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Spend a week with us in the jungle and learn to design a bountiful garden that supports all life.
With the era of consumerism, the world faces many challenges from loss of habitat, to environmental degradation and social disconnection. We believe it’s time to cultivate opportunities for positive change and learning. Permaculture – derived from the words “permanent” and “culture” – is a design science based on mimicking efficient patterns and relationships found in nature. Permaculture is yoga for the land, as yoga is permaculture for the body.
Introduction
Our week-long course includes the following:
7 Days / 6 Nights at Rancho Delicioso
3 Meals per day that showcase healthy fresh cooking from the farm or local providers
Introduction to Permaculture – Daily Workshops
Daily Yoga Class
Aerial Silk Beginner’s Class
Archery Class
Beach Trip To Playa Hermosa (Surfing Lessons Optional)
Montezuma Waterfalls Excursion
Anamaya Yoga Excursion
Pool Party
Introduction to Permaculture Daily Workshops:
The program will include eight permaculture courses, from 90-120 minutes long each, throughout the week, earning you an “Introduction to Permaculture” certificate from Rancho Delicioso. These eight courses will be:
1. Definition, Ethics and Principles:
Participative discussion that includes the Web of Life Activity.
2. Soil Science:
Know your soil types, micro-organisms, textures, Ph, simple tests to do at home.
3. Composting:
Making a “lasagna-style” compost pile and bio-fertilizers.
4. Biointensive Gardening:
Hands on mulching, seeding, transplanting, making beds, moon cycles, pest and disease control, plant propagation, seed saving.
5. Garden Design:
Using patterns and the edge effect – design and hands-on making an herb spiral or mandala garden.
6. Medicinal Plants and Medicine Making:
Native plant walk, tinctures, honey cough syrup and ointments made with local herbs.
7. Food Forests:
Tree planting and maintenance, layers of the forest, guilds, observation exercise in a native forest.
8. Sustainable building:
Discussion about various methods of natural construction techniques, natural cooling, energy, and green building.
Horses and Animals
Animals are an essential part of a sustainable cycle in a farm. They provide companionship, food, work, and even their poop is vital to our work of soil restoration.
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
Activity Details
Aerial Silk dance class in Rancho Delicioso’s passion fruit dome.
Aerial Silk Basics
Ever wonder what it’s like to dance in the air? Our workshop teaches how to move with the silks using breathing techniques that prevent muscle exhaustion. This is a fun way to activate all muscle groups, while learning a few tricks to show your family and friends back home!
Archery Basics
Perhaps after seeing “The Hunger Games” you have wanted to try shooting a bow and arrow? Now is your chance to let fly a few shots into some hay bales on the farm. It’s surprisingly addictive and cathartic.
Healthy Cooking and Nutrition
The truth is we can all cook like Nigella Lawson without using ingredients from the whole world. Learn to live sustainably by using local seasonal produce to create magic on your plate. From kefir to sauerkraut workshops and making dehydrated chips coated in cashew goodness, our workshops will leave your mouth watering and your body craving more!
Daily Yoga Classes
You don’t have to be a ballerina doing split handstand to be able to practice yoga. Whether you’re a beginner just wanting to stretch, or an advanced level yogi, our daily classes will allow you to connect with your body.
Excursion to do yoga at Anamaya’s new yoga shala
Yoga at Anamaya Resort
The yoga decks at our partner resort – Anamaya – are truly spectacular. With views over Montezuma and out to the ocean, it is a wonderful place to practice at the beginning or end of the day.
Beach and Surfing Trip
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a chance to dive in, balance your body, and feel the power of the ocean. Surfboards and surf classes, boogie boards rentals, etc, require an extra fee, but a trip to enjoy the beach is included. Click here to read about some of the area’s best surf spots: Surf Spots Near Rancho Delicioso.
Pool Party
An opportunity to chill with your new-found family beside a cozy bonfire. Enjoy our salt-water swimming pool to cool off from the tropical heat. Stargazing included! Afterwards, those who want more can head down to Montezuma for the famous “Reggae Night” street party every Thursday.
Adriana Pal, our permaculture instructor
Retreat Leader
Meet
Adriana Pál
. Adriana is a native Costa Rican, and our area’s leading permaculture expert. She is the founder of
La Escuela de la Jungla
(The School of the Jungle) and has been teaching various courses in the area for several years.
Originally with a background in tourism and hospitality, Adriana became enamored with permaculture and sustainability, and has been educating herself in all things “green.” With a delightful personality, a love of teaching, and a natural ability to connect with people, you will fall in love with her passion for the earth and her drive to help protect it.
Dates offered:
February 7 – 13, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
February 21 – 27, 2016 – (One Dorm Space Left!)
March 6 – 12, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
March 20 – 26, 2016 – (2 Dorm Spaces Left)
April 3 – 9, 2016 – (2 Spaces Left – 1 dorm, 1 tent)
April 17 – 23, 2016 – (3 Spaces left)
May 15-21, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
June 19-25, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 3 – 9, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 17 – 23, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 7 – 13, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 21 – 27, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
All programs begin on Sunday and end on a Saturday. This gives a generous window of time if you leave your home country on a Friday night or Saturday, and return to work/school on a Monday.
Video of the farm
Week Schedule
This is a general week schedule, which may shift a bit depending on various things like the availability of teachers. We try to fit all this in here, and more. Sometimes if someone amazing is in town and offering something unique we’ll bring them to the farm and offer it to the guests, such as a unique style of yoga or something that fits with our vibe. Some guests find there’s too much to do and want to relax more… that’s fine too, you’re not obligated to do any of these activities.
Sunday – Orientation
Opening Circle
Introduction to Permaculture
Monday – The Fun Begins
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Soil Science
Archery Class
Permaculture: Composting
Open Mic Night at Cafe Organico in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Tuesday – Anamaya and Waterfall
Healthy Cooking Class
Waterfall Hike and Lunch
Ocean View Yoga at Anamaya Resort
Permaculture: Garden Design
Our Aquaponics Growing House
Wednesday – Beach & Surf Day
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Biointensive Gardening
Beach Trip – Surfing Optional
Thursday – Anamaya Dinner Night
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Aquaponics or Greenbuilding
Permaculture: Medicinal Plant Walk
Dinner at Anamaya Resort
Dance and Street Party Night in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Friday – Free Day and/or Aerial Silks
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Food Forests
Aerial Silk Class
Raw Chocolate Making Class
Saturday – Goodbye Day
Morning Yoga
Closing Circle, group hugs, tears, and goodbyes
Click here for a
calendar of classes and events
.
