Advanced Topics in Science: Agroecology & Permaculture

Agroecology is an environmentally-intense, albeit necessary, human activity. Come investigate the intersection of farming and ecology in this hands-on planning and practicum course! The quarter will focus on developing a permaculture plan for a 5-acre plot that we visit together to test, sample, investigate, and discuss. Topics include soils, seed (both practical and political aspects), land use planning, water management, regenerative agriculture, and mitigating climate change. We will keep a running discussion of food justice, decolonizing permaculture, and social evolution as we go. Classes include field trips to a berry farm, dairy, sustainable fishery, and established permaculture homestead - as well as time spent in the Outback directly engaging in farm activities. Student narrative evaluations will assess class participation, completion of homework readings and written assignments, and final farm plan project and presentation.