Natural Building Network

Our most popular workshop teaches professionals and owner-builders the basics of cob construction in 6 to 10 intensive days. Even complete novices leave the workshop confident in their ability to build the cob parts of a cabin, studio, or greenhouse. Learn how to locate and test soil, sand, and straw, create the right cob mix for any situation, and build strong, durable, sculptural earthen walls. Get practical experience with foundations, windows, doors, arches and niches. Lectures cover siting, passive solar design, drainage, heating, plumbing and electric, natural roofing, and flooring. Cost: $700AU includes all meals, camping and intensive hands-on instruction with Shannon Dealy. For info: contact Shannon at dealy@deatech.com in the U.S. or Roger and Regina Rich at (03) 9576 0150 (after hours), (03) 9576 1477 (Rich's work number, you can leave messages) in Australia. E-mail: admin@southerncrossministries.com.au. PLEASE MARK THE SUBJECT ON THE EMAIL ADDRESS AS COB WORKSHOP so it does not go astray. http://www.cobcottage.com/node/225

January 12-14, 2007 ---Pyromania! Rocket Mass Heaters
North American School of Natural Building, Coquille, Oregon

Rocket Stoves to Heat Cob Buildings by Ianto Evans and Leslie Jackson has made these incredibly clean-burning wood burners big news. We'll build one (or more), cover basics of combustion, fuels, etc. and light a lot of fires. (12 person limit). Cost: $180. Taught by Ianto Evans and Ernie Wisner. Contact Cob Cottage Co for info: 541-942-2005, http://www.cobcottage.com/node/217

January 12, 2007 (9-10am PDT)--- Interview with Shay Solomon
Sustainable World Radio KCSB 91.9 FM Santa Barbara, CA

Live in less space but have more room and enjoy it. Does that sound like a contradiction? Smart readers will discover that on the contrary, living small can free up your mind, your wallet, and your soul. With the cost of living rising, the environment suffering from excessive building, now is time to scale back. Join the small house movement. In Shay Salomon's newly published book, with a foreward by Francis Moore Lappe, Little House on a Small Planet ( www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com) is a guidebook and an invitation, with floor plans, photographs, advice, and anecdotes. Discover how to build, remodel, redecorate, or just rethink your needs. Live close and simple and apply spiritual and social needs to your material desires. Pockets of people all over the continent are realizing the benefits of scaling down. You too can build a joyful, sane life that emphasizes home life over home maintenance. Fri Jan 12 9-10am & Mon Jan 15 9-10am Radio Interview Sustainable world Radio www.kcsb.org 91.9 FM Santa Barbara with Shay Salomon.

January 13-14, 2007 --- Winter Service Learning
Quail Springs Learning Oasis and Permaculture Farm, New Cuyama, California

Projects may include watershed restoration, gabion building, garden preparation, food forest planting, and various "chores around the farm." Food is potluck and camping is nearby. Contact info@quailsprings.org or 805-886-7239 to RSVP or for more info.

January 15-21, 2007 ---Basics of Cob
Tasmania, Australia

Our most popular workshop teaches professionals and owner-builders the basics of cob construction in 6 to 10 intensive days. Even complete novices leave the workshop confident in their ability to build the cob parts of a cabin, studio, or greenhouse. Learn how to locate and test soil, sand, and straw, create the right cob mix for any situation, and build strong, durable, sculptural earthen walls. Get practical experience with foundations, windows, doors, arches and niches. Lectures cover siting, passive solar design, drainage, heating, plumbing and electric, natural roofing, and flooring. Cost: $700AU includes all meals, camping and intensive hands-on instruction with Shannon Dealy. For info: Danny and Alex Wherrett, phone: (03) 62 535 206 (+61 3 62 535 206 if outside Australia).
e-mail: dvw_76-cobworkshop@yahoo.com .au
address: 771 Bream Creek Road, Kellevie, Tas 7176

January 15, 2007 (9-10am PDT)--- Interview with Shay Solomon
Sustainable World Radio KCSB 91.9 FM Santa Barbara, CA

Live in less space but have more room and enjoy it. Does that sound like a contradiction? Smart readers will discover that on the contrary, living small can free up your mind, your wallet, and your soul. With the cost of living rising, the environment suffering from excessive building, now is time to scale back. Join the small house movement. In Shay Salomon's newly published book, with a foreward by Francis Moore Lappe, Little House on a Small Planet ( www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com) is a guidebook and an invitation, with floor plans, photographs, advice, and anecdotes. Discover how to build, remodel, redecorate, or just rethink your needs. Live close and simple and apply spiritual and social needs to your material desires. Pockets of people all over the continent are realizing the benefits of scaling down. You too can build a joyful, sane life that emphasizes home life over home maintenance. Fri Jan 12 9-10am & Mon Jan 15 9-10am Radio Interview Sustainable world Radio www.kcsb.org 91.9 FM Santa Barbara with Shay Salomon.

January 17, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
San Diego, California

Live in less space but have more room and enjoy it. Does that sound like a contradiction? Smart readers will discover that on the contrary, living small can free up your mind, your wallet, and your soul. With the cost of living rising, the environment suffering from excessive building, now is time to scale back. Join the small house movement. In Shay Salomon's newly published book, with a foreward by Francis Moore Lappe, Little House on a Small Planet ( www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com) is a guidebook and an invitation, with floor plans, photographs, advice, and anecdotes. Discover how to build, remodel, redecorate, or just rethink your needs. Live close and simple and apply spiritual and social needs to your material desires. Pockets of people all over the continent are realizing the benefits of scaling down. You too can build a joyful, sane life that emphasizes home life over home maintenance.
7:30 pm .San Diego World Beat Cultural Center, 2100 Park Blvd
contact sdecc@igc.org (619) 255-6111 San Diego Permaculture Center & SDECC www.sdecc.igc.org

January 18, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Laguna Beach, California

See description on January 17th (above).
7pm? Laguna Beach contact: Bill Roley drroley@cox.net 949-413-2524 cell (still waiting for details).

January 19, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
San Juan Capistrano, California

See description on January 17th (above).
9 pm Center for Universal Truth 27121 Calle Arroyo Ste. 2200, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 949-481-4040
Cost: $25 for Organic Dinner and Slideshowor $5 for Slideshow only (begins at 7:30) Contact "Deanna Moore" <moodea@wildmail.com> (949) 981-8067.