Lots More Photos
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
A Typical Day’s Schedule
6:30-7:45am
– Yoga
8:00-8:30am
– Breakfast
9:15-10:00am
– Fitness Class (optional)
10:00-12:00pm
– Permaculture Class
12:00-1:00pm
– Lunch
1:00-4:00pm
– Siesta, Free Time, Swimming Pool, or Various Activities
4:00-6:00pm
– Permaculture Class
6:00-7:00pm
– Dinner
7:00-9:00pm
– Free Time. Movies, bonfire, various extra activities
9:00pm+
– Sleepy Time…
For more detail, click here: Detailed Schedule of Activities
Prices & Payment
Dates: February through April 2016
The PYP Program price depends on your accommodations. We currently have three options:
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $500 – Check this out here:
Volunteer House/Dorm
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Dates: June through August 2016
The price is higher for June-August because our new accommodations will be ready with much more space for everyone.
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $600
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Payment and Deposit:
When you’re ready to book, we’ll send you a PayPal money request for 50% of the price of the program, as a non-refundable deposit. The balance is due two weeks before your arrival, and we’ll send you a PayPal money request for that as well. If you prefer to pay the balance in cash when you arrive, that can sometimes be arranged too.
Liability Release Form: Upon arrival you must sign our standard liability release. Please read it before booking: RD Liability Release Form
Additional Notes
Why not add a week?
If you’d like to add a second week, after your program ends to practice what you have learned, the cost is $200 for the week (7 additional nights). Limited space for 4 people so let us know asap if you want to stay on as a farm volunteer. PYP students who add the extra week will work on the farm with the regular volunteers, but less work is required. We ask for 3 hours per day for this extra week (compared with 6 hours per day for regular volunteers.)
Join a like-minded community to gain the tools to empower our humanity and live to the fullest. Let’s create an abundant future together!
• Class Description:
Join renowned permaculture instructors Scott Gallant, Chris Shanks, Rachel Jackson, Mitch Haddad, and Laura Killingbeck for this annual life-changing 2-week experience. The course covers the core Permaculture Design curriculum and emphasizes creating diverse multi-functional human landscapes based on ecological patterns. Utilizing Rancho Mastatal as a living classroom, the class will mix lectures and hands-on work, exploring design solutions for both temperate and tropical regions. Putting Permaculture into practice, the course concludes with students working in teams to create their own permaculture site design. This course is applicable to anyone with an interest in designing resilient and regenerative futures as well as professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, ecology, education, farming and community development. The whole-systems design thinking outlined in the course will give participants the tools to re-design and improve their surroundings; from gardens, farms and homes, to livelihoods, relationships and communities.
Please note that permaculture is a principle and ethic based design science. This course does not include metaphysical, spiritual, nor religious topics and practices. For a general overview of what a PDC includes and what you can expect, please listen to this podcast from Permaculture Voices.
To learn about who this course is designed for, learning outcomes, what to bring, and much more, please read our 2016 PDC Course Information Book.
Our PDC Flyer in English and Spanish for anyone able to share the word!
Topics covered include:
tPrinciples and ethics of Permaculture Design
tDesign methodologies: observation, overlay mapping, etc
tThe basics of mapping and surveying
tSite analysis and assessment, from the tropics to temperate regions
tClient interviews and goal setting
tLandscape master planning and microclimate design
tReading the landscape and pattern recognition
tDesign for climate change
tRegenerative land management and stewardship
tWater catchment, storage, filtration, and distribution
tBiologically based treatment of greywater and blackwater
tNatural building techniques including timber framing, bamboo and cob
tIntegrated animal husbandry
tAquaculture and aquaponics
tNursery techniques, plant propagation and grafting
tAgro-forestry and organic horticulture
tCultivation and use of medicinal plants
tSoil rehabilitation and fertility strategies
tOrchard design and maintenance
tAlternative cooking technologies: methane bio-digesters, rocket and bio-char stoves, cob and solar ovens
tRenewable energies and biofuels
tLocal and regenerative economics
tUrban and suburban permaculture strategies
tVillage design and community building strategies
• Teacher Bios:
Scott Gallant
Scott Gallant is an agroforester and food system designer from small town Ohio. He graduated from Wabash College in 2008 with a degree in Economics. As the farm manager at Rancho Mastatal he works with an amazing team to cultivate 15 acres of a emerging tropical agroforest. He is the lead permaculture design instructor on site and one of the principle founders of the Rancho Mastatal Design/Build Collective. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, holistic thinking, ethnobotany, community development, and re-skilling, he still makes time to hike and bike, read exhaustively, and work on his basketball jump shot and frisbee throw. He and his partner Laura have traveled and volunteered extensively in Latin America, leading to a love of the culture, food, and language, which they speak. Scott is a certified Wilderness First Responder, writes for the Permaculture Research Institute and has been featured on the Permaculture Voices podcast.
Chirstopher Shanks
A multi-talented teacher, organizer, permaculture enthusiast, and design visionary, Chris has worked with some of the finest Permaculture and ecological designers in the Western hemisphere. Fascinated with living systems, Chris has invested himself heavily into the study of whole systems design, ethno-botany, horticulture, mycology, and ecology. His interests have led him to study agro-ecosystems and cultural anthropology in Spain, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, the USVI, Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Hawai’i, as well as the temperate and sub-tropical regions of both coasts of the United States. Chris combines leading the ground team at Project Bona Fide, a non-profit research and demonstration farm in Nicaragua, with his own work in the professional design world. He works in master planning and site design with Whole Systems Design LLC and serves as their chief horticulturalist and Project Manager. Chris also founded and runs his own company, Living Systems Solutions, based in Nicaragua. When not working in the non-profit or design world he can be found masquerading as a builder, a mason, a decent plumber, a poor electrician, a sailor, a fanatic for bamboo, a lover of palms, a permaculturalist with a rock/tree climbing habit, and as an avid motorcyclist.
Rachel Jackson
Rachel holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design from the Conway School in Conway, Massachusetts. She has been practicing permaculture in the tropics since 2009, working in both the rainforests of Costa Rica and the dry forests of Nicaragua. She is passionate about creating harmonious, healthy relationships between humans and the landscape. From urban renewal projects in New England to food forests in Latin America, Rachel has used her skills to create integrated, whole-system designs in difficult locations. She has also worked as a garden-based youth educator, art handler, photographer and carpenter and harbors a life-goal of trying as many varieties of tropical fruits as possible.
Mitch Haddad
A dedicated community organizer and permaculture aficionado-in-training. He holds joint degrees in Latin American Studies, International Studies and Spanish from Providence College. Since joining the Project Bona Fide team in 2010, Mitch has grown into a key player within the organization. He emphasizes a community-based approach to project management and is a wealth of knowledge about the ins and outs of daily life at the farm. In addition to being an amateur builder and carpenter, he is passionate about natural building, food security and appropriate technology. When he’s not running around the farm and interacting with the local community, he gorges himself on guavas and continues to refine his jamming, fermentation, and chocolate-making skills.
