Call today to register with the Office of Continuing Education: (970) 247-7385
Environmental Health
We have three great classes that promote the health of our environment and prepare us to care more responsibly for our earth/home. Sign up today and participate in vital discussions about how to live more gently and responsibly with the environment. Join us and become a better example of these principles with the important information you’ll receive and the dialogue you’ll engage in. Also - please direct anyone with an expertise in this area to Continuing Education so we can add instructors to teach classes in this critical area.
Introduction to Permaculture Design
Sustainable Life Practices
Xeriscape Workshop
Introduction to Permaculture Design
Chris Ricci and Michael Freeman
Fee: $107, each session
SAT/SUN: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
October 4 and 5, 2 classes (Session I)
TUES: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
November 4 – November 25, 4 classes (Session II)
This dynamic class is being presented in two identical, separate sessions with different time-frames to accommodate our community. Permaculture is the conscious design of living, sustainable systems. In this course, we will learn how to work using nature as a model and implement integrated solutions to local and global problems. After gaining a firm understanding of permaculture principles we will look at applications in energy, weather, soil and water systems. This includes wild and cultivated plants and animals, architecture, economics, and community building for the benefit of our homes and society. Specific topics include whole house, yard and farm design, passive solar, rainwater harvesting, perennial polycultures and food forests. This class will include field trips. Chris Ricci earned his BA in Mathematics at Colorado College, and received his permaculture training from Penny Livingston and Starhawk at the Permaculture Institute of Northern California. He has taught permaculture throughout the US, as well as in southern and eastern Africa. He is a passionate permaculture practitioner, mycologist and advocate for uniting our local community in Durango. Michael Freeman graduated from Illinois State University with a BS in Environmental Health. He recently completed Permaculture Teacher Training through the Permaculture Alliance of California with Kat Steele and Benjamin Fahrer. Michael is currently developing land stewardship designs as a consultant.
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Sustainable Life Practices
Katrina Blair, MA
Fee: $149, 7 classes
THUR, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
October 2 – November 6 (6 lectures)
SAT, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (bring a sack lunch!)
November 8 (field trip at Turtle Lake Refuge Organic Farm School – CR 205)
This course will focus on the practical application of techniques for sustainable living. Sustainable living includes the long-term health of the individual, the community and the planet. We will learn how to build a solar food dehydrator, how to sprout and grow green produce indoor year round in our own homes, how to create and maintain an indoor worm composting bin. We will explore alternative fuels and learn how to convert a vehicle to run on vegetable oil. This course will include the study of greenhouse and cold frame design, bicycle powered appliances, and green home building techniques. We will also cover the basics of permaculture and learn about the health benefits and global sustainability impacts of eating living, local and wild foods. Katrina Blair grew up in Durango CO, and received her undergraduate degree in Biology from Colorado College. She received her Master’s from JFK University in Orinda, CA, in Holistic Health Education. She founded Turtle Lake Refuge, a non-profit in Durango in 1998 with the mission to celebrate the connection between personal health and wild lands. She is currently finishing a book Local Wild Life – Sustainable Ways and Wild Foods of the Southwest. She has been teaching the class Sustainable Development/ Practices at JFK University and San Juan College in Farmington, NM, for the last 6 years.
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Xeriscape Workshop
Lisa Bourey & Jeff Wagner
Fee: $79, 5 classes
WED: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
October 22 – November 19
Gardening in the Four Corners presents its own set of challenges and opportunities and for most people there is a steep learning curve. In this class learn from design consultant Lisa Bourey and nurseryman Jeff Wagner how to plan your garden, prepare the area, choose appropriate plants, plant them correctly, and maintain them for a garden that is your own expression and that not only survives the challenges but that also fulfills the opportunities our unique local environment offers. Lisa Bourey has 18 years of horticultural experience in the Durango area including nursery management and has focused her expertise to native, xeric and low water plantings. She consults and designs for professionals and private customers to help them achieve beautiful and lasting landscapes. Jeff Wagner is a Colorado Nursery Professional and Production Manager at Durango Nursery & Supply and has many years experience in nursery production and sales.
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