Registration is now open for Permaculture Accelerated Training Certification, which will be taught over six Saturdays beginning September 15, at Roots & Wings in Dobbs Ferry. Led by Claudia Joseph of the New York Permaculture Exchange, the course will include classes, fieldwork and projects. Remaining sessions will be on September 22, October 20 and November 3, 10 and 17.

The course covers traditional permaculture topics used in whole-systems design, such as energy, climate, shelter, community, food, waste streams and water management, using current information from experts and practical knowledge from traditional sources.

Joseph is certified by the Permaculture Institute of North America and Permaculture USA. As the director of environmental programs at the Old Stone House, in Park Slope, Brooklyn, she has designed and installed a permanent useful landscape and offers programs promoting community sustainability. She has taught for institutions including the New York Botanical Garden, New York City Parks and the New York Open Center.


“I’ve never taught a permaculture course like this one,” she says. “Instead of talking about the coming climate change, it’s here. We need to come together as communities now more than ever.”

So participants can step into the rapid transition that is happening now, Joseph will emphasize social cooperation and positive change. Participants will learn design skills and biological gardening through hands-on experience and direct observation, interact with a landscape designed to survive climate chaos and explore stewardship of an undefined public commons.

Grant-funded tuition is $300 for those who register by August 15, or $400 after. Scholarships are available. For more info, visit RivertownsCommunityGardens.com or email [email protected].