January 20, 2007 --- Free Urban Permaculture Design Course and Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Los Angeles, California

See description on January 17th (above).
10am Audubon Center at Debs Park:4700 North Griffin Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90031 (323) 221-2255 Sustainable Los Angeles Lecture Series! Special Two Part Lecture and presentation: Free Urban Permaculture Design Course followed by Talk and Slide Show Presentation: "LITTLE HOUSE ON A SMALL PLANET Talk and Slide Show with author Shay Salomon & Photographer Nigel Valdez Contact David Kahn <info@sustainablehabitats.org> 1-323-667-1330

January 21, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Los Angeles, California

See description on January 17th (above).
8pm LA Ecovillage, 117 Bimini Place, Los Angeles 90004 (1 block east of Vermont just south of 1st St) ,Lois Arkin crsp@igc.org 213/738-1254 $10 (sliding scale okay)

January 22-28, 2007 --- Renewable Energy for the Developing World -- Hands On
Rancho Mastatal, Costa Rica

Solar Energy International offers this workshop Held at Rancho Mastatal, an environmental learning center and retreat located in the last virgin rainforest of Costa Rica's Puriscal County. Participants will stay at the center where they build using natural building techniques, including bamboo and cob, and support the use of renewable energy systems. Rancho Mastatal practices and promotes living responsibly in the tropics, while educating its visitors about the significance and majesty of the world's disappearing tropical forests. In our fourth year at Rancho Mastatal, this winter's workshop builds on the success of our past workshops. Our program is focused on learning through hands-on work. We'll spend about one-third of our time in the classroom, studying renewable energy technology basics. The rest of our time will be in the field or lab, getting our hands dirty, learning by doing. The course is taught in both English and Spanish.Topics Include: The Design & Installation of a solar-electric system, Building solar ovens with a women's cooperative, Building a methane biodigestor, Micro-Hydro site survey,and Social & Cultural Issues of Working in the Developing World. More Info: http://solarenergy.org/workshops/workshop.php?id=21

January 21, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Los Angeles, California

See description on January 17th (above).
8pm LA Ecovillage, 117 Bimini Place, Los Angeles 90004 (1 block east of Vermont just south of 1st St), Contact: Lois Arkin crsp@igc.org 213/738-1254 $10 (sliding scale okay)

January 22, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Santa Barbara, California

See description on January 17th (above).
7:45pm Santa Barbara Public Library 40 East Anapumu St Donation $5 Contact: margie@sbpermaculture.org 805-962-2571 www.sbpermaculture.org

January 23, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Ventura, California

See description on January 17th (above).
7:30 pm Art Barn 856 East Thompson Blvd., Downtown Ventura (between Ash and Kalorama, behind Kids & Families Together) contact lynne okun <lbokun@earthlink.net> 805-338-2576. Donation $5

January 24, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Santa Barbara, California

See description on January 17th (above).
1pm U.C.of Santa Barbara campus talk. Contact: David Cleveland 805-893-7502/2968 cleveland@es.ucsb.edu

January 24, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Solvang, California

See description on January 17th (above).
6:30pm Solvang Library 1745 Mission Drive Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 688-4214.Donation $5-$10 Betty Seaman 805-698-3840 cobbetty@gmail.com.

January 25, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
San Luis Obispo, California

See description on January 17th (above).
6:30-8:30 San Luis Obispo Public Library 995 Palm Street
Contact: Mikel Robertson gouldmund@hotmail.com 805 674 5534

January 26, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Santa Cruz, California

See description on January 17th (above).
7pm Louden Nelson Center 301 Center St. at Laurel St. Contact: claudine desiree <claudinedesiree@yahoo.com> (831)423-5204. Donation $5-$10

January 26-29, 2007 --- Winter Work Party at Cob Cottage Company
Coquille, Oregon

Be sure to attend one of our work parties this winter! There are lots of opportunities for learning, contributing, and meeting new people. You come prepared to work, and we will provide fun, delicious vegetarian meals, and a place to camp or sleep. Please call (541)942-2005 for more information. www.cobcottage.com.

January 27, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Oakland/Berkeley/San Francisco, California

See description on January 17th (above).
Oakland/Berkeley/SF Raines Cohen <rainesc@gmail.com> (planning talks on Sat and Sun)

January 28, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Oakland/Berkeley/San Francisco, California

See description on January 17th (above).
Oakland/Berkeley/SF Raines Cohen <rainesc@gmail.com> (planning talks on Sat and Sun)

January 29, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Santa Rosa, California

See description on January 17th (above).
7pm New College 99 6th Street Santa Rosa.
Contact: dbaker@newcollege.edu 707 568-2605.

January 30, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Hopland, California

See description on January 17th (above).
1pm - 3 pm Booksigning at Real Goods Solar Living Center.
Contact Kevin Pile at Solar Living Institute Kevin.pile@solarliving.org 707.744.2017 www.solarliving.org

January 31, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Arcata, California

See description on January 17th (above).
Time? (still in planning) Humboldt State University, Campus Center for Appropriate Technology. Contact: CCAT Tatton tattonw@hotmail.com 1-707-826-3551

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FEBRUARY

February 1-28, 2007 --- Cobbing in Baja
San Bartolo, Baja, Mexico

Cobworks is heading back to Baja this winter! This will be our fourth Baja workshop and our third project at Rancho Tezal in San Bartolo. We LOVE this annual trip and look forward to seeing our hosts, the Trasviña family, once again. Please join us for a month of learning solid cob skills in addition to laughing, singing, eating, snorkeling, swimming and making friends that you will probably keep in contact with long after the month is over. (Not to mention that the "Cob Cupid" has met his mark more than a few times in the Baja!;) Course Fees: The course fee is $1200 US for the full month or $800 US for 2 weeks. There is a couples rate of $2000 for the month. For more info: http://www.cobworks.com/workshops.htm#baja.

