change Institute) at University of Maine Orono and dual B.A.s in Anthropology and Geology from University of Montana. One of her archeological specialties is early indigenous and historic agricultureal landscapes and sustainable farming.

    Kathleen is now retired from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, a current owner of a private archeological consulting firm GEOARCH, Inc. in Leicester, Vermont, and volunteers as a garden manager at Hemlock and Fairview Community Garden in Spokane, Washington. She is also a volunteer WSU Spokane County Master Gardener and Spokane County Master Composter.

    Her childhood growing up in a rural farming community where she spent time with her family maple sugaring, raising livestock, and gardening shaped the person she is today. Kathleen has enjoyed canning, freezing, and other ways of putting up the season's lush bounty with her grandmothers, mother, and sister. She has sold organic produce to a trendy restaurant in Vermont and at a farmer's market in New Hampshire. The Callum/Sloma family has quite a bit of experience ripping out lawn both for rural and urban homesteading, as well as raising chickens alongside busy city streets.

    1817 E. Illinois Ave
    Spokane WA 99207
    Phone 1:
    (509) 328-2523
    Business/Organization Name:
    GEOARCH, Inc.

    GEOARCH, Inc. (formerly GEOARCH) is a woman owned small business specializing in archeological, geoarcheological, and heritage discovery projects since 1991.

    594 Indian Trail
    Leicester, VT 06733
    Phone1:
    (802) 247-8127
    Workshop 1:
    Food Not Lawns?

    Want to find out whether converting your lawn to a garden or food forest is a good idea? Guest speaker Kathleen Callum will introduce the checked history of America's love affair with the perfect lawn, the rise of the decentralized "Food Not Lawns" and local food movement, and her own family's decision to grow their fruits and vegetables alongside a busy urban street in Spokane, Washington. Presented by a current member of Food Not Lawns INW (Inland Northwest), an archeologist with a unique perspective on lawns, a student of living soils, and a passionate advocate of the new local food movement.

    Workshop 2:
    Atlatl Contest" for Skill Share Village"

    Kathleen Callum will show you how to use an atlatl (an ancient spear thrower) for distance or accuracy and get you started target practicing or hunting on your own. If you've made or purchased your own atlatl, bring them along and participate in an informal "contest." Whomever brings the most accurate reproduction atlatl will get a small gift from my garden! Ryan Herring has volunteered to paint a bullseye on cardboard and Chrys Ostrander has volunteered the use of his hay bales as a target backstop for our impromptu atlatl range. For safety's sake, the range will be located at a little distance from the main gathering.


  • Kelly D Ware

    Kelly has been on the trail of permaculture studies for over 20 years. From the Bullock's farm, to CRMPI, Sepp Holzer, Paul Wheaton, Versaland in Iowa for large scale, and receintly the Regrarians REX10 world tour 10 day training on advanced desiging, through mapping and efficient decision making according to all factors in the scale of permanence. Kelly has a 16 year old urban site, bagan a church food forest four years ago and is in the process of seeking for funding for the large piece of land for the regenerative ag and permaculture school for northwest Montana. Kelly loves educating. She has taught skiing, spanish, yoga, trail running, infant potty training and all aspects of Permaculture, her life's passion. 

    601 4th Ave East
    Polson
    Phone 1:
    406-314-3808
    Business/Organization Name:
    Permaculture Montana

    Education and promotion of sustainable ag/ permaculture and building local food networks and resiliency.

    Workshop 1:
    Advanced design decision making.

    Landscapes and grazing management needs to be able to asses the priorities of decision makeing to affordably design their system. Learn how to look at your map in terms of the scale of permanency and holistic context  as the paradigm to start from. We will look at holistic context and goals, climate, geography, water, access, forestry, buildings, fencing, soil, economy,  and energy.  Darren Doherty is world class in his understanding of large landscape design and implementation. This class will be an overview of his 10 day training. Bring a large relief map of your place to jot down your ideas. 


  • Kevin Blue

    Kevin Blue began his love affair with the plant kingdom through the practice of western herbal medicine, finding his way to permaculture along the way. Since completing his Design Course in 2012 his most influential experiences have been travels to CRMPI, the Bullock Brothers, a Forest Gardening workshop with Dave Jacke, and most recently travels to Peru and Costa Rica.  He has been involved with a community garden In Bozeman, MT for the past 10 years.  HIs primary areas of interest are herbal medicine, mycology, urban permaculture and greenhouses.  He is inspired to do all he can to help transform humanities relationship with the Earth and each other, starting with the foods we eat and the plants we nurture.

