Register Here by June 9th
FRIDAY FILM & DISCUSSION: 7:30 pm (FREE & OPEN to the Public)
GARBAGE WARRIOR (2007)
What do beer cans, car tires and water bottles have in common? Not much unless you’re renegade architect Michael Reynolds, in which case they are tools of choice for producing thermal mass and energy-independent housing. For 30 years New Mexico-based Reynolds and his green disciples have devoted their time to advancing the art of “Earthship Biotecture” by building self-sufficient, off-the-grid communities where design and function converge in eco-harmony. However, these experimental structures that defy state standards create conflict between Reynolds and the authorities, who are backed by big business. Frustrated by antiquated legislation, Reynolds lobbies for the right to create a sustainable living test site. While politicians hum and ha, Mother Nature strikes, leaving communities devastated by tsunamis and hurricanes. Reynolds and his crew seize the opportunity to lend their pioneering skills to those who need it most. Shot over three years and in four countries, Garbage Warrior is a timely portrait of a determined visionary, a hero of the 21st century.
Earthship n. 1. passive solar home made of natural and recycled materials 2. thermal mass construction for temperature stabilization. 3. renewable energy & integrated water systems make the Earthship an off-grid home with little to no utility bills.
Biotecture n. 1. the profession of designing buildings and environments with consideration for their sustainability. 2. A combination of biology and architecture.
DESCRIPTION
Building with natural materials locally sourced is the ideal. Designing dwellings that integrate food production, water capture and storage, healthy living space, passive solar, and energy efficiency is the essence of permaculture. These topics and more will be examined and discussed. Hands on activities include constructing an outdoor cob oven.
GOALS OF THE WORKSHOP
- Learn about natural building techniques
- Construct an outdoor cob oven
- Enjoy an age-old technique of community building & design
INSTRUCTORS
Andy Purke has been an artisan blacksmith for over 20 years and is an accomplished homesteader and “jack of all trades.” He’s locally sourced all the materials to construct a cob oven and knows the phases and challenges of foundation digging & building, dry-stacking stones, and cob oven mixtures.
Joel Cahalan is a certified permaculture teacher and aspiring biointensive gardener whose mentors include Dave Jacke and John Jeavons . He manages the production aspects of Wild Meadows Farm and in a former life co-founded and helped manage a successful worker cooperative (thehubbikecoop.org). He dreams of a future in which all species are respected and valued and humans live in harmony with their home planet. Other interests include all things related to bicycles, anarchism and nature.
REGISTRATION
To register, click HERE. Please register by June 9, 2010 so that we can plan accordingly.
The cost for this workshop is a sliding scale fee of $150-$200 which includes lodging in an 1850’s rustic farmhouse, vegan/vegetarian cuisine, and instruction. Work trade is available and negotiable. Discounted fees are available for Bedford, Fulton, and Blair County residents of PA and Garrett County residents of MD.
SCHEDULE
Plan to arrive by 7:00 PM on Friday evening to attend the film showing followed by a community discussion. We will be starting at 9:00 AM on Saturday and ending the workshop on Sunday by 3:00 PM.
For further questions, email Kim at (info(at)wildmeadowsfarm.com) or call at 814-839-4962.
LOCATION
Wild Meadows Farm ¦ 456 Smith Road ¦ Schellsburg, PA 15559
This workshop is a collaboration of Chesapeake, Education, Arts, and Research Society (CHEARS) and Wild Meadows Farm.