February 3-9, 2007 ---Basics of Cob
Firefly, New South Wales, Australia

Our most popular workshop teaches professionals and owner-builders the basics of cob construction in 6 to 10 intensive days. Even complete novices leave the workshop confident in their ability to build the cob parts of a cabin, studio, or greenhouse. Learn how to locate and test soil, sand, and straw, create the right cob mix for any situation, and build strong, durable, sculptural earthen walls. Get practical experience with foundations, windows, doors, arches and niches. Lectures cover siting, passive solar design, drainage, heating, plumbing and electric, natural roofing, and flooring. Cost: $700AU includes all meals, camping and intensive hands-on instruction with Shannon Dealy. For info: Contact: Kimberley Voss by phone at 02 65591871 or Email: kimbo71@wildmail.com

February 4, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Nevada City, California

Live in less space but have more room and enjoy it. Does that sound like a contradiction? Smart readers will discover that on the contrary, living small can free up your mind, your wallet, and your soul. With the cost of living rising, the environment suffering from excessive building, now is time to scale back. Join the small house movement. In Shay Salomon's newly published book, with a foreward by Francis Moore Lappe, Little House on a Small Planet ( www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com) is a guidebook and an invitation, with floor plans, photographs, advice, and anecdotes. Discover how to build, remodel, redecorate, or just rethink your needs. Live close and simple and apply spiritual and social needs to your material desires. Pockets of people all over the continent are realizing the benefits of scaling down. You too can build a joyful, sane life that emphasizes home life over home maintenance.
7pm Helling Library Community Room, 950 Maidu Avenue
Contact for info: Janaia Donaldson Yuba Gals Independent Media
janaia2004@yubagals.com 530-265-4244

February 6, 2007 (5:30-6:30pm PDT)--- Interview with Shay Solomon
KWMR, 90.5 FM Pt Reyes and 89.3 FM Bolinas West Marin Community Radio

Live in less space but have more room and enjoy it. Does that sound like a contradiction? Smart readers will discover that on the contrary, living small can free up your mind, your wallet, and your soul. With the cost of living rising, the environment suffering from excessive building, now is time to scale back. Join the small house movement. In Shay Salomon's newly published book, with a foreward by Francis Moore Lappe, Little House on a Small Planet ( www.littlehouseonasmallplanet.com) is a guidebook and an invitation, with floor plans, photographs, advice, and anecdotes. Discover how to build, remodel, redecorate, or just rethink your needs. Live close and simple and apply spiritual and social needs to your material desires. Pockets of people all over the continent are realizing the benefits of scaling down. You too can build a joyful, sane life that emphasizes home life over home maintenance. Radio Show with Jonathan Rowe Live interview with Shay. KWMR, 90.5 FM Pt Reyes and 89.3 FM Bolinas West Marin Community Radio

February 8, 2007 --- Little House on a Small Planet Book Tour
Berkeley, California

See description on February 4 (above).
7 - 8:30pm Builders Booksource 1817 Fourth Street (Near Hearst)
Berkeley, CA 94710, service@buildersbooksource.com 510-845-6874

February 9-12, 2007 --- Winter Work Party at Cob Cottage Company
Coquille, Oregon

Be sure to attend one of our work parties this winter! There are lots of opportunities for learning, contributing, and meeting new people. You come prepared to work, and we will provide fun, delicious vegetarian meals, and a place to camp or sleep. Please call (541)942-2005 for more information. www.cobcottage.com.

February 20-March 3, 2007 --- Natural Building and Ecological Living
Tlasco, Tlaxcala, Mexico --- NOW HALF PRICE! (2 FOR 1)

Cob Cottage Company, Zopilote Association and Proyecto San Isidro Educacion Permanente is offering their 22nd year of Natural Building and Ecological Living workshops of practical hands-on learning in Highland Mexico. This workshop to focus on Natural Building. Topics to include: Mexico's traditional buildings; understanding local ecology and culture; local economics and building techniques; the natural house (using local resources); climate-responsive building; practice and explanation of cob, strawbale, lightclay, thatch, natural floors, natural plasters, roundwood and wastewood; design of natural buildings. Cost: ~~$1200~~ NOW ONLY $600 includes all meals and camping. Contact Cob Cottage for more info: 541-942-2005 or http://www.cobcottage.com/ecologicalliving

February 23-25, 2007 --- "Getting Off the Treadmill"
Coquille, Oregon

Ianto Evans and Linda Smiley of the Cob Cottage Company, Jack Stephens of the Natural Building Network and other special guests will offer a rare weekend of appropriate living secrets. No more mortgage, no more rent! Life is brief, don't waste it doing things that are uninspiring, ugly or at odds with your conscience. A weekend of practical tools, techniques and tips from lifetime experts. This will transform your life! Cost: $180 includes all meals and camping. Contact Cob Cottage for more info: 541-942-2005 or http://www.cobcottage.com/node/211. Mention the Natural Building Network and receive a 10% discount on this workshop.

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MARCH

March 2, 2007 (1:00-2:00pm)---Earth Walls: An Ancient Art Made New
Nashville, Tennessee

Slide presentation about the use of cob in landscape applications such as garden/courtyard walls, fireplaces, outdoor ovens, and garden cottages. Presented by Christina Ott of Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: http://www.nashvillelawnandgard enshow.com/

March 3-16, 2007---Design and Build a Green Home and Garden in the Tropics
Pueblo Verde, Costa Rica

This course focuses on building a "jungle bungalow" and uses that model for teaching students how to reduce housing footprints to the lowest possible level while still providing for comfort and beauty. This prototype structure will be built using with local materials found within walking distance of the site. The bungalow will become part of a green community, Pueblo Verde, located on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. This class is ideal for those interested in an ecological approach to creating a small or vacation home or for those studying conservation development, permaculture, or agroforestry. More information about the course can be found at: http://elcentroverde.org/downloads/coursepdf.pdf. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School, http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/greenhometropics.htm.

March 5-April 1, 2007 --- Earthbag Building Workshops
Punta Gorda, Belize

Kaki Hunter and Donald Kiffmeyer offer their personal expertise and guidance in the construction of a small earthbag "casita" located at the Maya Mountain Research Farm tucked in the jungle of the Maya Mountains in Southern Belize. Learn the latest tools, tricks, and techniques for this cutting edge contemporary form of earthen architecture from the authors of Earthbag Building.

Doni and Kaki will conduct two, 2–week hands–on workshops focusing on construction of an earthbag structure designed for a high rainfall tropical location. This will be an adventurous, fun, life affirming opportunity for all. And the food will be awesome! We invite you to join us in this wonderful collaboration of efforts! For more information, and to register for either two weeks or all four weeks, visit Maya Mountain Research Farm (http://www.mmrfbz.org/earthbag.html). Space is limited, so register today. We'll see you there!