    409 N Western Dr
    Bozeman
    Phone 1:
    4065994281
    Phone 2:
    4065994281
    Workshop 1:
    Bomb the Shruburbs - The philosophy of Anarchist landscaping

     

    "Permaculture is Revolution disguised as organic gardening."

    We will explore the philosophy of permaculture as a tool for radical personal and cultural transformation and I will share some of my hands on personal experience working at an urban communal garden.  Topics will include - our food waste diversion program, human scale terraforming, soil building, annual vegetable gardens in cold climates, greenhouse forest gardening, and social structure. 

    Workshop 2:
    Pachamama Calling - Permaculture and Indigenous Plant Medicines in Peru and Costa Rica

      INPC 2014 was my last stop before embarking on a 6 month sojourn in Latin America.  I will share stories from my experiences, including participating in a  3 month work exchange program at an Ayahuasca center in the Amazon jungle, visiting gringo and indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley in the Andes, and visits to several permaculture sites in tropical Costa Rica.  


  • Kyle Chamberlain

    Ethnobotanist, primitive technologist, forester, trail builder, wilderness therapy counselor, writer, walker.

    82 Nancy Point Rd.
    Kettle Falls, WA 99141
    Phone 1:
    5097935399
    Phone 2:
    5097935399
    Business/Organization Name:
    Human Habitat Project

    Counter-culture piracy, fringe-pillaging, social network posturing, corporate occultism, ext.

    Workshop 1:
    Reading the Landscape with Plants

    A lecture on the soil types, plant communites, and crop-analogues of the Inland Northwest, in evolutionary context. Emphasis on succession and taxonomy. Also an introduction to the naturalized perennial food plants of our region, and the lessons they have for appropriate horticulture. 

    Workshop 2:
    Stone Age Technology Demonstration

    Kyle will be participating in the primitive skills camp, demonstrating flint-knapping, friction fire, and other ancient skills. 


  • Lori Thomas

    I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area when wildlife of all kinds was plentiful; I caught bugs and small reptiles watched massive bird migrations and most of all learned to care for the bugs and insects around me watching them grow and transform in the many glass jars on my dresser.  My first foray into entomology was a 4-H class where we immediately learned to kill bugs and label them which turned me off to that course of study.  As I reached adulthood I focused more on the plant world.  While living in Germany I learned about medicinal plants and how to use them. After moving back to the US and on to Virginia I continued with my plant studies as well as taking classes on interspecies communication and Reiki.  I also began teaching classes on Edible Weeds and their uses but the insects on the East Coast are so prevalent and amazing that they literally called me in for help.  I have now come full circle back to the insects and bugs that I have always loved.

    I understand  the sentience and sanctity of all Beings on this Earth and how having the humility to being open to receiving teachings from any of them can be life changing.

    As a spiritual entomologist and spiritual ecologist I see the amazing often invisible interconnectedness within the Nature Kingdoms.  The messages I have received from some of these Beings and from insects in particular are so simple yet profound that they have completely altered how I view them the Earth and my place in the web of life.  It brings me joy to share these insights with others so that together we can heal our relationship with the Insect Kingdom and begin creating the Heaven on Earth that this planet is meant to be.

    2405 Alsop Ct.
    Reston, VA 20191
    Phone 1:
    571-232-4260 (cell phone - voicemail is often delayed)
    Phone 2:
    703-390-9377 (home phone - safer for vm)
    Workshop 1:
    Don’t Kill the Messenger: The Importance of Insects in Permaculture and Beyond

    Insects and related creatures are some of the most misunderstood and maligned beings on the planet.  We love a few and hate many others. Most people are largely unaware of the critical role that insects and other Creepy Crawlies play in their attempt at maintaining or restoring balance to an increasingly off-kilter world. 

    This class will look at their various roles, symbolism and how to receive and interpret the messages they may have for us.

    If  time and accommodations allow, we may practice connecting with some of these wondrous beings.


  • Michael Billington

    Michael’s educational background includes studies at the University of Montana where he did project based learning about conservation, land/resource management and human-landscape relations.  Additionally he studied agriculture, ecology and Indigenous cultures.  His independent studies have focused on acquiring practical skills and have brought him to many diverse teachers. Those studies and practices were implemented and developed from 2012-2015 while managing a 95 acre property near Flathead Lake in western Montana.  At this project he helped install and manage over 6 different ponds, 3 acres of wetlands, and 7 acres total of earthworks and a diverse Edible Ecosystem that spanned the whole complex.