Laura Killingbeck
Laura is wildly passionate about food, nutrition, and whole systems health. She has a BA in Sociology and Philosophy from the University of Rhode Island and is a current Wilderness First Responder. She worked previously as a superhero mascot, a sawyer, and a sustainability consultant. Laura spent several years traveling through Latin America by thumb, boat, bike, and bus before landing at the Ranch with her partner Scott in 2009. She spends her days concocting live culture ferments, curing vanilla, planting rhizome guilds, and living in community.
• Language class is taught in:
The course will be taught in English and simultaneously translated into Spanish. Este curso será traducido simultáneamente al español . Se requiere un mínimo de dos hispano hablantes para ofrecer servicios de traducción.
• Cost
Cost
Central Americans, US$850; residents and ex-pats, US$1350; foreigners (non-Central American) US$1,500. These prices include 15 nights lodging (starting on April 16), all meals (except on Sunday nights when we support a local restaurant), course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge.
• Accommodations:
For more information about food and lodging please see our website at accommodations.
• Course Payment:
Please follow the link for payment options.
• Directions:
Rancho Mastatal Sustainability Education Center
Mastatal, Puriscal
Permaculture Design Certificate Course
Fundamentals of Ecological Design
May 29 – June 12, 2016
* Check in is on Sunday at 2pm, followed by a brief orientation and dinner. The course starts on Monday at 8am. All course work ends on the second Saturday. Check out is on Sunday at 11 am, following breakfast
Program Includes:
72 hour Permaculture Design Course & Certificate
Lodging – Farm stay lodging (Private bamboo cabins and shared bamboo bunkhouse)
Three daily meals
Field Trips
Internet access
Permaculture is a conscious integrated design system based on ecology and sustainability principles to create resource efficient and productive human environments and reduce our footprint on the earth. Permaculture provides a framework for consciously designed landscapes that mimic the patterns and relationships found in nature that provide diversity, stability, and resilience. These systems yield an abundance of shelter, water, energy, and food for the provision of local needs. Common practices include no-till gardening, rainwater catchment, forest gardening, and agroforestry.
Our course offers the standard 72-hour permaculture curriculum for certification recognized internationally by the permaculture movement with a special emphasis on forest gardening in the tropics. Although we will be in a tropical setting, many of the techniques will transfer directly to any climate.
Finca Tierra is a 9-acre permaculture site and has become an important center for education and community development. Infrastructural systems contain: natural buildings built with local materials ( bamboo, leaf thatch and onsite timber), terraced & medicinal plant gardens, a nursery, seed bank, developing fruit and nut orchards, food forests, native timber forestry, timber bamboo plantings, water-catchment, renewable energy systems, and composting and biological flush toilets.
IN ADDITION, YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT:
tPrinciples and Ethics of Permaculture Design
tSite analysis and design, from the tropics to temperate regions
tLandscape master planning and microclimate design
tReading the landscape and pattern recognition
tDesign for climate change
tRegenerative Land Management and Stewardship
tWater catchment, storage, filtration, and distribution
tBiologically based treatment of greywater and blackwater
tUsing greywater in the landscape
tNatural building techniques and vernacular architecture
tPlant propagation and grafting
tOrganic horticulture
tMedicinal plant propagation, usage and preparations
tBiointensive gardening and seed saving
tSoil rehabilitation and fertility strategies
tOrchard design and maintenance
tRenewable energies
tLocal and Regenerative economics
tUrban and suburban permaculture strategies
tEcovillage design and community building strategies
tNetworking within the permaculture community and beyond
tstrategies to create an alternative nation
COURSE OUTLINE
Courses are held Monday through Saturday. Breakfast is at 7, lunch at 12 and dinner at 6. We cover 12 chapters, approximately one chapter a day, of the standard permaculture curriculum for certification. Mornings are usually filled with practical applications and afternoons dedicated with course slide lectures. Sunday is free for rest or exploring the area. We promote visiting our paradise beaches, kayaking, surfing, snorkeling and diving, waterfalls, hiking, bird and animal watching, bicycling the area etc.
The beginning of the second week includes a field trip to visit local highlights. First to the jungle, were the indigenous steward will teach us about natural medicine and traditional sustainable living*. There we overnight in hand built wooden cabins on the edge of a river. A campfire, swimming and indigenous wisdom and stories are usual activities. We also stop by a mature food forest and taste an amazing variety of unusual fruits and spices, and get a great view of Panama. To round it out we also tour a 300-acre eco-village using animal integration, with chickens, ducks, geese, pigs, horses and sheep; natural building and community scale organic agriculture.
*We can’t guarantee the trip to the indigenous land because of weather and other variables (rivers at high water stage, horrendous road conditions) but its never stopped us so far so be prepared for it!
Program Info:
– Please register early as the course can and does fill quickly – Course price does not include airfare – $400 USD non-refundable deposit required, Course fees are refundable up until one month before the course – Meals will include traditional cuisine and farm foods – Academic credits / partial or full grants are often available to undergraduate and graduate students (inquire with us for more information) – Program is taught in English.
$1,300 Tuition
$1,450 (Late registration fee (10% extra) for bookings made less than two weeks before course start date)
We recommend you bring
tTall Socks (above half calf, like futbol/soccer socks)
tLightweight working pants and shirts
tSandals
tBathing suit
tFlashlight or headlamp (for off farm uses)
tUmbrella
tNotebook and pen
tGardening work gloves
tMedical Supplies
tBeach Towel (you are supplied with towels for showering on farm)
tA device to read PDF files (we have a large digital library)
Notes
This is a tropical humid forest and it can rain at any time. Temperatures range from 32° to 24° (C) 90° to 75° (F)
Be prepared for the following conditions hot, humid, rainy and muddy. Bring plenty of socks .
Solar lamps are provided for on farm use.
Umbrellas are essential, rain jackets in tropical weather can become hot and humid and are not recommend for on farm use.
During times of extreme rain things can mold, especially leather, but potentially anything so don’t bring anything that you cant live without.
Optional items to consider
tCamera
tRain coat (for travel)
tSnorkel mask and fins
tWater bottles
tMusical Instruments
tiPod, Mp3 players, speakers
tLaptop
tBoots
tBinoculars
Or buy from available supplies at Finca Tierra
tRubber boots $14
tBiodegradable sunscreen
tNatural bug repellent
Reviews
“I could listen to permaculture lecture all day but Ian adds enough practical hands on stuff to keep everyone engaged, great mix of lecture and practical. The course instructor was very knowledgeable and engaging not to mention passionate. Always made time for the students and answered any questions we had. The location of the farm is just far enough from town to get peace and quiet but it’s close to some of the better beaches.
— PDC Student, Mario, Mexico
“This place has changed the way I see the world and the way we choose to live with the land. What I have learned at Finca Tierra I can basically apply anywhere. I’m really excited to be coming back here soon. Ian and Ana are amazing, inspiring, engaging, and really passionate about sharing what they have learned through their experience of rebuilding the land and basically learning to be fully sustainable. You should come here if you want to be blown away! So beautiful.
