Fingerlakespermaculture mailing list

[Karryn Olson-Ramanujan <karrynolson AT gmail.com>]

Observe and Interact: 4th Annual Permaculture Weekend August 25 - 27

Media contact: board@fingerlakespermaculture.org

The Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute (FLCPI) is excited to announce that this year’s Permaculture Site Tours will feature 20 sites, including several new ones. The map reflects increasing density and diversity of sites in the Finger Lakes, from gardens to farms and parks to social permaculture systems like Ithacash, an alternative local currency. You’ll also find permaculture collectives in the city of Syracuse a farm in Elmira and one as far north as Clayton.

Permaculture, a contraction of the words "permanent" and "culture" is a practical system of ecological design that balances community needs for development with regenerative ecological practices. “Observe and interact”, is one of twelve permaculture principles. It suggests that before we interact with nature or people we keenly observe patterns, root system, yields, and the interconnectedness of each element in a system.

“Our vision for the Permaculture Weekend builds from the Campesino a Campesino (Farmer to Farmer) model for grassroots movements in Latin America.” says Rebecca Cutter, FLPCI board member.  “This is an opportunity for people in our region to learn from each other and to see concrete examples of permaculture principles and ethics in action.”

Estelle Waterman will showcase her family homestead on Beamhill Road in Dryden for the first time this year. Waterman sees permaculture as much more than a design science. “I see the ways in which it is also a movement; one that encompasses and addresses so many of the current problems facing our world, from climate change to social justice to chronic disease to food shortage and more.” Her 4-acre family-scale homestead is in year two of its development. Tours of her homestead will focus on the permaculture design process, with maps on display for viewing. This is a valuable site for beginner permaculturists and for those interested in communal living, animal husbandry, trade, and scalability.                                        

The event, which is now in its fourth year, attracts upwards to 500 visitors from New York State and Pennsylvania. The weekend kicks off on Friday evening with Permaculture Films shown at five locations. The film “Polyfaces”  will be shown in Corning and Auburn, “Woodlanders” in Ithaca, “The Permaculture Orchard: Beyond Organic” in Montour Falls, and “Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective” in Clayton.

Saturday, regional permaculture enthusiasts are opening up their home gardens, farms, forest gardens, parks, businesses, and organizations. Organize your route by accessing the google map and schedule of tours at  http://fingerlakespermaculture.org/ There is also a link to self-organize carpools, which is highly encouraged for the tours and the entire weekend of events.

After a day of tours, a networking reception will be held at The Finger Lakes Cider House in Interlaken from 6-8pm. Bring some spending money, because the kitchen and bar will be in full swing serving up local delights, and a raffle will feature permaculture-related products and services. There will also be live music on the new, outdoor stage. Please park on Hickock Road unless you require ADA parking. No dogs, please, only service dogs allowed.

The Sunday Convergence will feature presentations starting at 10 am at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, in Montour Falls (special thanks to the Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming for its support to line up great presenters).  You can purchase lunch from food trucks on-site, and buy your fall plants at a perennial plant sale in the parking lot. At 1 pm, FLPCI will use Open Space Technology to facilitate discussions exploring the theme “How can permaculture best serve our communities?” This non-hierarchical format allows attendees to create the agenda and self-organize around interests. All participants are invited to bring their wisdom, passions, and questions revolving around the theme. This session will start with an orientation, so please arrive promptly.

PLEASE NOTE: To ensure the safety and comfort of all, please do not bring any pets to any event during the Permaculture Weekend.

FLPCI would like to extend deep gratitude to its co-sponsors for their support of the weekend: Alternatives Federal Credit Union, Ashley McGraw Architects, Silver Tree, Cayuta Sun Farm, Dead Dog Farm and Cross Island Farm.

FLPCI is a non-profit, with a 100% volunteer board. Proceeds from last year’s Permaculture Weekend allowed FLPCI to apply for 501c3 status. Visit http://fingerlakespermaculture.org/ for more details on all events. Unless otherwise noted, attendance at most events is by donation.