    The bulk of his focus now lies in farming perennial vegetables and alliums.  Additionally, he is an apprenticing seedsman working under David Ronniger.  This work has him gathering and processing a myriad of Native seeds for restoration purposes.  He partners with David Ronniger to operate ronnigersgarlic.com

    Michael is a proud husband and father.  With a focus on the next generation, his life inspiration is to breed historically used native food plants into drought tolerant vegetables.  He believes that when these native vegetables are coupled with perennial food producing plants that modern agriculture will be resilient to the increasing challenges that are facing the planet today.  By learning how to steward edible ecosystems the managers are actively creating new cultures of indigeneity.

    Phone 1:
    406-741-3288
    Phone 2:
    405-274-0691
    Business/Organization Name:
    Native Seed Foundation and Ronnigers Garlic and Nourishing Roots Farm

    Native Seed Foundation gathers, processes, and sells wholesale quantities of Native plant seeds.  It has been operating for over 28 years.  Our efforts support restoration projects of all scales around the US. Ronnigers Garlic grows high quality fine varieties of heirloom garlic. Nourishing Roots Farm is a farm and consultation service.  We focus production primarily on alliums and perennial vegetables.  Our consultation efforts focalize on perennial food production systems and our projects have included anything from large scale earthworks to food forests to passively irrigated gardens.  We are based in Western Montana.

    Phone1:
    406-274-0691
    Workshop 1:
    Valuable Farm Tools and Perennial Vegetables

    In this presentation we will be covering an array of highly useful tools for the small scale farmer.  We will discuss topics such as sources for good tools, making your own tools, tool maintenance, and use of tools.  Please come to this class with your favorite tool in hand or be able to share about it.

    The second portion of this class will cover the use and cultivation of a handful of perennial vegetables adapted to our region.  Perennial vegetables are one of the greatest sources of low-input yields.  There nutritional value develops over time and are often easily propogated.  It is encouraged for people to come to class prepared to share about a perennial vegetable they have grown or are interested in.

     
    Workshop 2:
    Harvesting and Processing Native Seeds: The foundation for Biological Remediation

    Biological solutions are critical to the success of land restoration efforts.  Seeds are the greatest tool in the pocket of the students of Earth Repair.

    Informed by over 28 years of experience, this presentation will provide in depth coverage on the harvesting and processing of Native Seeds.  For harvesting we will discuss plant ID, when to harvest, care of raw seeds, and effecient harvesting strategies.  For the processing side of things we will discuss seed cleaning strategies for Native plants, many of these strategies also pertain to many cultivated plants as well.  We will also discuss equipment, care seeds, cleaning processes, and how to make seed mixes.


  • Michael Blend

    As a design/builder with 38 yrs experience in construction and design; from conventional homes, commercial buildings, and land development; to geodesic domes, solar homes, yurts and log construction, Michael brings a wealth of practical experience and knowledge to the table.

    My own journey has led me towards the practice of permaculture which integrates regenerative landscaping and sustainable building site development with sustainable structures as well. This requires a broad knowledge of overall project development which my construction background has readily provided. Fortunately today, the technology is already available to build net zero energy homes (homes that produce as much energy through renewable, clean sources as they consume in a year). By utilizing integral greenhouses, aquaponics and thoughtfully designed landscaping, I hope to move as closely as possible to net zero water consumption and net zero food production in future projects as well. From there it makes sense to add net zero transportation as well, with electric vehicles charged by solar panels at our permaculture demonstration site.

    Phone 1:
    406-253-0451
    Business/Organization Name:
    SolarGreen.House
    Our long term goal is the creation of a learning center for people interested in permaculture, net zero construction principals and techniques as well as food production. Participants would have the opportunity to stay on the property for a time while learning or teaching these skills and techniques. The center will provide mentoring and technical assistance with all aspects of business planning, marketing strategies, and production practices as well. We want to provide a hands on learning community where people both offer and receive expertise and community resources/support to go on and create their own projects. http://solargreen.house/
    1069 N. Meridian Rd.
    Kalispell, MT 59901
    Phone1:
    406-752-5250 (M-Th 9am – 4pm)
    Workshop 1:
    Building a Solar Greenhouse
    Share plans with participants and go through the step by step building process as well as open discussion on the design thought process and why these systems, products and materials were chosen to be incorporated into this project to create a permanent year round growing structure that is highly energy and water efficient. I have plans, photo's and video's of the building process.