— PDC Student, Gabriel, Louisiana, USA
“The best food we ate on our year trip. We have had such great memories from the Finca Tierra course and will be back once we get our farm and need a refresh.
— PDC Student, Andy, Australia
“Doing the PDC (Permaculture Design Course) at Finca Tierra was an experience of a lifetime! Ian’s breadth and depth of theoretical and practical knowledge, together with his passion and enthusiasm for permaculture leaves you inspired, and with a strong foundation for knowing how to live in harmony with Mother Earth. The biodiversity of flora and fauna on the farm was incredible! It was also really cool to be able to walk around the food forest and just pick something off of a tree or plant and snack on tropical and exotic fruits and veggies. On top of that, being able to experience applications of permaculture outside of the farm, at SEED (Society for Ecological Education and Development) and Finca Inti, was also really cool.
The warm, rustic hospitality is definitely something to note as well. Ana, Ruth (Ana’s sister), Ian, Linton (the farm manager) and Bruce (Ian and Ana’s dog) made our stay very homely, and we felt at ease as soon as we arrived. The food was something out of this world! Ruth and Ana’s ingenuity in the kitchen was exceptional, and with fresh ingredients from the farm; every meal was amazing! Three times a day we would plunge into a wholesome culinary journey over some really stimulating conversations.
Thank you for everything… you guys are awesome hosts! Pura vida!
— PDC Student, Bemnet, Ethiopia
Spend a week with us in the jungle and learn to design a bountiful garden that supports all life.
With the era of consumerism, the world faces many challenges from loss of habitat, to environmental degradation and social disconnection. We believe it’s time to cultivate opportunities for positive change and learning. Permaculture – derived from the words “permanent” and “culture” – is a design science based on mimicking efficient patterns and relationships found in nature. Permaculture is yoga for the land, as yoga is permaculture for the body.
Introduction
Our week-long course includes the following:
7 Days / 6 Nights at Rancho Delicioso
3 Meals per day that showcase healthy fresh cooking from the farm or local providers
Introduction to Permaculture – Daily Workshops
Daily Yoga Class
Aerial Silk Beginner’s Class
Archery Class
Beach Trip To Playa Hermosa (Surfing Lessons Optional)
Montezuma Waterfalls Excursion
Anamaya Yoga Excursion
Pool Party
Introduction to Permaculture Daily Workshops:
The program will include eight permaculture courses, from 90-120 minutes long each, throughout the week, earning you an “Introduction to Permaculture” certificate from Rancho Delicioso. These eight courses will be:
1. Definition, Ethics and Principles:
Participative discussion that includes the Web of Life Activity.
2. Soil Science:
Know your soil types, micro-organisms, textures, Ph, simple tests to do at home.
3. Composting:
Making a “lasagna-style” compost pile and bio-fertilizers.
4. Biointensive Gardening:
Hands on mulching, seeding, transplanting, making beds, moon cycles, pest and disease control, plant propagation, seed saving.
5. Garden Design:
Using patterns and the edge effect – design and hands-on making an herb spiral or mandala garden.
6. Medicinal Plants and Medicine Making:
Native plant walk, tinctures, honey cough syrup and ointments made with local herbs.
7. Food Forests:
Tree planting and maintenance, layers of the forest, guilds, observation exercise in a native forest.
8. Sustainable building:
Discussion about various methods of natural construction techniques, natural cooling, energy, and green building.
Horses and Animals
Animals are an essential part of a sustainable cycle in a farm. They provide companionship, food, work, and even their poop is vital to our work of soil restoration.
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
Activity Details
Aerial Silk dance class in Rancho Delicioso’s passion fruit dome.
Aerial Silk Basics
Ever wonder what it’s like to dance in the air? Our workshop teaches how to move with the silks using breathing techniques that prevent muscle exhaustion. This is a fun way to activate all muscle groups, while learning a few tricks to show your family and friends back home!
Archery Basics
Perhaps after seeing “The Hunger Games” you have wanted to try shooting a bow and arrow? Now is your chance to let fly a few shots into some hay bales on the farm. It’s surprisingly addictive and cathartic.
Healthy Cooking and Nutrition
The truth is we can all cook like Nigella Lawson without using ingredients from the whole world. Learn to live sustainably by using local seasonal produce to create magic on your plate. From kefir to sauerkraut workshops and making dehydrated chips coated in cashew goodness, our workshops will leave your mouth watering and your body craving more!
Daily Yoga Classes
You don’t have to be a ballerina doing split handstand to be able to practice yoga. Whether you’re a beginner just wanting to stretch, or an advanced level yogi, our daily classes will allow you to connect with your body.
Excursion to do yoga at Anamaya’s new yoga shala
Yoga at Anamaya Resort
The yoga decks at our partner resort – Anamaya – are truly spectacular. With views over Montezuma and out to the ocean, it is a wonderful place to practice at the beginning or end of the day.
Beach and Surfing Trip
No trip to Costa Rica would be complete without a chance to dive in, balance your body, and feel the power of the ocean. Surfboards and surf classes, boogie boards rentals, etc, require an extra fee, but a trip to enjoy the beach is included. Click here to read about some of the area’s best surf spots: Surf Spots Near Rancho Delicioso.
Pool Party
An opportunity to chill with your new-found family beside a cozy bonfire. Enjoy our salt-water swimming pool to cool off from the tropical heat. Stargazing included! Afterwards, those who want more can head down to Montezuma for the famous “Reggae Night” street party every Thursday.
Adriana Pal, our permaculture instructor
Retreat Leader
Meet
Adriana Pál
. Adriana is a native Costa Rican, and our area’s leading permaculture expert. She is the founder of
La Escuela de la Jungla
(The School of the Jungle) and has been teaching various courses in the area for several years.
Originally with a background in tourism and hospitality, Adriana became enamored with permaculture and sustainability, and has been educating herself in all things “green.” With a delightful personality, a love of teaching, and a natural ability to connect with people, you will fall in love with her passion for the earth and her drive to help protect it.
Dates offered:
February 7 – 13, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
February 21 – 27, 2016 – (One Dorm Space Left!)
March 6 – 12, 2016 – (Dorm spaces sold out – bring a tent only!)
March 20 – 26, 2016 – (2 Dorm Spaces Left)
April 3 – 9, 2016 – (2 Spaces Left – 1 dorm, 1 tent)
April 17 – 23, 2016 – (3 Spaces left)
May 15-21, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
June 19-25, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 3 – 9, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
July 17 – 23, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 7 – 13, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
August 21 – 27, 2016 – (Just Added!!)
All programs begin on Sunday and end on a Saturday. This gives a generous window of time if you leave your home country on a Friday night or Saturday, and return to work/school on a Monday.
