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Permaculture Design Certificate Course
A Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) course presented in collaboration with Northwest Conservation District. This program is designed to immerse participants in information, ideas, and inspiration on how to design sustainable, regenerative systems for your home and property.

Permaculture is a design philosophy that aims to meet our essential needs through systems that mimic the patterns and relationships found in natural ecosystems. To understand permaculture, we first need to observe nature deeply and be informed by it.
This systems designed with permaculture methods include a set of principles and ethics to inform our activities. These ensure that human activities consider the rights of others and the protection of the environment. Our actions as a species must attempt to protect the whole planet – the air; the hydrological systems of the oceans and fresh water; the land, with its regenerating soil, all working in a balanced, self-perpetuating system.
Permaculture Design Course Content
Each participant will complete a permaculture design project under the direction of the instructor.
v Core Permaculture Principles
v Climate and Site Analysis
v Water Harvesting and Management
v Soil and Plant Cultivation
v Food Production Systems
v Animal Integration
v Design and Implementation
v Energy and Resource Management
v Social and Economic Aspects
v Case Studies and Practical Applications
In addition, students will be introduced to the regional adaptation of permaculture in the Northeast and how to join and take part in the growing permaculture community around the region.
Program FAQs
Cost: $1450 (Members) | $1500 (Non-Members)
Location: The Studio (Field trips to local sites may be scheduled)
Dates: Saturdays: April 11 – Regular attendance is expected.
Time: 9 AM to 5 PM
All classes are held in-person at Flanders. In the event of inclement weather, the program will be held online.
Questions? Please contact Adele Falco.
Program Instructors
Cynthia Rabinowitz
Soil and Wetland Scientist, Certified Permaculture Design Consultant and Environmental Horticulturist
Cynthia has over 45 years experience as a soil scientist in the Connecticut area and has had a long time commitment to organic and ecological farming and land management. She is the founding director of CTNOFA and the former executive director of the Northwest Conservation District.
In addition to teaching at Southern Connecticut State University (Environmental Design), the University of NewHaven (Wetlands Ecology), she was a guest lecturer at The Graduate Institute (Permaculture). Cynthia also owned and operated a commercial greenhouse for 15 years and has published numerous articles on the subject of organic and ecological approaches to gardening and farming.