  • Michael Pilarski

    Michael Pilarski founded Friends of the Trees Society in 1978 to promote Earth Repair. He is the foremost permaculture teacher and networker in the Inland Northwest. He has been commercially wildcrafting medicinal plants for 21 years as well as making value-added products and collecting and selling seeds of many native plants. His main area of knowledge is the northern half of Washington state, north Idaho and Northwest Montana.  He also farms many medicinals and food plants in medicinal edible agroforestry systems. 

    po box 1133
    port hadlock, wa 98339
    Phone 1:
    360-643-9178
    Business/Organization Name:
    Friends of the Trees Society

    Working to double the worlds forest cover so people (and all the other species) can live happily ever after.

    Workshop 1:
    Earth Repair and Permaculture.

     Some contributions that permaculture can make to the earth repair and ecosystem restoration movements.  How to repair damaged environments and make them more productive.  What can we learn from ethnobotany and ethno-ecology on how to manage Inland Northwest landscapes for productivity and health.

    Workshop 2:
    Wildcrafting in the Inland Northwest for medicine and food.

    Species, tools and timing.


  • Phil Small

    Phil is a gardener interested in urban food production. He co-founded a volunteer tree fruit gleaning organization, the Spokane Edible Tree Project. Phil is helping establish community food production at Polly Judd Park in Spokane. He and his wife Rosemary have converted much of their urban lawn to garden beds rich in biochar. As a professional soil scientist, Phil promotes healthy, resilient soils to municipal and industrial clients. His permaculture teachers are Michael Pilarski, and Dave Jacke. His primitive skills teachers were Frank and Karen Sherwood.

    1412 W 7th Ave
    Spokane WA 99204
    Phone 1:
    509-844-2944
    Phone 2:
    509-838-4996
    Business/Organization Name:
    Land Profile, Inc.

    Formed in 1992 sustainable land use projects are our specialty. Science support for waste utilization is Land Profile's core business.

    Land Profile is active in permit compliance for land development; mitigating impacts to critical areas such as wetlands. We are exploring new and exciting ways to apply soil science skills in the growing dynamic around land revitalization. Biochar is a particular interest. 

    1412 W 7th Ave
    Spokane, WA 99204
    Phone1:
    509-838-9860
    Workshop 1:
    Charcoal - Skill Share

    Learn how to make charcoal using both the open flame method and a closed container (retort). We will talk qualities and uses of charcoal around the garden, the household, and in a primitive skills setting. This will not need to involve actually making charcoal, or having a fire.


  • Rob Lyman

          I started out very early in life with a born-in passion for the great outdoors. My mother was conceived at the top of Mt. Whitney" herself an avid climber who then inspired the spirit of the wilderness into everyone she met. I spent most of those wonder years in early San Jose before artificial trees of silicon displaced cherry plum and walnut orchards of phenomenal size. Those fragrant and stately giants from another time proved to be the perfect candidates for honing climbing skills and constructing sturdy tree forts continually built inner self confidence by pushing me to new heights. My brother and I would spend all day in the woods nothing more than imagination as our friend. Year after year we spent 6 wks. in the summer exploring every last piece of wilderness we could find in 14 Western states and Canadian provinces as well. Lasting impressions solidly etched into small and flexible tree trunks eventually grew strong and wide and tall as adults. Escapades of joy into the mountains and forests are something I practice to this day. Rejuvenation in some form is nearly always the result.

         I spent almost 40 years immersed in a system of civilized chaos" where I spent a lot of time building and repairing petroleum dinosaurs as a full time mechanic. As I watched vehicle after vehicle leave the shop and go back to the world spewing noxious fumes and supporting a petroleum chokehold on our lives I knew there had to be a way to cut the cord. It took every bit of fortitude and faith I had to make the leap of abandoning the mechanical mindset and embracing the spirit of creativity I could nurture on my land in Idaho. I look back now with pride and joy on that decision. It took almost 3 years of isolation and reflection to absorb the teachings of the land"" to see the possibilities and the pleasures of working with it. The PDC course I took online in 2014 with Geoff Lawton cemented the whole process into one holistic design that included an eco-tourism cottage industry based on a living classroom format for community education and awareness.  

    157 Granite Ridge Rd.
    Priest River, ID 83856
    Phone 1:
    208-265-6482
    Phone 2:
    509-953-2435
    Business/Organization Name:
    ECOS Eden Enterprises

    ECOS Eden Enterprises has many facets to its organization. We consult with individuals and community organizations who want the best use planning for their land. We have been utilizing elements of sustainable design in a natural outdoor classroom setting to enhance and improve the environment and the lives of those who support it.