Video of the farm
Week Schedule
This is a general week schedule, which may shift a bit depending on various things like the availability of teachers. We try to fit all this in here, and more. Sometimes if someone amazing is in town and offering something unique we’ll bring them to the farm and offer it to the guests, such as a unique style of yoga or something that fits with our vibe. Some guests find there’s too much to do and want to relax more… that’s fine too, you’re not obligated to do any of these activities.
Sunday – Orientation
Opening Circle
Introduction to Permaculture
Monday – The Fun Begins
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Soil Science
Archery Class
Permaculture: Composting
Open Mic Night at Cafe Organico in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Tuesday – Anamaya and Waterfall
Healthy Cooking Class
Waterfall Hike and Lunch
Ocean View Yoga at Anamaya Resort
Permaculture: Garden Design
Our Aquaponics Growing House
Wednesday – Beach & Surf Day
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Biointensive Gardening
Beach Trip – Surfing Optional
Thursday – Anamaya Dinner Night
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Aquaponics or Greenbuilding
Permaculture: Medicinal Plant Walk
Dinner at Anamaya Resort
Dance and Street Party Night in Montezuma ($4 addl pp for transport)
Friday – Free Day and/or Aerial Silks
Morning Yoga
Permaculture: Food Forests
Aerial Silk Class
Raw Chocolate Making Class
Saturday – Goodbye Day
Morning Yoga
Closing Circle, group hugs, tears, and goodbyes
Click here for a
calendar of classes and events
.
Lots More Photos
Many more photo here: PYP Photo Gallery
A Typical Day’s Schedule
6:30-7:45am
– Yoga
8:00-8:30am
– Breakfast
9:15-10:00am
– Fitness Class (optional)
10:00-12:00pm
– Permaculture Class
12:00-1:00pm
– Lunch
1:00-4:00pm
– Siesta, Free Time, Swimming Pool, or Various Activities
4:00-6:00pm
– Permaculture Class
6:00-7:00pm
– Dinner
7:00-9:00pm
– Free Time. Movies, bonfire, various extra activities
9:00pm+
– Sleepy Time…
For more detail, click here: Detailed Schedule of Activities
Prices & Payment
Dates: February through April 2016
The PYP Program price depends on your accommodations. We currently have three options:
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $500 – Check this out here:
Volunteer House/Dorm
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Dates: June through August 2016
The price is higher for June-August because our new accommodations will be ready with much more space for everyone.
1. Bring Your Own Tent:
– $450
2. Dorms:
– $600
3. Joseph’s Treehouse:
$450 base price + $79/nt or $59/nt May-Nov (Please check Joseph’s prices in case of changes.) It has a queen-sized bed, private bathroom and full kitchen. Can be shared by couples who book together. The treehouse is booked directly with Joseph from his AirBnB page:
https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/3164732
Payment and Deposit:
When you’re ready to book, we’ll send you a PayPal money request for 50% of the price of the program, as a non-refundable deposit. The balance is due two weeks before your arrival, and we’ll send you a PayPal money request for that as well. If you prefer to pay the balance in cash when you arrive, that can sometimes be arranged too.
Liability Release Form: Upon arrival you must sign our standard liability release. Please read it before booking: RD Liability Release Form
Additional Notes
Why not add a week?
If you’d like to add a second week, after your program ends to practice what you have learned, the cost is $200 for the week (7 additional nights). Limited space for 4 people so let us know asap if you want to stay on as a farm volunteer. PYP students who add the extra week will work on the farm with the regular volunteers, but less work is required. We ask for 3 hours per day for this extra week (compared with 6 hours per day for regular volunteers.)
Join a like-minded community to gain the tools to empower our humanity and live to the fullest. Let’s create an abundant future together!
Sustainable Homestead Design
JUNE 22 – JUNE 26, 2016
Register here →
DESCRIPTION
Learn the tools to design an abundant and harmonious landscape!
This five-day intensive course will introduce participants to the basic skills needed to analyze the landscape and design a sustainable homestead. The course will cover site analysis and mapping, goal setting, and designing to maximize the productivity, beauty, and sustainability of the land. This course is relevant to people who already own a home-site as well as people considering buying land in the future. During a final hands-on project, participants will put their new skills to work on a small-scale design. Students will leave equipped with the skills to more deeply understand their homestead and to design for the challenges and opportunities they encounter. The course will be conducted in Rancho Mastatal’s beautiful naturally built classroom and will mix lectures, drafting, and group work, with mapping and measuring in the field.
Note: Participants with their own property should contact the instructor to see about the potential for using their land during the final design project.
Concepts and skills covered will include:
tKey permaculture principles
tSystems thinking
tUsing the pattern language
tThe design process
tDefining goals
tSite analysis
tCreating a base map
tDrafting tools and techniques
tDesign alternatives and evaluation process
INSTRUCTOR: RACHEL JACKSON
Rachel holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design from the Conway School in Conway, Massachusetts. She has been practicing permaculture in the tropics since 2009, working in both the rainforests of Costa Rica and the dry forests of Nicaragua. She is passionate about creating harmonious, healthy relationships between humans and the landscape. From urban renewal projects in New England to food forests in Latin America, Rachel has used her skills to create integrated, whole-system designs in difficult locations. She has also worked as a garden-based youth educator, art handler, photographer and carpenter and harbors a life-goal of trying as many varieties of tropical fruits as possible.
ACCOMMODATIONS
For more information about food and lodging please see our website at accommodations.
COST
$550
Cost includes 6 nights lodging, all meals, course instruction and full access to Rancho Mastatal and its private wildlife refuge. A $250 deposit will secure your space in the course. Please follow the link for payment options.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in the class, please go to our Online Registration Form. For more information please contact Tim O’Hara at info@ranchomastatal.com and/or call the Ranch at 2200-0920. We have a maximum of 12 openings for this workshop and a minimum of 4 students to run the course.
Costa Rica Summer Program
Costa Rica has been the model for sustainable economic development in Latin America for a generation. On this program, you’ll spend most of your time living in or alongside some of Costa Rica’s most important biological reserves while learning about integrated sustainability initiatives to protect these valuable resources.
In this Sustainable Summer Program…
tYou’ll visit an indigenous community and learn traditional agricultural practices
tYou’ll learn about the implementation of renewable energy at a variety of scales
tYou’ll harvest crops and practice permaculture at an organic farm
tYou’ll develop homesteading skills such as fermentation and soap-making
tYou’ll learn about natural building and work with natural building materials and techniques
Your Sustainable Summer experience will span from Costa Rica’s legendary Pacific beaches to the mist shrouded slopes of the Central Highlands to the tropical rainforest. Our Costa Rica summer program is ideal for high school students with a strong interest in environmental sustainability, and particularly renewable energy and agriculture. Costa Rica is widely considered an ‘easy’ place to travel by developing country standards, and we think this program is also a good choice for students that are looking to get their first taste of ‘adventure travel’ and life in a ‘developing’ country, although we caution that our itinerary is more challenging (in a good way) than many Costa Rica travel itineraries.
