Permaculture Workshop In Volcano: December 7th

Permaculture workshop in Volcano

Do you desire to create a residential environment which promotes self-reliance? On Sunday, December 7, Volcano Art Center offers an “Introduction to Permaculture” workshop from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at its Niaulani campus in Volcano Village. In this workshop, discover how to organize plot plans which utilizes surrounding resources with minimal impact on the environment and its cycles, resulting in successful living systems.

“The richness in diversity of ecologies and cultures in Hawai`i allows for impressive possibilities for regional self-sufficiency,” says instructor D. Hunter Beyer. Permaculture is a contemporary term, which encompasses a variety of traditional as well as scientific principles in building design, biology, forestry, gardening, and animal husbandry. Professor David Holmgren and scientist Bill Mollison birthed the philosophy in Australia over thirty years ago.
“Permaculture has come to also include strategies for access to land and regional self-financing,” Beyer explains.

A general overview of concepts such as Hawaiian forests, climate, water, orchards, aquaculture, and animal forage systems are presented in the morning portion of the workshop. Beyer illustrates how all aspects of these systems combine into a single holistic entity, and how this differs from the general western concept of farming. Urban and village design are also briefly discussed.
In her take-home packet of materials, Beyer provides a systematic way to determine what constitutes a realistic system based on a particular site and the living things, people included. This supplemental material also covers topics such as carbon reduction, charcoal water filtration, and a list of plants appropriate to incorporate into a permaculture design.

After lunch, participants travel to a nearby Volcano residence to interview a landowner wishing to develop a community garden from scratch, applying newly acquired principles to partial analysis and site design. Once a sense of his/her needs and wants are acquired, participants aid in landscape design. This application process allows students to better understand what designing a system entails.

A hands-on mulching demonstration concludes the day’s activities. “Sheet mulching tries to copy the recycling patterns found in nature. By covering weeds with several layers, digging is avoided, soil is built, and nutrients and moisture are conserved,” explains Beyer.

Instructor D. Hunter Beyer is disciplined in anthropology, psychology, and social science, and obtained permaculture certification locally in the early ‘90’s. Beyer is also an artist and co-author of the three-part book series specific to Hawai`i titled “Permacopia.”

Class tuition is $50. Substantial educational subsidies are available to financially needy students. To register or apply for financial aid, contact the Volcano Art Center at or Click Here