    ECOS; the Greek word for domicile or home also as an appropriate acronym standing for Environmental Conservation Observation and Support.

    Eden;

    What better way to learn about the importance of nature than to have an adventure in the middle of a garden of plenty?

    Enterprises;

    The bigger than life feeling you experience in a showcase facility that blends technology and natural materials into one adventure filled discovery zone. It's also the bigger than life impact that is created when these sites are replicated elsewhere. Plans are fully underway to create such a place in North Idaho. Crowd sourced funding and promotional materials are being created to ensure that this type of opportunity is supported by many enthusiastic contributors and encouraged by the use of mass media tools.

    157 Granite Ridge Rd.
    Priest River ID 83856
    Phone1:
    208-265-6482
    Workshop 1:
    Destiny by Design

    What better way than "Destiny by Design"?

    This workshop will detail a case study of how to use permaculture principles in a purposeful planning approach on a pristine plot of land. Attendees will be able to sketch out a practice pad vision for their own property with discussions of the possibilities they possess. As the master planner of the first ECOS Eden Adventure Lodge project  Rob Lyman has kept the heritage of one of these wonder-filled sites in the family even after his mother retired who grew Christmas trees on the surrounding 230 acres for more than 30 years: This is rarified natural splendor; a Class1 riparian forest environment with a year round creek nestled into a sparsely settled mountain hideaway in North Idaho. The area has native populations of deer moose elk bear turkeys coyotes grouse woodpeckers hummingbirds and at least 45 other different kinds of birds and many more species of creatures too numerous to mention. The flow and head calculations on this short stretch of Curtis Creek have determined that it can deliver more than enough micro hydro power through low impact “run of the river”technology to supply 2 full households worth of electricity at 0 carbon load emissions while also back feeding the grid in times of excess production. It is being planned to never deplete any water supplies or fish spawning environments. There will be trout ponds that encourage the wild fish to spawn. The wild mixed with the symbiotic will provide some relaxing barbless catch and release fly fishing along side a greenhouse based aquaponics system that can provide a year round source of sustainable protein while also fertilizing the edible vegetation. Nearly everything will be purposely constructed with green building specifications in mind. Native and reclaimed materials will be showcased in the perfect blend of technological advances working hand in hand with natural systems protecting the watersheds while providing much needed energy production a sustainable eco-tourism industry and many new jobs.

    Permaculture designing will allow the seven layers of vegetation above and below ground to develop maximum potential for growth and achieve a balance that provides a continual food forest harvest for those who support and tend it. These will not be farmers tending crops but gardeners harvesting bounty from self sustaining plots of native cuisine. 

    If you would like to enjoy organic natural food grown in our gardens or harvested fresh locally through Community Supported Agriculture food cooperatives and organic growers; we would like you to order it from the menu and then watch it being prepared in exciting and creative ways. 

    For an added adrenaline loaded adventure you may also want to experience thrills and excitement as you scream above the native canopy safely suspended on a zip line heading for 1 treehouse after another and yet another view of the surrounding valley and the mountains in the distance. Listen to the wind whistle in your ears along with the birds. All along the way there will be interconnected chains of life all around you…….. Suspension Bridges across idyllic settings nature trails and people mover systems for the physically challenged….. Observation towers with relaxing loungers binoculars and accommodations you never want to leave….. Native flora detailed on descriptive plaques listing beneficial properties and traits. And the zip lines and harnesses will provide the adventurous type with over 120 ft of vertical drop through the North Idaho canopy to the watershed trail system below.

     
    Let's Build an ECOS (Environmental Conservation Observation & Suppport ) Headquarters on the Hoodoo! Tranquil AccomodationsStunning Views Nature Trails Organic Produce Native Cuisine Sustainable Land use Management Micro-Hydro zipline adventure treehouses & More!!! Do you have a special talent or interest to donate? Let me know how to make this project better with your nature friendly ideas. Everything about this place is a lot of what I'm about.


  • Robert Merrill

    The virtues of building with reclaimed materials-- alias the "Hybrid Habitat." Since 1977 the promotion of Alternative Ark-itecture and its' appropriate support technologies have directed my life. Living in more than a dozen Intentional Communities has encouraged and enabled the development of the H/H. This powerpoint reveals how common and often discarded materials can easily be redeemed into solar reliant structures.