Picture yourself living on an organic farm on the edge of a national park, where you’ll help produce the food that sustains the local community. Or on a guided night hike through Costa Rica’s virgin rainforest, when the jungle really comes alive. You’ll feel the rush of rafting Costa Rica’s world famous whitewater, play soccer with local kids, and come to understand why the essential Costa Rican phrase – pura vida – is the perfect embodiment of this beautiful place and the Tico people that call it home.Not sure if this is the right option for you? Use our Compare Programs page to help you assess which Sustainable Summer is the best fit for your interests and comfort zone.
Learn
how sustainable energy and agriculture solutions are designed
Explore
tropical rainforests, hidden valleys, and pristine beaches
Ride
horseback to a towering waterfall in Cangreja National Park and raft Costa Rica’s legendary whitewater
2016 Facilitators *
Remy Franklin
READ BIO
Kiska Kosakowski
READ BIO
Costa Rica Testimonials
Thank you so much for creating and running this amazing program!! I’m so grateful for all that you’ve done to make this organization so awesome!! Jess, student from Boca Raton, FL
Read More Testimonials
STUDENT STORIES
t
Costa Rica 9-Day Photos
By Sustainable Summer // September 16, 2015
t
Costa Rica 21-Day Photos
By Sustainable Summer // September 16, 2015
t
Costa Rica Student Essay
By Rafael Robert // September 8, 2015
t
Costa Rican Transformation
By Lily Antunez // September 1, 2015
t
Costa Rica Student Essay
By Amber Heldreth Miller // September 1, 2015
t
Costa Rica Student Essay
By Own Shain // September 1, 2015
t
Costa Rica Student Essay
By Miriam Wahid // September 1, 2015
t
Costa Rica Student Photo Essay
By Jess Kian // August 16, 2015
Core Curriculum & Program Components
Much More Than A Tour
Amazing destination? Check. Fun and authentic experiences? Absolutely. A smart, down-to-earth group of like-minded teens? Yup. An awesome itinerary and first-in-class lodging are just the start. Our programs prepare teens to become environmental leaders through dynamic place-based learning.
FIELD STUDIES
How do “small” and “local” provide a blueprint for a sustainable future? This essential question guides our experience studying sustainability in Costa Rica. Participants – through discussions, workshops, site visits, and fieldwork – will investigate sustainability with the understanding that truly sustainable solutions take into account not only the environment, but also the people, culture and economy of a given place.
t
Field Studies
t
Leadership
t
Design Thinking
t
Independent Project
t
Case Study
t
Action Plan
Program Tuition
Each program has a tiered tuition rate: standard (full tuition), tuition assistance (83% of tuition), or scholarship (as low as 15% of tuition).HOW IT WORKS
STANDARD
$ 4795
tAPPLY
tOur standard course fee, which represents the actual cost of operating our programs, including the administrative costs that are necessary to sustain our organization in the long-term. This is the suggested rate for families living in high cost of living areas with household net assets of greater than $650,000 and/or annual household income of greater than $180,000.
TUITION ASSISTANCE
$ 3995
tAPPLY
tParticipants at this tuition rate cover only their direct participation costs, including lodging, meals, activities, in-country staff and transportation, and support for local projects. Participation at this level is based on the honor system. It is available to all families – no documentation required. We simply ask families to honestly consider their financial resources and ability to pay the full tuition rate.
SCHOLARSHIP
$ 720 – 3355
tAPPLY
tAdditional scholarship funding is available for students that are unable to participate at either of the other rates. Scholarship participants receive up to an 85% reduction of the standard course fee. Due to the limited availability of scholarship funds, a separate application is required, including a parent financial statement and recent tax return.
What’s Included
Accommodations
in eco-lodges and other locally-owned (and often sustainably-minded) establishments
Meals
3 meals daily while in-country. Local cuisine, served family-style, is on order most days. Dietary restrictions can typically be accommodated.
Immersive Activities
Guided activities, from the adventurous to the cultural, are a regular part of the itinerary.
Dynamic Learning Opportunities
Place-based. Interactive. Fun. Our programs prepare teens to become environmental leaders.
Ground Transportation
Once in country, all travel will be by private coach when we are traveling any significant distance, although we may occasionally use other transport when traveling locally. This can range from a cattle truck to the local bus. Traveling like a local is part of the experience!
2 Full-Time Professional Facilitators
Our international field team includes returned Peace Corps volunteers, college professors, seasoned wilderness guides, sustainability graduate students, and similar.
Pre-Program Materials and Support
Students and parents receive comprehensive and prompt pre-program support.
Not Included
Tuition does not include airfare, $95 InternationalSOS membership (required), or personal expenses such as laundry, snacks, souvenirs, and internet or international phone calls, and other incidentals. A $29 Costa Rica exit fee, payable at the SJO airport on departure, is also not included.
Flights
We designate a recommended group flight for students. Students, whether arriving on our group flight or independently, will be met at the international arrivals area by our staff. Very detailed travel and booking instructions will be provided to all participants upon enrollment.Our designated round trip group flight:
CHECK THE CURRENT PRICE
Escort on Both Outbound and Return Flight
Outbound Flight
June 26
654pm
752pm
Miami (MIA)
San Jose (SJO)
American
1031
Return Flight
July 16
1140am
439pm
San Jose (SJO)
Miami (MIA)
American
1238
Important
tDo not make any flight reservations until explicitly directed by Sustainable Summer. Enrolled families – please check your MySummer accountfor more information.
tNot all of our group flights have a staff escort. Please see above for specifics and our Flights page for additional details.
