The Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems Diploma is a 9-month on-campus program for those interested in creating resilient and regenerative systems through permaculture design. This comprehensive curriculum provides in-depth training in foundational permaculture concepts, including ethics and principles. Participants will learn about permaculture tools, strategies, and frameworks; pattern literacy through mapping and design methods; ecological literacy including growing annual and perennial plants, botany, herbalism, mycology, animal design, soil science, water management, ecological restoration, sustainable energy systems, bioremediation, homesteading, and traditional skills; as well as design literacy including water and earthworks, natural building, organizational planning, business, governance, economics, and community development, all through applied permaculture design. Students will engage in various personal and professional design projects, including a collaborative group land-based design for real clients.
This hands-on program includes year-round indoor and outdoor learning on the Pacific Rim College farm campus, including field trips to local gardens, farms, and forest locations. It is offered on a full-time basis of 20 hours per week, scheduled Monday through Thursday from February to November, with occasional weekend workshops.