    P.O. Box 142
    Northport, Wa 99157
    Phone 1:
    (509) 690-1685
    Workshop 1:
    The Evolution of the Hybrid Habitat

    Details coming soon.


  • Ryan James Herring

    Ryan Herring is greatly interested in connecting with the earth through the soil and composting. He has been teaching, learning and researching about biologically active soil and compost with the Spokane Master Composters (3yrs) and the WSU Spokane Master Gardeners (2yrs). He took his PDC with Micheal Pilarski at Heartsong in spring of 2015 and has been helping with the Convergences ever since.

    Graduated from SCC with an Architectural Drafting degree in 2008. And has been doing 3D modeling and design on HVAC and Plumbing systems in the local Mechanical Engineering field for about 8yrs since. Has worked on projects such as the Saranac Remodel (LEED Platinum) and Main Market Coop.

    Ryan is a member of the Inland Northwest Biodynamic Association where the group practices the Biodynamic Agriculture Methods described by Rudolf Steiner. They are part of the North American Biodynamic Regional Groups. Ryan practices the Biodynamic method in his Suburban Gardening in conjuction with many Permaculture practices. He has been most intrigued with the Biodynamic way of composting and has been research it and the preparations. Most recently he has been working with Chromatography and learning how to best apply it and where it fits. He has been working with this project with a fellow Master Composter, Ken Avery, and have been making progress towards developing a website and a starting point for soil chromatographs in the local community.

    Recently he has been seen in the local art scene promoting what he calls Permaculture through Art. Connecting others to the local ecological movement and their local environment.

    17114 E. Maxwell Ave
    Spokane Valley, WA 99016
    Phone 1:
    509-701-9933
    Phone 2:
    509-701-9898
    Business/Organization Name:
    Soil Chromatograms

    Soil Chromatograms is a learning place about the living biological processes envisioned by Pfeiffer. In the long-term it will be a teaching tool for those that want to improve the quality of life, all life, by looking at our relationship with these living biological processes. A laboratory for research and development of Chromatography and post findings through the website. And our ultimate goal is to work with the local Prison and Sustainable Prison Programs (SPP) to set up a small lab and work with inmates to teach them viable life skills that could be valuable for their future reestablishment into society and the workforce.

    17114 E. Maxwell Ave
    Spokane Valley, WA 99016
    Phone1:
    509-701-9933
    Workshop 1:
    Soil Chromatography for Beginners

    Learn about Ehrenfried Pfeiffer's Soil Chromatography method and what it is, where it came from, when it was developed, who has used it, why its important too Permaculture and how to perform the tests. Each test takes a pictorial view of your soil at a single moments glance, similar to a self portrait. With the picture you can start to best evaluate your soils biological activity, the soils ability to drain and retain water, enzymatic activity and start to determine the best actions for fixing such issues through increasing OM, Biological activity through applications of compost, mulch, green cover crops, compost teas, bio-fertilizers and holistic sprays.

    This workshop can be taken alone but is recommended to be taken in conjunction with either the Hands-On Composting workshop or the Biologically Active Compost Tea workshop or both all together.

    Workshop 2:
    Hands-on Composting

    Turning unwanted food & yard waste into Compost, a valuable resource needed by all gardeners. Master Composter/Master Gardener Ryan Herring will share his advise on easy ways to get started composting for everyone. Learn about composting bins, materials, C:N Ratios, troubleshooting, the soil food web, and much much more. We will be building a pile and getting those fingernails dirty!!!!

    This workshop can be taken alone but is recommended to be taken in conjunction with either the Soil Chromatography for Beginners workshop or the Biologically Active Compost Tea workshop or both all together.

    Workshop 3:
    Biologiacally Active Compost Tea

    Learn how to take your compost a step further and create an actively aerobic compost tea packed full of diverse healthy microbes. Making fungally dominated tea, bacterial dominated tea or a balanced tea can be helpful to many different plants. The brewing of the tea with oxygen allows for the growth of beneficial microbes and when applied to plants and the soil the beneficial microbes out compete the "Bad" guys for food, nutrients and residency. We will be spreading out our Compost Tea we make on the garden at Heartsong. We will talk about how the Soil Chromatography relates and how to use the two in conjunction with each other.

    This workshop can be taken alone but is recommended to be taken in conjunction with either the Soil Chromatography workshop or the Hands-On Composting workshop or both all together.