tStudents NOT traveling on our designated group flight will be assessed a $35 fee if they arrive on a flight other than our specified group flight and/or a $35 fee for departing on a non-group flight ($70 total). Students must verify BEFORE BOOKING all non-group flight travel itineraries
21-Day Itinerary
t
Arrival
Most students will arrive on our chaperoned group flight into the international airport outside San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital city. It’s a short drive by private transport from the airport to our hostel in Alajuela, where we will begin our orientation period.Day 1
t
Orientation at Rancho Margot
The next morning, after breakfast we’ll travel north to Rancho Margot, a stunning eco-lodge on the shores of Lake Arenal. Rancho Margot is the perfect destination to become acquainted with Costa Rica and your fellow students. It is fully self-sufficient, yet at a truly impressive scale – two different micro-hydro turbines provide all their energy needs; chickens, pigs, and cows number in the hundreds, yet exist in healthy, environmentally sustainable way; and the entire property of several hundred hectares has been reforested in the last decade.During orientation, we’ll become familiar with local customs, health and safety protocols, and share our individual and mutual goals for the program.We also will begin our investigation of sustainability as a subject of inquiry, as we learn about the various sustainability initiatives on the farm and consider how the systems and philosophies in place at Margot can inform a shift to more sustainable communities elsewhere in the world. No visit to the beautiful Arenal would be complete without some dedicated to exploring the surrounding countryside. We’ll have some time for a short hike in the area, as well as kayaking on Lago Arenal.Days 2 & 3
t
The Rainforest
We’ll then move on to the Sarapaqui region, one of Costa Rica’s most important biospheres. We’ll be staying at an eco-lodge on the edge of Costa Rica’s largest National Park, Braulio Carrillo. The surrounding jungle is primary rainforest that serves as a critical ecological corridor. Much important research has been and continues to be conducted in the area. Conservation efforts have maintained the native forest on the southern side of the Rio Sarapiqui, although the numerous pineapple farms that dot the northern side serve as a constant reminder of the threat of development.During our five nights in the area, we’ll conduct biodiversity research with a local scientific organization; take an ethnobotany course from a local expert; go whitewater rafting on the Rio Sarapaqui; and go for a guided night hike through the tropical jungle. It’s not all adventure and sustainability, though. We’ll also take in some with local culture. You’ll learn to make the perfect gallo pinto and friend plantains in a cooking class and polish your Merengue, Salsa, and Cha-Cha skills in a Latin dance class, too.Days 4 – 8
t
The Cloud Forest
Leaving Sarapaqui, we’ll travel south and up in elevation to Paraiso Quetzal, a beautiful cloud forest lodge situated on a ridge overlooking Costa Rica’s southern valley. After lunch, we’ll have an afternoon hike in search of the elusive Quetzal, seen rarely throughout Costa Rica, but living in abundance in this area.While in this area, we’ll visit a cooperatively owned wind power facility and hydroelectric project and learn how the projects are producing clean energy at fair rates for rural communities that previously had no access to the grid. This segment of the program encourages reflection on the sources, uses, and economics of renewable energy. One of the principle questions we will consider is the size and scope of a project, which we will continue to explore later in the program.We’ll also visit a flower exporter and a coffee cooperative in an effort to better understand both the global supply chain as well as issues of equity and social justice associated with agricultural production and consumption.Days 9 & 10
t
Mastatal
Winding our way through the craggy, jungle clad valleys of the central mountains, our next destination is Mastatal and Cangreja National Park, one of Costa Rica’s least visited, but most remarkable destinations.We’ll spend a little over a week at Rancho Mastatal, an environmental learning center and eco-lodge situated on the park’s boundary. Rancho Mastatal is a sustainability pioneer that practices natural construction techniques (locally harvested woods and bamboo, earthen structures, etc), sustainable food production, and renewable energy generation.The American operators work closely with the surrounding community on conservation initiatives to help preserve and protect the last remaining virgin rainforest in this region of Costa Rica. Sustainability education of both local and foreign students is an important part of Mastatal’s mission.During our time there, we’ll study many of the initiatives that make Mastatal a stunning example of sustainability, from their use of biodigesters and rainwater catchments to traditional agricultural production methods and reforestation efforts.We’ll visit the Zapaton Indigenous Reserve, play soccer with the local kids, and fill our minds with knowledge about the principles of permaculture, tropical ecology, and other remarkable subjects that are being practiced every day at Mastatal.Days 11 – 18
t
The Coast
Our final days of the program will be at the beaches of Playa Esterillos, where we’ll reflect on our time in Costa Rica, share our Sustainability Action Plans, and prepare to say farewell.Days 19 & 20
t
Departure
We’ll wake up for breakfast and perhaps a final swim in the Pacific and then it’s about 90 minutes driving by bus back to the airport in Alajuela for an early afternoon flight back to the US.Day 21
t
An Important Note About Itinerary Changes
Sustainable Summer reserves the right to change, alter, or amend the program itinerary. Changes can be made for various reasons including changes in weather or road conditions; to take advantage of a new activity or unscheduled opportunity (such as a local festival or event); to accommodate the health needs of an individual participant; or due to changes in activities or schedules of our local partners and providers.The itinerary shown here is based on previous programs and the anticipated day-to-day activities for this program. However, as with any travel experience, some changes may occur.
Questions?
CONTACT US
Register here →
Description
From food to medicine to building materials, this short course will cover useful tropical plants for the homestead. We will go deep into selecting, planting and caring for your plants.
Topics covered include:
tSelecting plants that are right for your site
tPlanting and caring for young trees
tUsing plants to build soil fertility
tDesigning plant guilds/companion planting
We will also introduce you to some of our favorite all-star tropical species and share resources for finding plants in Costa Rica!
INSTRUCTORS
Rachel Jackson & Scott Gallant
Rachel holds a Masters Degree in Sustainable Landscape Planning and Design from the Conway School in Conway, Massachusetts. She has been practicing permaculture in the tropics since 2009, working in both the rainforests of Costa Rica and the dry forests of Nicaragua. She is passionate about creating harmonious, healthy relationships between humans and the landscape. From urban renewal projects in New England to food forests in Latin America, Rachel has used her skills to create integrated, whole-system designs in difficult locations. She has also worked as a garden-based youth educator, art handler, photographer and carpenter and harbors a life-goal of trying as many varieties of tropical fruits as possible.
Scott Gallant is an agroforester and food system designer from small town Ohio. He graduated from Wabash College in 2008 with a degree in Economics. As the farm manager at Rancho Mastatal he works with an amazing team to cultivate 15 acres of a emerging tropical agroforest. He is the lead permaculture design instructor on site and one of the principle founders of the Rancho Mastatal Design/Build Collective. Passionate about regenerative agriculture, holistic thinking, ethnobotany, community development, and re-skilling, he still makes time to hike and bike, read exhaustively, and work on his basketball jump shot and frisbee throw. He and his partner Laura have traveled and volunteered extensively in Latin America, leading to a love of the culture, food, and language, which they speak. Scott is a certified Wilderness First Responder, writes for the Permaculture Research Institute and has been featured on the Permaculture Voices podcast.
LANGUAGE
This course will be offered in English. If we have enough interest from Spanish-speaking students, we will translate the course to Spanish. The instructor is bilingual.
Cost
Includes all food, lodging and instruction.
$150
ACCOMMODATIONS
All food and lodging is included in the cost of the course. Students will stay in the Ranch bunkhouse with options for upgrades. We provide high quality mattresses and linens and blankets. Please see our Accommodations page for more information.
GETTING TO RANCHO MASTATAL
Please see our Directions page for detailed information on how to get to Rancho Mastatal.
COURSE PAYMENT
Please see our Payments page for information about how to pay.
ENROLLMENT
To enroll in the class, please fill out our Online Registration Form. For more information please contact Tim O’Hara at info@ranchomastatal.com and/or call the Ranch at 2200-0920.