March 11-23, 2007---Natural Building in Costa Rica
Mastatal, Costa Rica

This innovative course in the rainforest of Costa Rica provides students with a unique opportunity to explore the design/build process using earth, straw, cob, stone, site-milled wood, bamboo, and recycled/reused materials. The class will work on a group project at the Rancho Mastatal environmental learning center or a small community project in the village of Mastatal. Students will have the chance to collaborate on a variety of design assignments. The class will survey and discuss different building techniques and work hands-on and in-depth with a featured number of them. A field trip to investigate local vernacular architecture is one highlight of the course. The class is ideal for architecture, environmental studies, and building technology students and professionals as well as those interested in incorporating natural building techniques into their own projects. Food and lodging at Rancho Mastatal is included in the tuition cost. Visit http://www.ranchomastatal.com for more information on the class location. All Levels. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School, http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/cstarica.htm.

March 14, 2007 (6:30-9:30pm) --- An Evening with Common Vision: Dinner, Drumming, Story Telling and Video Show
Goleta, California

Join the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network in Celebrating the Transformation of Concrete Jungles into Urban Fruit Tree Forest by Tree Planting at Schools in California, fundraiser/donation $10 Goleta Valley Community Center. http://www.sbpermaculture.org/upcoming.html

March 15-21, 2007 --- "Build with Us" Workshops
Yasothorn, Northeastern Thailand

Pun Pun Organic Farm, Seed Center, and Sustainable Living Learning Center invites you to join with the Pun Pun Team of builders/facilitators, learning natural building techniques in a hands-on workshop experience. This year Pun Pun will host two, 7-day workshops where you will experience building an earthen home from starting designs to finishing touches. This workshop will be held at "Suan Tom Ruam Jai" (Unity of Dhamma Garden) emerging intentional sustainable community. Experience Thai village/farming life while learning the skills you need to be able to build your own efficient, affordable, beautiful home the easy way! For more information click here: http://www.mynewsletterbuilder .com/home/published.php?action =view&newsletter_id=1409579230

March 15, 2007 (7-9pm) --- Radical Simplicity with Jim Merkel
Brattleboro, Vermont

In the face of looming ecological disaster and wars coupled with a stressful daily grind, many people feel the need to change their own lifestyles as a necessary step in transforming our unsustainable culture. Imagine you are first in line at a potluck buffet. The spread includes not just food and water, but all the materials needed for shelter, clothing, healthcare, and education. How do you know how much to take? How much is enough to leave for your neighbors behind you -- not just the six and a half billion people, but the wildlife, and the as-yet-unborn? Jim Merkel quit his job as a military engineer following the Exxon Valdez disaster and has since worked to develop tools for personal and societal sustainability. He is currently the Sustainability Coordinator at Dartmouth College (the first person ever to hold that position) working to imbed sustainable values and practices into administration, facilities, research, student life, alumni and academic departments. He is Co-director of the Global Living Project which runs sustainability education programs and internships. He is the author of Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth (2003). Directions: http://gradcenter.marlboro.edu /contact/index.html or for more information call (802) 258-9200.

March 16-18, 2007 --- Cob Courtyard Walls
Pensacola, Florida

Do you love the old world charm of Spanish style courtyards and garden walls? You can build beautiful courtyards, outdoor dining areas and more with the traditional European building material, cob. Once plastered, your courtyard walls will be very resistant to wind and rain and can last for hundreds of years. In this relaxed hands-on workshop you will learn how to plan a wall, make and build with cob, add sculptural details, and protect your cob walls from the elements. $50/day or $125/three days. Children are FREE, Discount for two adults with children. *This workshop will be held at a restaurant in an urban area. Our hosts will provide a delicious lunch and light refreshments throughout the day. However, because of the urban location, out of town participants will be responsible for finding their own lodging. You may take any day of the workshop without taking all three, but you will learn much more by taking the whole workshop. Families with children are especially welcome at this workshop and if two adults will be coming with children under 12 the second adult is half price ($16/day). This is our least expensive three day workshop this year! Presented by Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

March 17-November 17, 2007 --- Volunteer Opportunity
Asheville, North Carolina

Various volunteer positions are available with Kleiwerks for the season. Please visit the Ashevillage Institute page for more information about this program. http://www.kleiwerks.org/avi/

March 17-18, 2007 --- Historic Houses
Warren, Vermont

Older homes are typically built utilizing materials and techniques not readily found in contemporary construction. Not only do historic homes help preserve the cultural heritage of our built environment, they are also underutilized as renewable resources. All too often, character-defining features, uncommon materials and exceptional craftsmanship are lost to deterioration or removal when resolving maintenance and repair dilemmas. This workshop will help owners of historic homes, maintenance personnel, property managers, general contractors, and anyone involved in the stewardship of older buildings to make informed decisions on the job. We will discuss the historical, material and technological changes that have shaped building construction practice. Through lectures and site visits, students will learn where to look and what to look for when assessing the overall condition of a structure, how to prioritize their work, establishing routine maintenance programs, and finding help for projects beyond their capacity. All Levels. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/historic.htm.

March 18-24, 2007 --- Home Design
Warren, Vermont

This course teaches students how to design a home and communicate that design through floor plans, sections, elevations, and a scale model. Through conversation, lectures, and slides we explore such issues as site planning, climatic design, sustainability, building layout, structural principles, materials, energy conservation, solar strategies, and what makes a building a beautiful expression of its occupant's lifestyle. The class visits local homes to view original, creative, and traditional design concepts. Students learn the fundamentals of a design process that they can apply to their individual projects. This class is perfect for those interested in new home construction, remodeling or renovation, or exploring a new career. Beginner to Intermediate. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/homedesn.htm.

March 20, 2007 (3:30-5:30pm)--- Africa to Brazil Fundraiser
Santa Barbara, California

Join the Santa Barbara Permaculture Network as we raise funds to bring four members of Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) Permaculture organization from South Africa to Brazil for the 8th International Permaculture Conference & Convergence (IPC8), May 2007. http://www.sbpermaculture.org/upcoming.html

March 23-26, 2007 --- Winter Work Party at Cob Cottage Company
Coquille, Oregon

Be sure to attend one of our work parties this winter! There are lots of opportunities for learning, contributing, and meeting new people. You come prepared to work, and we will provide fun, delicious vegetarian meals, and a place to camp or sleep. Please call (541)942-2005 for more information. www.cobcottage.com.