  • Steven Stargazer

    Starrgazer has been a "student of the stars" for over forty years and has also studied Yoga and other mystical traditions. He lives in the mountains of Northeast Washington and conducts  classes, "playshops" and individual readings,

    1040 Basin Rd
    Colville, WA 99114
    Phone 1:
    509-684-0196
    Business/Organization Name:
    Starshine

    Astology and other wisdom.

    1040 Basin Rd
    Colville, WA 99114
    Phone1:
    509-684-0196
    Workshop 1:
    Astrology and the Four Elements-a Cosmic Perspective

    Join us for an insightful look at the Four Elements:the Earth, Air, Fire and Water that make up our material world, also includes info on planting by the moon.


  • Steven Stargazer

    Stargazer has been a "student of the stars" for over forty years and has also studied Yoga and and other mystical traditions. He lives in the mountains of Northeast Washington and conducts classes, "playshops" and individual readings.

    1040 Basin Rd
    Colville, WA 99114
    Phone 1:
    509-684-0196
    Business/Organization Name:
    Starhine/The United Mind Workers

    Astrology readings and the sharing of other wisdom

    1040 Basin Rd
    Colville, WA 99114
    Phone1:
    509-684-0196
    Workshop 1:
    Astrology and the Four Elements-a Cosmic Perspective

    Join us for an insightful look at the Four Elements: the Earth, the Water, the Fire and the Air that make up our material world and their Cosmic signifigance in our lives including info on planting by the moon.


  • Tawnya Rourke Kelly

    Since my PDC in 2013, I have been on a new life path.  By the grace of nature and the universe, I have been able to make a living with a small landscaping business and organic farm.  It is my joy and pleasure to teach, learn and make beautiful (and appealing to all the good bugs and critters), the dirt around me.  I specialize in food and pollinator- attracting plant installations, light maintenance, and perennial bed revivals, in addition, of course, to feeding as many people as I can from my own dirt.  I love to work hand-in-hand with my clients (and my kids!).  I learn every day, and live for it.  I spend the cold months working in my community - organizing Free the Seeds!, and helping at school and wherever I can.  

    235 Addison Square
    Kalispell, MT 59901
    Phone 1:
    406-471-0022
    Business/Organization Name:
    HeartStead Home & Garden Services LLC

    My business provides sustainable landscaping solutions - from light maintenance to full perennial revivals to fruit tree pruning to food and pollinator installations. I welcome my clients to work side-by-side with me to learn what I do, so that they may do it themselves. I also sell these same folks fresh, organically grown fruits, veggies, herbs and plants and even eggs from my farm.  

    235 Addison Square
    Kalispell, MT 59901
    Phone1:
    406-471-0022
    Workshop 1:
    Starting a Seed/ Info Swap in your Community

    The first annual Free the Seeds! seed, start and info swap in Flathead Valley was an immense success.  We expected 300 people, and were overwhelmed with 1600.  The climate is ripe for such things, and I'd love to share with you our methods in achieving such an amazing success.  

    Workshop 2:
    first year market gardening/ growing garlic

    I will repeat last year's workshop in which I cover the basics needed to start a first year market garden, combined with the basics of growing and curing hard neck garlic in cold climates.  


  • Teri McKenzie

    Founder/Executive Director of the Inland NW Food Network Teri McKenzie was born with an insatiable love of food. She is passionate about both food and community building" and recognized early on that any social gathering worth its salt includes food.  A returned Peace Corps volunteer and inveterate humanitarian Teri has decades of experience both in the nonprofit sector and in higher education. With a Masters degree in Whole Systems Design/Nonprofit Leadership and drawing inspiration from the teachings of the natural world she is a firm believer in the collective wisdom and creativity of people to address the problems we currently face. In her spare time she enjoys gardening cooking traveling" music and zoning out with her cat.

    Founder/Executive Director of the Inland NW Food Network Teri McKenzie was born with an insatiable love of food. She is passionate about both food and community building" and recognized early on that any social gathering worth its salt includes food.  A returned Peace Corps volunteer and inveterate humanitarian Teri has decades of experience both in the nonprofit sector and in higher education. With a Masters degree in Whole Systems Design/Nonprofit Leadership and drawing inspiration from the teachings of the natural world she is a firm believer in the collective wisdom and creativity of people to address the problems we currently face. In her spare time she enjoys gardening cooking traveling" music and zoning out with her cat.

    103 N 2nd St
    Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
    Phone 1:
    503-307-4505
    Business/Organization Name:
    Inland NW Food Network

    The Inland NW Food Network connects people, place, food and farms through education and outreach. Our vision is to create a healthy, fair, accessible and sustainable regional food system.