Permaculture Design Course
July 3 – 16, 2016
Regenerative Lifestyle, Integrating Health, Practical Design,
Community and Social Awareness
Explore all aspects of sustainable practices by learning from those in the field.
Program Includes:
~ 72 hour Permaculture Design Course & Certificate upon completion
~ Discussions in: Triple Bottom Line Business, Education Alternatives, Slow Food, Economics in Agriculture, Green Building, Alternative Energies, Community Development and more…
~ Hands on Projects (more focus for hands on activities during the practical)
~ Daily Yoga
~ Sea Kayaking, Mud Bathing & Snorkeling
Topics Covered: what to expect…
The World Situation
What is Permaculture?: Ethics, Principles & Characteristics
Ecological System Basics & Bioregions
Design Methods & Map Reading
Climates, Elements & Microclimates
Understanding Soil
Earthworks
Water Management
Plants to Trees & Trees to Forests
Windbreaks and Wind Corridors
Patterns in Nature; Context (culture, climate, etc.)
Zone 0: Bio-Architecture
Zone 1: Home Garden
Zone 2: Fruit Tree Forest; Animals & Orchards
Zone 3: Field Crops & Large Animals
Zone 4: Harvest Forests
Zone 5: Forests
Wildlife Management & Integrated Pest Management
Ethical Investment, Land Ethics and Access, Incomes from Acres
Suburban & Urban Permaculture
Ecovillages
Invisible Structures Models
Design for Disaster
Workshops & Field Activities:
Orientation to Punta Mona and Tropical Ecosystems
Weekly Sharing Circles
Compost Making, Biofermentation & Micro Organisms
Permaculture Design group project
Water Management Exercise
Soil Exercise
Bio-Char
Chinampas
Onsite Analysis
Discussions:
Value Added Products, Triple Bottom Line Business Models and Fair Trade Practices
Creation of an Ecovillage: Tacotal & La Ecovilla
Integrating a sustainable lifestyle in the modern world
GMO crops, CSAs, Economics in Agriculture and the Slow Food Movement
Daily Flow:
6-7 am: Morning Yoga
715-830 am: Breakfast
830-9 am: Farm Duties
9-12 pm: Class Time
12-2 pm: Lunch Break
2-5 pm: Class Time
5-6 pm: Break
6-7 pm: Dinner
7-9 pm: Evening Activity
* all projects determined based on group interest
Tuition for 2 Week PDC: $1700
Includes program, Permaculture Design Course, all meals, lodging, activities and daily yoga.
Tuition includes all meals, lodging, all activities, internet access and all workshops/activities.
COURSE CREDITS NOW AVAILABLE TO
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE STUDENTS
THROUGH SUNY STONY BROOK!!
Or inquire with your university/professor about receiving internship or independent study credits!
To Apply: please copy, fill out and send to:
Contact: Sarah Wu, Co-Director, INFO@PUNTAMONA.ORG
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Hometown:
Current Location:
Why do you want to particpate in the program?
How will you be an addition to the program?
What is your current knowledge about permaculture?
Oudoor Experience:
Trainings or Certificates:
Existing medical conditions?
Dietary Needs:
How did you hear about the program?
Email &/or phone number:
Emergency contact info:
Anything else we need to know?
* Transportation to Punta Mona by boat is not included, cost is $10-50 per person (depending on number of people in boat).
* Meals are organic and primarily vegetarian. Eggs and cheese are included and occasional fresh, line caught fish & organic chicken.
* Costa Rican citizen/resident prices available upon request.
Refund Policy: All deposits are NON-Refundable, Course fees are refundable up until ONE month before the course starts.
Facilities, Housing, Meals & Participation
Permies will be housed in shared double and triple co-ed accommodations for the entire program. We have availability for couples to come and have a private room, we also have a few private cabins, which are available for an additional $400. Private cabins can house two people and are good for a couple or a small family.
Lodging is rustic and comfortable with custom-made no-see-um bed nets and screened rooms with locks. Beds are singles and doubles and will be first come first serve in regards to who sleeps where.
Facilities are shared by all living at Punta Mona. We have 3 showers with solar hot water and dry-composting toilettes in two locations.
Most classes are hosted in our outdoor classroom, in the living room of our main lodge or in the Yoga Shala. We recommend you bring your own yoga mat or little pillow to sit on.
Meals are communal and prepared fresh daily from fruits and vegetables grown organically on site or purchased from an organic farm in Costa Rica. At Punta Mona we are dedicated to wholesome, organic meals prepared with love. We consider the cuisine to be “jungle gourmet” and have a trained and seasoned staff to make sure all meals are mind blowing. We serve vegetarian meals and can accommodate vegan and gluten free diets.
We will serve farm fresh eggs daily as well as local cheeses and once weekly organic, free-range chicken from a neighbor’s farm. Fresh line caught fish is also available when we go fishing.
Permies will participate in various daily activities around the farm such as trail maintenance, beach clean up, housekeeping, composting and helping to clean the kitchen after meals.
We are an off-the-grid farm and all energy usage must be fully respected. Permies can have one shower per day and can charge their devices during the day-time only. We have internet available during specified breaks and encourage you to disconnect to reconnect.
Located in the deep tropics, on the beach, Permies can expect bugs, rain, sunshine and humidity. Please follow the packing list that is sent to you upon registering to ensure comfort and a pleasant living experience”.
Instructors:
Coordinated By Sarah Wu, teaching adjunct workshops in plant medicine, kitchen remedies, abdominal massage and cacao
Stephen Brooks and Itai Hauben are the primary instructors for each PDC.
Adjunct teachers in yoga, homesteading and plant medicine change for each session…
Itai Hauben
– Born in Israel, from an early age was fascinated by nature, ecology, sports and art. Study and experience Permaculture first in Israel at Adamama, a demonstration farm which he joins by 2002, so starting his way into the world of Permaculture Design , Organic Agriculture and Sustainable Living .
Itai completed his training in the method Biointensive with the master John Jeavons, than traveling throughout Central America on a Sustainable Solutions Caravan and decides to stay in the final destination of his journey, Costa Rica, settling in educational farm Punta Mona, where he lives on and off for two years, work and learn through immersion in the tropics
Itai qulifies as a Permaculture teacher and is currently pursuing his MSc. with Gaia University .
Itai is dedicated to the design and implementation of production systems and edible landscapes and to the formation of other permaculturists. Itai teaches Permaculture courses in different countries and seeks above all to inspire others through example, creating his livelihood and family as a real experience of sustainable living.
On 2007 Itai, along with his wife Melina have developed Symbiosis design. It is the idea of providing a professional service of ecological consulting, creating a symbiosis of knowledge and interests between a client and a consultant and between the different components of any living system.
Itai is father to two children, whom he teaches with dedication and passion the importance of connecting with nature and learn from it.