March 24-25, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

March 29, 2007 (6:30-8:00pm) --- How Your Home Can Be Sexier, Healthier and Save Civilization!
Ojai, California

A NATURAL BUILDING PRESENTATION by Jack Stephens, Director of the Natural Building Network. Natural Building offers real solutions to the global problems of climate change, fresh water access, natural resource depletion and human rights abuses.
Discover simple solutions you can apply to make your buildings safer, healthier and sustainable for yourselves, your neighbors and the global community. Held at THE FARMER AND THE COOK
339 W. El Roblar Drive , Meiners Oaks (near Ojai). For more information contact Carolyn Hernandez at 805-312-2002.

March 31-April 1, 2007 --- Earthen Baking Oven and Outdoor Bench
Hoorn, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

Learn how to build your own wood-fired oven and outdoor bench using natural and recycled materials. From foundation to finished earthen plaster. € 130,- including coffee, tea and lunch. For more information cobsolutions@quicknet.nl Tel. 00-31-224-298729 ( GMT+1)

March 31-April 1, 2007 --- Natural Building Workshop
McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa

We are in the process of building an earth roof for the house using a method called Leichthelm, which is a straw rich, very light material with excellent insulation properties. We will be teaching. You will also be mixing cob as this is the basis of all natural building. We will show you how to test soil to see if it is the correct mixture of clay and earth. This will take place at 2 Church Street, McGregor – cost R600 per person, which includes all teas and lunches. For those who have already attended a workshop at MAT R150. I have limited accommodation for R75 per participant per night but can also supply a list of other accommodation available in McGregor. For information about this month's program: http://www.mat.org.za/.

March 31-April 1, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

TOP

APRIL

April 7-8, 2007 --- Tree Planting and Service Learning Weekend
New Cuyama, California

Quail Springs Learning Oasis and Permaculture Farm. Can you come help? We have over 400 trees to plant this weekend during our Service Learning. We realize it is a busy weekend for some, yet perhaps there are others of you who may enjoy a weekend or a day in the natural wonder and beauty of our spring-fed canyon planting trees, taking walks, watching sunsets and moon rises, and celebrating life with friends old and new. Contact info@quailsprings.org or 805-886-7239 to RSVP or for more info.

April 7-8, 2007 --- Cob Rumford Fireplace and Outdoor Bench
Hoorn, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

During this workshop we wil build an outdoor fireplace and bench sitting area. Emphasizing on sculpting with Cob and waterproof finishes. € 130,- including coffee, tea and lunch. For more information cobsolutions@quicknet.nl Tel. 00-31-224-298729 ( GMT+1)

April 7-8, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

April 7, 2007 --- Earth Oven Workshop
Nashville, Tennessee

Learn to build a beautiful traditional wood burning pizza oven that will bake the best pizza and bread you’ve ever tasted! This is a project that you can easily complete at home in one day using free and recycled materials. Workshop includes lunch and snacks. Fee is $55 paid in full two weeks in advance or $75 after that. Children are always welcome to accompany their parents. Ask about discounts for families and friends attending together. Presented by Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

April 10-15, 2007 --- Timber Framers Guild Western Conference
Pacific Grove, California

This will be the 21st conference of the Timber Framers Guild. Throughout the Conference we will have numerous seminars and demonstrations and other activities. The Trade Fair will be underway, featuring suppliers for the timber frame industry who will display their products and services and explain in detail how they are used. Meet those who support our craft in the field, including panel suppliers, tool vendors and wood brokers. http://www.tfguild.org/confs/cfwest2007.html.

April 12-15, 2007 --- Spring Work Party at Cob Cottage Company
Coquille, Oregon

Be sure to attend our spring work party! There are lots of opportunities for learning, contributing, and meeting new people. You come prepared to work, and we will provide fun, delicious vegetarian meals, and a place to camp or sleep. Please call (541)942-2005 for more information. www.cobcottage.com.

April 13- 15, 2007 --- Straw Bale Design & Construction
Paonia, Colorado

Solar Energy International (SEI) is proud to announce Straw Bale Design & Construction taking place at the SEI Eco-Campus. This workshop will be the first Natural Building training course on the SEI 7-acre campus. The cost is $325 for members of SEI $350 for non-members. Take a hands-on approach to learning about designing and building a straw bale home. During the three days spent on our eco-campus you will take part in creating SEI’s world-class training facility. There are no prior building skills necessary for being a part of this workshop. This workshop will give you a broad understanding of the state of Straw Bale construction, the qualities of straw, design considerations, construction techniques, building codes, insurance & financing, with plenty of hands-on experience. Instructor: Laura Bartels.

Please visit www.solarenergy.org or contact SEI at 970.963.8855 for workshop details or to register.

April 14, 2007 --- Strawbale Building in the City: Growing Green
Buffalo, New York

Join us for a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the first strawbale construction project in the City of Buffalo—a greenhouse structure that will benefit Massachusetts Avenue Project’s Growing Green program. Presented by: Massachusetts Avenue Project, Natural Building Systems/UB School of Architecture and Planning, Bale on Bale Construction. Growing Green Garden, 387 Massachusetts Avenue. No building experience necessary. Dress in work clothes. Gloves and eye protection recommended. Bring water bottles and a boxed lunch or potluck. Musicians welcome! FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT JASON AT: (716)882-5327 ext 3.

April 14-15, 2007 --- Natural Finishes: Earthen Plasters & Clay Paints
Asheville, North Carolina

Learn various stages of the following: making & applying beautiful, totally eco-friendly, customized organic plasters & paints; making & applying casein washes; & creating textured finishes. To register or for more information contact Kleiwerks at http://www.kleiwerks.com/events_projects.php#fin1.

