Spring Session

Self-Paced Online Learning: February 15 - March 14, 2024

The online learning component consists of four concept chapters (taking 2-4 hours of study each week), four untimed, open-book, graded quizzes, and three 1.5-hour online meetings.

Online sessions on Thursdays from 6-7:30 p.m. PST.
1. February 15, 2024 (Orientation)
2. February 29, 2024
3. March 14, 2024

Through a series of videos, readings, and bi-weekly discussion sessions students will gain a foundational understanding of earth systems, the principles of permaculture, and basic design methodology. This material will lay the conceptual groundwork needed for the hands-on design training. 

Hands-on Training at OAEC: March 22 - 29, 2024

8-days: Friday, March 22 at 10am through the following Friday, March 29 at 12pm. Includes organic, vegetarian meals and shared accommodations.

The in-person portion of the course has two goals: to practice hands-on permaculture skills and to undertake a design project. We will use the OAEC site to learn some of the practical applications of permaculture such as conservation hydrology, earthworks, food forests, composting, and more. The design project will be at a local community or homeowner’s residential scale. There may be the opportunity to help implement the design project over the year.

Cost, Discounts and Cancellation Policy

$2500 is the base cost for individuals, due at the time of registration. Includes lodging and organic, vegetarian meals during the on-site training.

Early-bird discount - $100 off if you register at least 30 days before the start of the online portion of the course.

Group discounts - $50 off for each person in your team of two or more. Sign up at the group rate and add your teammates' names to your registration form. And yes, you may combine the early bird with the group discount for a total of $150 off each for up to 4 people.

Subsidies for Social-Ecological Justice Movement Groups - We partner with a network of organizations to offer courses for groups (not individuals) working on land-based projects centered around social, racial, gender, and ecological justice, especially by BIPOC-led organizations. Our funding support allows for these long-term collaborations. Unfortunately, we don’t have funding to offer additional PDC scholarships at this time. If you belong to one of our existing partner community groups, please contact the OAEC staff person you are working with directly to enroll in the course.

We regret that we cannot accept Americorps Education Awards and are unable to offer individual scholarships or work trades at this time.

Giving this course as a gift? Email us .

Cancellation and Refund Policy

*After registration, you will receive a registration confirmation via email from . Please check your spam folder if you don't receive it.