I took a ride over to Plano, Texas last month to further my education with Nicholas Burtner at his school he has set up, School of Permaculture. It was a three day earthworks workshop, two days of classroom study and discussion, followed by a day in the field surveying and installing swales for a food forest.

Firstly, let me say that Nicholas is a really great guy. He is funny and cheerful, and immediately puts you at ease so you are ready to begin learning.

The classroom was at his urban demonstration site, just out side of Dallas. There were about a half dozen students so there was plenty of time for anyone with a question to get clarification, which was great. There was also lots of give and take, as many of the students were fairly knowledgable and had anecdotes that helped illustrate the points being made by Nicholas. This student particpation made things well rounded and comfortable.

The classroom setting was excellent, as well. It was pleasant to take a break from whiteboard and lecture to wander around the backyard gardens and food forest. This also helped show how small scale earthworks are applicable.

The final day we traveled across town to the site of Divinekinship, where they will be planting a food forest to help eliminate food deserts in urban enviroments. It was really great feeling to know that we weren't just learning about how to drought proof land and avoid erosion, but we were also starting a process to help feed underprivileged folks nutient rich foods. That's stacking functions!

It was a thoroughly great experience. I gained knowledge, made new friends, and had a blast.

For Nicholas' write up and more pictures go to: http://schoolofpermaculture.com/latest-earthworks-course/#.VFh_TcmwUQM