April 14-15, 2007 --- Garden Walls and BBQ Gathering Place
Hoorn, Noord-Holland, The Netherlands

We’ll build earthen walls with arches, windows and niches. Detailed sculpting and colorful finishes. As well as work on a Outdoor BBQ gathering place. € 130,- including coffee, tea and lunch. For more information cobsolutions@quicknet.nl Tel. 00-31-224-298729 ( GMT+1)

April 14-15, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

April 16, 2007 ---Dancing in the Rain: Interview with Brad Lancaster on New Dimensions Radio: International Broadcast

New Dimensions Media will be featuring an interview with Brad Lancaster entitled: Program #3175 DANCING IN THE RAIN, hosted by MICHAEL TOMS. The annual rainfall in Tucson, Arizona, where Brad Lancaster lives, is about twelve inches. By harvesting the runoff from the roof, and the roads he radically reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation in the gardens he creates. By returning the water to the same watershed, he creates a cycle of abundance that sustains not just one family, but the neighborhood and the entire ecosystem as well. He adds solar power into the mix, and plants food-bearing native shade trees to cool the home. The result is an oasis in the desert, with a model that can be applied in any community, from desert to coastal ranges and from remote rural homesteads to suburbia. Most important, it’s a model that can help solve an impending water crisis facing communities across the globe.
http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/2007/03/27/dancing-in-the-
rain-interview-with-brad-lancaster-on-new-dimensions-radio-
international-broadcast/

April 20-25, 2007 --- Cob Basics
Woodbury, Tennessee

This workshop will be a six day hands-on building intensive. You will be introduced to all the basics of building with cob for anything from a small outbuilding to your entire house. The moderately sized project that we will be constructing during this workshop offers a chance to participate in several stages of construction. We will cover foundations, walls, windows, doors, roofs, plasters, sculptural work, electricity and plumbing. This is a good workshop to take if you are considering taking on a large outdoor project or even building a cottage. Presented by Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

April 21-22, 2007 --- Turning Your Dream Into Reality
Santa Fe, New Mexico

This seminar is for you if you know you want to live in a healthy house that is ecologically sound and beautifully designed. There are several “green” building technologies out there. If you’re not sure which one to pursue, this seminar will help you decide. If you think you know how much square footage will make you happy, this course will invite you to think again. Been looking for land in all the wrong places? This seminar will help you develop a sharper vision for place. Plan now to join two of the most highly respected professionals in the field: architect and author Paula Baker-Laporte and EcoNest Building Company founder and author Robert Laporte. Together, they have over forty years experience in the field of green design/build. For more information: http://www.econest.com/training/seminar2day.htm

April 21-22, 2007 --- Foundation Work Party
Lyle, Washington

What does it take to build a stable foundation for heavy cob walls? Join us for the weekend to learn about drainage, rubble trenches, and all the masonry skills needed to construct a curvilinear foundation for cob and straw bale walls. Meals will be provided. Camping available. Free. Contact Bernhard at 503-929-8583 or bernhard_masterson@hotmail.com

April 21-22, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

April 21, 2007 (1:00-4:00pm) --- How Your Home Can Be Sexier, Healthier and Save Civilization!
Eugene, Oregon

A NATURAL BUILDING PRESENTATION by Jack Stephens, Director of the Natural Building Network. Natural Building offers real solutions to the global problems of climate change, fresh water access, natural resource depletion and human rights abuses.
Discover simple solutions you can apply to make your buildings safer, healthier and sustainable for yourselves, your neighbors and the global community. Presentation will be followed by a tour of Maitreya Ecovillage near downtown Eugene. Held at Maitreya Ecovillage, Broadway between Almaden and Chambers. For more information contact Carrie Campbell at 541-345-1592.

April 22-28, 2007 --- Timberframing
Warren, Vermont

Over the last two decades, the historic craft of timberframing in residential construction has experienced a revival. Students will learn the fundamentals of designing and constructing a timberframe using mortise and tenon joinery. Layout techniques, tool use and sharpening, and joinery cutting methods are taught as we work on a small timberframe project. Evening lectures will address the history of the craft, finishing techniques, and mechanical systems for timberframe houses. We will also touch on frame design, joinery choices, and integration of frame and house design. This course will focus on traditional hand-cut joinery and tools and will also demonstrate some of the power tools used by modern timberframers. This class will have an extra day and will raise their structure on Saturday. Beginner to Intermediate. Offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/tfing.htm.

April 22-27, 2007 --- Keyline Design Workshop with Darren Doherty, Australian Keyline & Permaculture Designer & Teacher
Goleta, California

The Keyline Design Courses (KDC) in Southern California will be an intensive blend of technical & practical sessions and are targeted at professional land managers & consultants, earthmovers & anybody interested in practical & cost-effective broadscale landscape restoration. The KDC's will outline all of the principles and techniques involved with the modern, practical application of Keyline Design. We have developed both short and longer term events in different landscapes so that we can cater to participant's different needs. A really great part of the three courses will be the demonstration of the famous Yeomans Keyline Plow - a multi-award winning implement that harvests water, halts erosion and creates soil in its wake. Not many plows can claim that! Carbon sequestration is also an important by-product of using a Yeomans Keyline Plow. We will also demonstrate how to use normal farm & earth moving machinery to harvest & store water on any farm. All of this has to start with a plan - the KDC's will take you through the simple and effective "diagnosis & design" process that we have used on over 1100 properties world wide with a blend of low & high tech solutions. Finally a quick acknowledgment of the kind assistance of our partners in making these courses possible: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, Yeomans Plow Company, Nutiva Foods, Quail Springs Permaculture Farm & Earthflow Design Works. Contact for workshop bookings: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network:, email: margie [at] sbpermaculture.org, phone, 805-962-2571, www.sbpermaculture.org/upcoming.html

April 28-29, 2007 --- Permaculture for Home and Garden
Warren, Vermont

In this workshop, students will learn Permaculture principles as applied in temperate homes and gardens. We will discuss organic gardening, building with local natural materials, ecological lawn, meadow, stream and wetland care, orchards, composting, off-the-grid water systems, and domestic and wild animal management. Bring questions about your garden and home and be prepared to learn about ideas that can improve your quality of life, simplify your needs, and increase your family time by cooperating with ecological processes to create abundance and diversity. All Levels. Offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/perm2day.htm.

April 28-29, 2007 --- Natural Building Workshop
McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa

We are in the process of building an earth roof for the house and this will need plastering with lime render so that is one of the things we will be teaching. We will also be building in furniture, like a couch and kitchen cupboard, plus various other bits of cob building. So you will be mixing cob as this is the basis of all natural building. We will show you how to test soil to see if it is the correct mixture of clay and earth. This will take place at 2 Church Street, McGregor – cost R600 per person, which includes all teas and lunches. For those who have already attended a workshop at MAT R150. I have limited accommodation for R75 per participant per night but can also supply a list of other accommodation available in McGregor. For information about this month's program: http://www.mat.org.za/.

