[Scpg] October 2009 Newsletter

[Quail Springs]

Quail Springs Permaculture Farm  
October 2009 Newsletter
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Permaculture Design at Pine Ridge Reservation  
by Warren Brush
"We are eight days into a 13-day Permaculture Design Course here at Pine
Ridge Reservation 
in South Dakota, the home of the Oglala Sioux Tribe...Our hosts, a native
family who runs a 
10,000 acre cattle lease on the reservation and are highly respected tribal
members, have been 
gracious and supportive and have opened up the teachings of Permaculture to
their entire 
network on the reservation... What we began to realize as we went from
keypoint to keypoint 
was truly astounding and totally pragmatic.  The keypoints were also the
places of the ancient 
buffalo wallows...This is exciting everyone around here who are looking at
how they can 
integrate the past with the present situation." (excerpts) 

Read the full article at: http://www.quailsprings.org/PineRidgeArticle_1.htm


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In Gratitude and Updates: Sustainable Vocations for Young People

We want to thank everyone who made the Sustainable Vocations program a
success for our 
first session this last August - the students, their families, the mentors,
instructors, and 
program supporters.  Congratulations to the 17 young people graduated with
their 
Permaculture Design Certifications!  Thanks to our supporters, over 60% of
the students 
received scholarship assistance (based on low income qualification).  We
couldn't have done 
this without the direct support of the Hutton Foundation, Towbes Foundation,
Santa Barbara 
Foundation, and Island Seed and Feed.  Our special thanks as well for the
incredible 
contribution of instruction given by Owen Dell (Sustainable Landscaping),
Selim Sandoval 
(Growing Green Energy), Anna Bautista (GRID Alternatives), Mike Lillis
(Ecostructures, Inc.), 
Sara Laimon (Green Ambassadors) and the folks at Rincon Vitova.  Thank you
in advance to the 
Monsters of Folk for their support of Sustainable Vocations through their
upcoming October 22 
show at the Santa Barbara Bowl!  

Sustainable Vocations next intensive session will be June 20-July 10, 2010,
learn more at 
www.sustainablevocations.org   


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UPDATES AND EVENTS

FREE Community Event for Sustainability and Carbon Economy Info Session:
Saturday 
October, 24th, 6-9pm. Faulkner Main Central Gallery at the Downtown Santa
Barbara 
Library.   Info session on the upcoming Carbon Economy Series, and bringing
active local 
organizations together to share ideas, projects, and resources with the
public regarding global 
warming, sustainable agriculture, permaculture, reduction of ocean
pollution, or any other 
pressing issue related to sustainability to create an open discussion forum
about these subjects 
to raise awareness, build support and strengthen our community.  Hosted by:
Orella Ranch, 
Surfers Without Borders.  With participation from: Loa Tree, Transition
Towns and more.  
Please spread the word as this is an open public event!  Further questions
please contact:  
Aubrey Falk - 805-815-5657 or Guner Tautrim - 805-698-8823.
********
The Carbon Economy Educational Series offers trainings and public events in
Santa 
Barbara this Fall on topics of critical relevance to the environment and
local economies, 
with world class instructors and speakers.  To register or learn more about
the Carbon 
Economy Educational Series - Santa Barbara at www.CarbonEconomySB.com   

********
Soil Food Web, Compost and Compost Tea Technologies with Elaine Ingham
October 30-November 1, 2009. Location: Near Santa Barbara at Orella Ranch 
Restoring the Soil Food Web is essential to rebuilding soil health and
productivity. Join Dr. 
Elaine Ingham, world renowned soil microbiologist, to learn key soil health
technologies and 
practices.  Last day to register is October 19.   

********
Sustainable Land Management - a two part training with expert instructors
Kirk Gadzia 
and Darren Doherty.  Location: Near Santa Barbara at Orella Ranch. May be
taken 
separately or together.  Early Bird Discounted Registration for Sustainable
Land Management 
extended to Monday, October 12

Part 1 - Holistic Management with Kirk Gadzia, November 10-12, 2009 (*16
CEUs with 
Society for Range Management)
Part 2 - Broadacre Permaculture and Keyline Design with Darren Doherty,
November 12-
15, 2009.

Sustainable grazing and agricultural land management practices emphasizing
soil building, 
water conservation, and long range planning for productivity and health.
Benefits include: 
Improving soil health and biodiversity of rangelands and pastures.
Increasing grazing and 
wildlife capacity.  Increasing annual profits and enhancing livelihoods.
Optimally using rainfall 
and conserving water.  Growing healthier crops and achieving higher yields.
Reversing 
desertification in brittle environments. Breaking the cycle of food and
water insecurity. 
Enhancing family relationships.  Early Bird registration October 12, Last
Day to register is 
October 27.  

********
ZERI systems design with famous ecopreneur and author, Gunter Pauli 
Training December 3-5.  Public Talk at Santa Barbara City College Fe Bland
Auditorium, 
December 5 evening (cosponsored by SB Permaculture Network and SBCC Center
for Sustainability)

********
Pathways to Relocalization with sustainable farming and food relocalization
advocate, Joel 
Salatin.
Training December 9-11.  Public Talk in downtown Santa Barbara, December 9
evening

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A Special Thank You to Carbon Economy Educational Series current sponsors!  
El Capitan Canyon Resort, Christie Communications, Santa Barbara City
College Center for 
Sustainability, Santa Barbara Permaculture Network, Edible San Luis Obispo,
as well as a host of 
network partners both locally and nationally.  The Series is currently
seeking inkind 
sponsorships, as well as cash sponsorships to allow for a Scholarship Fund
for low income 
students.  Learn more at www.CarbonEconomySB.com 
 
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Quail Springs Permaculture Farm Tour
October 31, 2009, 9:30am-2:30pm
Join us to learn about permaculture design and how sustainability touches
the ground here at 
Quail Springs. And share a delicious catered lunch at the farm!  $20/adult
and $5/child 
suggested donation covers tour and lunch.  Parents of young children  -
please inquire about 
childcare options.  The September Tour was at capacity, so early RSVP for
the October Tour is 
advised!  RSVP by October 26th - capacity of 30 guests - please include your
full name, # in your 
party, phone number and email address, town you are coming from, and dietary
restrictions.   
We will send you details and driving directions.   Contact to learn more or
RSVP: email 
farmtour at quailsprings.org or call 805-886-7239 

ps. Thanks to all for your interest in a Hands-on Workshop on the Birds and
the Bees :) (poultry farm to table and beekeeping).  With a very busy fall
on the farm, the teachers of the workshop have decided to prepare it for the
Springtime and will keep you posted.