About the Permaculture Collaborative

Both social and educational, Outreach Events are designed to introduce the larger community to Permaculture and to cultivate the Collaborative’s community connections, two significant facets of our Mission. To fulfill the basic membership work requirement, Active members may log volunteer hours by serving at Outreach Events. Examples of such events include our Sustainability Sessions, Film Festivals, and Community Festivals. More info

Collaborative members travel to locations and events such as the Land Institute's Prairie Festival, Eco-Yard Midtown, Midwest Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Fair, ACRES USA, and the National SARE Conference. Members also tour private permaculture gardens. Site tours and field trips continue to educate our growing membership and are great opportunities to get to know other members. More info

Workshare Weekend Events are one of the many social benefits of membership, offering hands-on learning and simple fun as members enjoy the bonding that working outdoors together can inspire. Some events may include additional activities, such as camping, walks, bonfires, potluck, and outdoor recreation. More info

All volunteers, both members and non-members, are welcome to participate in our one-day or ongoing Service Learning Projects, such as community-based Permaculture work through local nonprofits, schools, places of worship, and parks. Participation in the Introduction to Permaculture workshop or other PRI Cold Climate workshops may be a prerequisite, depending on the site and activity. More info

Skillshares are popular events introducing participants to the basics of a skill that is useful for a sustainable lifestyle. Past Skillshares have included Mushroom Log Inoculation, Seed Starting, and Chickens in the City. More info

These informal events, often held at members' homes, feature light refreshments and discussion of one or more topics. More info

Learning Circles:

Periodically organized Learning Circles address special topics—including soil health, plant guilds, and climate change—based on members’ needs. Watch our Events and Workshops listings for dates and times.

The Collaborative coordinates educational and social Convergences at the local, regional, national, and international levels for people working in Permaculture. More info

Peer Consultations:

To remain engaged in the learning process, members in specific areas of expertise assist their fellow Collaborative and community members in developing specific Permaculture designs. These Peer Consultations are drafted and are often brought to the larger membership for discussion and refinement. Peer Consultations are an element of the Permaculture Bartering System. All members and non-member volunteers are welcome to participate.