    PO Box 610
    Coeur d'Alene ID 83816
    Phone1:
    208-756-9366
    Workshop 1:
    Growing Our Food System: a Community Dialogue

    Are you interested in helping to grow our region's food system? If so, join us for a discussion about strategies to grow our food system including infrastructure development, opportunities for collaboration, national trends, and whatever other ideas our collective genius has to offer.


  • Thom & Torie Foote

    7915 E Cooper Ln
    Colbert, WA 99005
    Phone 1:
    509-808-3876
    Business/Organization Name:
    Footehills Farm

    We grow organic culinary and medicinal herbs for sale to the local community

    same
    Workshop 1:
    Generating Income on your smallholding using permaculture

    Ideas for generating income using permaculture ethics and principles

    Workshop 2:
    Regional Tool Library Discussion

    Toward the end of the convergence, Thom would like to hold a session to see if there is interest in starting a tool library for the Spokane region (folks from other regions might also benefit from the discussion). Informal, toss out ideas, etc. A short get together maybe Sunday afternoon or whenever there is time in the schedule.


  • Three Apples and Mike Sullivan

    Three Apples is a solar systems designer with 30 years of experience. He also consults on passive solar house design. 
    Phone 1:
    509-738-4513
    Workshop 1:
    Off the grid or on solar hot water

    Three Apples and Mike Sullivan’s workshop will involve the introduction and construction of a solar hot water system for on or off grid.  Three Apple has been refining this system for 16 years. The hot water system will be for sale after the workshop. They also plan on having a working demo model at Heartsong. 


  • william aal

    William (Bill) Aal is deeply involved in social and environmental justice work with a particular focus on agricultural sustainability and social healing.   He has taught Social Permaculture at  several PDCs and Convergences with and been a lead teacher with Starhawk, Kelda Miller and others.  He was on the board of the Washington Sustainable Food and Farming Network for almost ten years and has been involved in the Transition movement as well.   A founding member of the Seattle based Community Alliance for Global Justice and its project AGRA-Watch he has worked with farmers and advocates for ecological and sustainable agriculture both in the US and Africa.

    Aal attended Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, studying food and soil microbiology, where he acquired a life time  respect for the power of microbes to sustain life on the planet.

    He is co-founder of Tools for Change, which brings a holistic and practical approach to dealing with dynamics  of power in communities and organizations. Versed in opening the imagination, awakening people’s best thinking and inspiring group transformation, Aal works with group reflection to unleash collective genius in organizational settings. Currently he works with his wife, Elle McSharry in a project called Dream Transformation which continues the work of Tools for Change, repairing our relationship with our selves, each other, and the wide world in all its forms.2408 Est 

    9116 East Spague Ave @181
    Spokane, WA 99206
    Phone 1:
    2067199665
    Phone 2:
    2067199665
    Business/Organization Name:
    Tools for change
    Tools for Change explores the nexus of social change and spirituality, working from the inside out. We promote healing, leadership development, and sustainable democracy. Our approach weaves together deep reflection, sharing stories and heart felt dialog to inspire social healing, generosity of spirit and collective genius.
     
    9116 East Spague Ave @181
    Spokane Valley, wa 99206
    Phone1:
    2063292201
    Workshop 1:
    Microbes at the Root of Life and Health

    Building on the work of Albert Howard and many others, David Montgomery and Anne Birkle have written a remarkable book The Hidden Half of Nature.  They summarize and synthesize a wide range of knowledge about the plant and human microbiomes and show the interrelations between them.

     In this workshop we will explore how we grow and eat impacts the complex web of life from soil to plant and from plant to human. We will then use our collective knowledge of that web to add a sector to permaculture.

    Workshop 2:
    Decolonizing Permaculture

     Round table,  continuing the  work of decolonizing our minds and relationships..  This conversation has been taking place in many permaculture spaces,  around the world and in Cascadia.   How can we recreate right relationship with the land, if our ancestors came as settlers  or colonizers? How can we work as Permaculturists  knowing and respecting that many of our tools and much of our  thinking is based on indigenous knowledge , how can we respectfully give back  furthering the exchange?

    Workshop 3:
    Dream Transformation: reconnecting to the earth, and to our human and other relations.

    An experiential workshop to explore our social , biological and spiritual heritage.  Participants learn practical tools to restore their relationship to their true self, the earth, cosmos and community, discovering innate power, joy, creativity and natural leadership as they do so.

    With Elle McSharry.