April 28-29, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

April 28, 2007 --- Southern Oregon Natural Building Day
Williams, Oregon

9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m., followed by (earthen oven) pizza party and sing along. You are invited for a gathering of natural builders to share, built, learn, collaberate, celebrate and eat! This one-day gathering is for people who: Live in a natural building, build natural buildings, teach natural building, have taken a workshop in natural building, or are interested in any of the above!
Everyone is welcome, but our invitations are focused on people who live within a 2 hour drive from Medford. In the morning we will teach everyone how to make adobe bricks and together will produce them for a cottage to be build this summer at the
farm. In the afternoon we will share stories, pictures and have lots of time for questions and discussions. Please r.s.v.p. with how many people you are coming and whether you will stay for dinner and/or camp out to coenraad [at] housealive.org.

April 29-May 11, 2007 --- Permaculture Design Certification
Warren, Vermont

This course covers the core Permaculture Design curriculum including applications of Permaculture in diverse settings, and techniques for meeting human needs that harmonize with ecological patterns. Lectures and hands-on work will also explore: bioregional designs, natural history of Eastern woodlands and designs that cooperate with their regeneration, evolution of agriculture, energy and nutrient cycling, watershed health, gravity spring-fed water systems, tree paste for fruit trees, selective firewood and pole harvesting to encourage maples, apples, shitake and ginseng, and the integration of animals into cultivated ecosystems. Local experts on organic beekeeping and biodynamics will make guest appearances. The course will conclude with students doing their own Permaculture site design. Permaculture design benefits community leaders and professionals in the fields of architecture, planning, ecology and education. All Levels. Offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/permcert.htm

April 29-May 8, 2007 --- Cob and Natural Building
Coquille, Oregon

This new version of our most popular workshop covers a range of other natural building techniques and teaches professionals and owner-builders the basics of cob construction in 6 to 10 intensive days. Even complete novices leave the workshop confident in their ability to build the cob parts of a cabin, studio, or greenhouse. Learn how to locate and test soil, sand, and straw, create the right cob mix for any situation, and build strong, durable, sculptural earthen walls. Get practical experience with foundations, windows, doors, arches and niches. Lectures cover siting, passive solar design, drainage, heating, plumbing and electric, natural roofing, and flooring. Taught by Kirk Mobert.
For more information: http://www.cobcottage.com/node/187

MAY

May 1-31, 2007 --- Southeast Asian Sustainability Leadership Training (SLT), Training for Trainers
Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand

This year will be the 2nd annual SLT hosted at Pun Pun Organic Farm, Seed Center, and Sustainable Living Learning Center. We invite leaders and representatives of community, farmers, and activist groups, along with other organizations in Southeast Asia to join us. We will focus on tools of sustainability and training techniques. Our intention is to enable community leaders to bring the knowledge back to their communities/groups. The goal is to stem local initiatives in turn creating a larger, more effective sustainabilitymovement. Last year's participants included representatives from "Flower Aceh," a women's organization from Aceh, Indonesia (an area most severly hit by Tsunami); "Youth for Peace" in Cambodia; and the "Karen Youth Organization" from the Thai/Burmese border. All SLT participants are now working with their respective groups on projects that stemmed from the SLT. Our 2007 training hopes to include new representatives from last year's groups, as well as new organizations.

Pun Pun is presently seeking donations to cover the cost of the one-month training. The participants are from grassroots organizations in less developed countries. They do not have the ability to cover their own costs. Any amount given is greatly appreciated and will go a long way, especially because so many people are connected to each of our attendees' networks. Your contribution not only helps individuals, but goes toward supporting sustainable alternatives in SE Asia as a whole. For more information click here: www.mynewsletterbuilder.com//refer.php?s=34248233&u=1416826

May 1-2, 2007 --- Keyline Design Workshop with Darren Doherty, Australian Keyline & Permaculture Designer & Teacher
New Cuyama, California

The Keyline Design Courses (KDC) in Southern California will be an intensive blend of technical & practical sessions and are targeted at professional land managers & consultants, earthmovers & anybody interested in practical & cost-effective broadscale landscape restoration. The KDC's will outline all of the principles and techniques involved with the modern, practical application of Keyline Design. We have developed both short and longer term events in different landscapes so that we can cater to participant's different needs. A really great part of the three courses will be the demonstration of the famous Yeomans Keyline Plow - a multi-award winning implement that harvests water, halts erosion and creates soil in its wake. Not many plows can claim that! Carbon sequestration is also an important by-product of using a Yeomans Keyline Plow. We will also demonstrate how to use normal farm & earth moving machinery to harvest & store water on any farm. All of this has to start with a plan - the KDC's will take you through the simple and effective "diagnosis & design" process that we have used on over 1100 properties world wide with a blend of low & high tech solutions. Finally a quick acknowledgment of the kind assistance of our partners in making these courses possible: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, Yeomans Plow Company, Nutiva Foods, Quail Springs Permaculture Farm & Earthflow Design Works. Contact for workshop bookings: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network:, email: margie [at] sbpermaculture.org, phone, 805-962-2571, www.sbpermaculture.org/upcoming.html

May 4-6, 2007 --- Creating A Sustainable Ecological Culture
Williams, Oregon

White Oak Farm & Education Center and Lomakatsi Restoration Project present: a 3-day participatory workshop, including practical applications of Natural Building, Permaculture, Restoration Forestry, and Ecological Woodlot Stewardship. Discover the interface among traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), permaculture principles, natural building, and using the
byproducts of restoration forestry. Explore Native American ecological techniques for cultivating viable plant communities for use as food, basketry and building materials. Leading practitioners, ecologists, scientists and traditionalists will share valuable information about traditional practices, local ecology and current restoration forestry and natural building principles. Practical hands-on experiences in the forest, woodlands and fields will help restore and enhance forest and woodland resiliency, species diversity, and site productivity, while providing materials for building. Together, we will come to see the forest as “our pharmacy, supermarket, and hardware store”. Join us to share ideas and skills that can be applied to tending your own land in this fire-adapted ecosystem. For more information: www.whiteoakfarmcsa.org.

