The idea of permaculture is to design a permanent agricultural (or cultural) system by studying the inputs and outflows of natural ecosystems and applying that knowledge to a specific area of land either a small plot, a larger area of several acres or a whole village. The goal is to generate products or energy for human use in a sustainable manner with a minimum of input from outside the system, a minimum of human input and an output that can be regenerated.

By mimicking natural ecosystems with their diversity, stability and resilience, it is possible to create a harmonious integration of people into the landscape. In order to accomplish this goal, it is important to know soil conditions, weather patterns, plant guilds, animal contributions or withdrawals and many other bits of information. It is necessary to carefully observe the natural patterns of any particular site in order to integrate human endeavors within these cycles.

The principles of permaculture can also be applied to other areas besides agriculture — holistic health, politics and local economies. We will explore these avenues as well.

Permaculture draws from cooperative economics, ecology, sustainable and natural agriculture and the wisdom of thousands of years of experience developed by indigenous cultures for their survival. These principles are ecologically sound and be economically viable and abundant.

This group was formed in the fall of 2004 to meet and study the philosophy of permaculture as taught by Bill Mollison, Toby Hemenway, and others. We are studying a wide range of ideas including Fukuokas Natural Agriculture and Savorys Holistic Management and drawing upon group members experiences and local experts n the art of sustainable living. Permaculture could be described as ecological engineering or natural site design because it encourages observation of nature and application of natural principles to the design of large and small system of land based production. Permaculture principles can be applied to many aspects of our lives as it also implies permanent culture. If you would like to join us in our study you are certainly welcome. The following dates and programs are being planned for 2006, others are in the planning stages. Some sessions are free although we may put donation jars out for various causes. If we have a certified permaculture teacher come or some other expert to give a workshop we will have to charge a fee. Some programs are work experiences. If you are not on the permaculture email list and would like to be on it send me an email back at livingpotentials@yahoo.com. Permaculture list people will get updates more often.

Permaculture Working Group Contact:
Steve Hoog, 610-410-5975, livingpotentials@yahoo.com

Schedule of Events
Permaculture Working Group schedule of events.

Permaculture Library
The Permaculture Library features books, videos, pamphlets and other materials related to the study of Permaculture. Contact Steve Hoog, 610-410-5975 or livingpotentials@yahoo.com for information on borrowing library materials. Thanks to Bob Flatley and Will Jefferson at the Rohrbach Library, Kutztown University for creating online database.

Other Resources

Permaculture Activist
Permaculture Activist is North America's leading (and the world's oldest) permaculture periodical, with information on permaculture design, edible landscaping, bioregionalism, cooperative action, aquaculture, natural building, earthworks, renewable energy, practical solutions to the challenges of Real Life, and much more. We provide an online listing of upcoming permaculture design courses and a global directory for linking students to teachers and information, homeowners to designers and consultants, homeseekers to community, plus hope and help for all who desire a healthy happy planet that cares for its peoples.

Permaculture Institute
The Permaculture Institute provides education, consulting, media contact, funding, project financing, and technical information.