May 5-6, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants.For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

May 5, 2007 --- Massive Earthen Sculpture
Woodbury, Tennessee

Learn about the sculptural possibilities of cob and have fun making giant relief sculptures on cob walls, turning an earthen oven into a fire breathing dragon, or creating a freestanding piece of 3D art. Presented by Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

May 5, 2007 --- Keyline Design Workshop with Darren Doherty, Australian Keyline & Permaculture Designer & Teacher
New Cuyama, California

The Keyline Design Courses (KDC) in Southern California will be an intensive blend of technical & practical sessions and are targeted at professional land managers & consultants, earthmovers & anybody interested in practical & cost-effective broadscale landscape restoration. The KDC's will outline all of the principles and techniques involved with the modern, practical application of Keyline Design. We have developed both short and longer term events in different landscapes so that we can cater to participant's different needs. A really great part of the three courses will be the demonstration of the famous Yeomans Keyline Plow - a multi-award winning implement that harvests water, halts erosion and creates soil in its wake. Not many plows can claim that! Carbon sequestration is also an important by-product of using a Yeomans Keyline Plow. We will also demonstrate how to use normal farm & earth moving machinery to harvest & store water on any farm. All of this has to start with a plan - the KDC's will take you through the simple and effective "diagnosis & design" process that we have used on over 1100 properties world wide with a blend of low & high tech solutions. Finally a quick acknowledgment of the kind assistance of our partners in making these courses possible: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, Yeomans Plow Company, Nutiva Foods, Quail Springs Permaculture Farm & Earthflow Design Works. Contact for workshop bookings: Santa Barbara Permaculture Network:, email: margie [at] sbpermaculture.org, phone, 805-962-2571, www.sbpermaculture.org/upcoming.html

May 6-12, 2007 --- Eco-Sense Cob Building Workshop: Cob Building From the Start
Victoria, British Columbia

Be part of the leading sustainability project in greater Victoria. Located on eight glorious Highland acres the Eco-Sense project is rising up out of the land. This new project started in February 206 and already the first cob building is completed. The 230 sq ft woodworking shop will inspire us as we continue work on the main 1550 sq ft two story loadbearing cob house. Complete sustainability is no more than a beautiful earthen building as it encompasses the best of modern technologies within all of the systems. The home will be powered by the sun and wind with a state of the art grid inter-tie net metering system with BC Hydro. Solar water heating tubes will provide domestic hot water and hydronic in-floor heat for the thermal mass building. The home will also feature a rain water catchment system, composting toilets and re-use all of it's grey water for irrigation of fruit trees. All of this will be surrounded by organic vegetable gardens in the future. For registration and workshop inquiries contact visit http://www.elkecole.com/%7Eelkecole/teaching.html. For more general information about the project visit www.eco-sense.ca The workshops will be part of the ongoing construction process of the house- content may vary due to demands of the building progress.

May 6-11, 2007 --- Strawbale Design/Build
Warren, Vermont

Have you always wondered about straw bale construction? Heard it is only for hot and dry climates? Think again! With their combination of insulation and thermal mass, plastered straw bale walls can be perfect for cold - and even wet - climates if they are designed and built according to a set of time tested principles. This course balances sessions in the classroom and on site so you will learn to think your way through a bale house while gaining a feel for the nature of straw, clay and lime as building materials. (The January offering will complete a demonstration project in our heated shop.) All Levels. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/strwbale.htm.

May 8-11, 2007 --- Timberframe Workshop
Santa Fe, New Mexico

This workshop gives you hands-on experience in timberframing – a true craft. It offers you a unique opportunity of working with timbers as well as working with others. For some, this experience could be a doorway into the rich world of wooden architecture and perhaps the beginnings of a career in timberframing. Regardless of your intent, the process of transforming a tree into one of the “bones” of a home is magical. When you craft wood you in turn are crafted. Here is an invitation to explore a two thousand year-old technology-the joiners craft! Offered by The EcoNest Building Company. For more information: http://www.econest.com/training/timberframe.htm

May 9, 2007 --- PlaceMaking: Designing Creative, Sustainable and Connected Communities
Portland, Oregon

City Repair will be holding a fundraiser from 6:30 to 9:30 pm in the Billy Frank Jr. Conference Center at the Ecotrust Building, 721 NW 9thAvenue in Portland. Participants will be informed and inspired in this lively panel presentation on the spectrum of urban design that fosters community engagement. Contributors will discuss effective and imaginative ideas spanning a range from larger scale neighborhood planning, Public Markets, green roofs and energy conservation, to reclaimed Commons crafted through grassroots action. Green materials and technologies, plus design that brings people together physically and spiritually, will be showcased in an interactive consideration of Portland's sustainable future by some of our most influential Place-Makers: Ron Paul, champion of the Portland Public Market; Lydia Doleman, owner, Flying Hammer Construction; Mike O'Brien, Green Building Specialist, Office of Sustainable Development; Sukita Crimmel, owner, From These Hands, Stuart Cowan, ecological designer; and Mark Lakeman, visionary designer/architect and co-founder of The City Repair Project. Wisteria Loeffler, former Executive Director of the Lents Farmer's Market, will moderate. For more information: City Repair, 503-235-8946, www.cityrepair.org

May 12-19, 2007 --- Cob & Straw Bale Homebuilder Workshop
Shamrock, Oklahoma

Join us for a week of natural building construction and education in NE Oklahoma. We will cover cob and straw bale construction from start to finish including siting, design, foundation, wall construction, windows/doors, roof, plasters, arches, niches and relief sculpture. The cob workshop is organized and conducted by Kindra Welch and Chris Copp of ClaySandStraw (www.claysandstraw.com), in conjunction with Keeshi Ingram and Konstantin Popov of Sustainable Green County. To see photos from a previous (cob only) workshop conducted by Kindra
Welch, visit:
www.claysandstraw.com/projects /CaretakersCttge/CrTkrCttge.htm.
Cost: $625 ($575 early registration before March 31st), includes
vegetarian meals, lectures, handouts and camping accommodations. Discount for couples. For more details about the workshop www.sustainablegreencountry .org/main/?p=29 or call Konstantin at (918) 289-3061. E-mail keeshi[at]gmail.com,

May 12-16, 2007 --- Natural Building For Women
Woodbury, Tennessee

This workshop will be a five-day hands-on building intensive. You will learn all the basics of building with cob for anything from a small outbuilding to your entire house. The moderately sized project that we will be constructing during this workshop offers a chance to participate in several stages of construction. We will cover foundations, walls, windows, doors, roofs, plasters, sculptural work, electricity and plumbing. Presented by Christina Ott of Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

May 12-13, 2007 --- Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains
Colonial Beach, Virginia

Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or