Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster

Brad Lancaster: Hands-on Earthworks & Acequia Workshop, June 9, 2013 — Albuquerque NM
2013-06-09 10:00 - 16:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Date: Sunday, June 9, 2013
Time: 10 am to 4 pm
Brad will be leading a hands-on workshop at Kalyx Studio Learning Center in Bernalillo County’s South Valley.
Participants will learn and practice earthwork techniques used in water-harvesting systems. The workshop will focus specifically on earthworks that can be implemented to improve the efficiency of acequia irrigation for the home garden.
Although we will be constructing a system that combines traditional desert-gardening practices with water-harvesting techniques as applied to acequia irrigation, all of the techniques relate directly to working with rainwater and greywater systems.
At this time the workshop is full, but there is a wait list in the event of cancellations. Inquiries can be directed to workshop organizer Leslie Buerk at info@kalyxstudio.com.

Brad Lancaster: Free Public Talk on Water-Harvesting & Integrated Design, June 7, 2013 — Albuquerque NM
2013-06-07 18:00 - 20:00
Brad will give his classic water-harvesting talk with new material on integrated design.

Time: 6–8 pm
Venue: Garcia Honda Auditorium—George Pearl Hall
University of New Mexico School of Architecture and Planning, Albuquerque
Cost: Free
Refreshments graciously provided by La Montañita Co-op.
We are crossing our fingers that the much-awaited new edition of Brad’s Volume 1 in the Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond series will be hot off the press and available for sale and signing after Brad’s talk. Volume 2 will be available.
FMI: Contact Amanda at Erda Gardens: info@erdagardens.org | (505) 610-1538 | www.erdagardens.org
Thank you to the following organizations for making this event happen!

Erda Gardens and Learning Center
Kalyx Studio
Permaculture Institute
Querencia Green
University of New Mexico’s Sustainability Studies Program

Brad Lancaster: Conferencia Pública de Cosecha de Agua de Lluvia y Reforestación Urbana, 24–25 de mayo 2013 — La Paz, México
2013-05-24 19:30 - 22:00
Niparajá A.C. y Raíz De Fondo A.C. te invitan a:

“Conferencia Pública de Cosecha de Agua de Lluvia y Reforestación Urbana”
Ponente Principal: Brad Lancaster
Presentación: 7:30PM – 10:00PM viernes, 24 de mayo 2013, Jardín Comunitario Sabores De La Tierra (Nayarit #40, Col. Manglito, a media cuadra de la playa)
Intervención: 9:00AM – 1:00PM sábado, 25 de mayo 2013, Jardín Comunitario Encinas (Calle Guillermo Prieto 1016, esq. Encinas, Col. Centro)

Tú puedes crear tu propio OASIS en tu patio, en la banqueta frente de tu casa, en espacios públicos… Y lo puedes hacer con AGUA DE LLUVIA.
Este evento es gratuito y abierto a todo público, y será hablado en español y inglés simultaneamente. ¡Invita a quien quieras!
Canalizando el agua pluvial correctamente y a muy bajo costo, podemos crear espacios verdes, recargar acuíferos y reducir inundaciones en sus espacios públicos y desarrollos. En este evento se reunirá el sector público, turístico, de la construcción y el público en general para aprender de alternativas comprobadas que aumentarán la calidad de vida para todos que habitamos en Baja California Sur.
Brad Lancaster nos visita desde Tucson, Arizona, una región con un clima desértico y población muy parecidos a La Paz. En su patio urbano de 500 m2 él logra recolectar más de 375,000 litros de agua pluvial al año para alimentar su jardín de plantas comestibles, medicinales y de sombra. Autor de dos libros sobre el tema, Brad ha diseñado e instalado docenas de proyectos públicos y particulares para capturar, guardar y utilizar el agua pluvial para reforestar paisajes urbanos.
Este evento es gratuito y abierto a todo público. ¡Invita a quien quieras!
Para mayores informes visita: www.raizdefondo.org
También, si quieres saber más sobre el tema sugerimos que veas la pagina de Brad Lancaster www.www.harvestingrainwater.com/ y este video en Youtube para tener una idea de que tanta agua podemos recolectar en La Paz….
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Public Conference on Rainwater Harvesting and Urban Reforestation
Theory: 19:30 hrs. Friday, May 24, Sabores De La Tierra Community Garden (Nayarit #40, Col. El Manglito, a half block from the beach)
Practice Installation: 09:00 hrs. Saturday, May 25, Encinas Community Garden (Guillermo Prieto #1016, corner of Encinas, Col. Centro)
You can create your own OASIS in your patio, on the sidewalk in front of your home, in public spaces… And you can do it with RAIN WATER.
This Friday and Saturday we’ll teach you how with BRAD LANCASTER, author of 2 books on the subject and leader in the urban reforestation in drylands. This workshop is free and open to the public. For more info visit www.raizdefondo.org Invite a friend!
(This event will be spoken in English and Spanish simultaneously.)

Brad Lancaster: Free Public Talk on Water Harvesting and Integrated Design, April 12, 2013—Phoenix AZ
2013-04-12 18:00 - 19:30
Brad will be giving a version of his classic water-harvesting talk, updated to include more information on integrated design.
Date: Friday, April 12, 2013
Time: 6–7:30 pm
Location: Phoenix City Hall, 200 W Washington St, Phoenix
Room: Assembly Rooms A, B, & C
Free parking at City Hall garage if you arrive before 6 pm!
Event information can also be found on the City of Phoenix’s Water Services Facebook page, at WaterUseItWisely.com and on Water—Use It Wisely’s Facebook page (if not yet posted, it will be soon!).
Thanks to the City of Phoenix for hosting this event on behalf of ADWR and AMWUA as part of Water Awareness Month!

WMG Instructors: Water-Harvesting Certification Course, April 5–13, 2013 — Tucson AZ
2013-04-05 - 2013-04-13
Note: Brad is one of many instructors for this course.

The WMG Water Harvesting Certification program is a hands-on training course that provides certification in water-harvesting-system design and implementation. WMG’s goal is to transfer water-harvesting knowledge to those who will utilize these practices in their professions and, in turn, teach the practices to others. Our program provides the highest quality and greatest depth of training in integrative water harvesting offered in the nation.
The course teaches design, implementation, and installation of:

Greywater systems
Water-harvesting earthworks
Plastic cisterns

Early Registration: Apply by January 21, 2013. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the course is full, so early applications are encouraged. $1,100 course fee, including gourmet local-food lunch each day of the training.
Regular Registration: Apply by February 25, 2013. $1,250 course fee, including gourmet local-food lunch each day of the training.
For more information and to apply visit http://watershedmg.org/tech-trainings

Brad Lancaster & Joel Glanzberg: 4-Day Permaculture Interactive Series, March 13–16, 2013 — Moab UT
2013-03-13 - 2013-03-16
Click image below to visit Community Rebuilds’ website for event details and maps.
Click image above to visit Community Rebuilds’ website

Brad Lancaster: Dig In! Food and Farming Festival, March 1–2, 2013 — Fayetteville AR
2013-03-01
Click image above to visit the Festival website
The festival will be taking place at the University of Arkansas Global Campus in Fayetteville
From the Dig In! organizers:
Here’s an overview of the 2013 festival! We hope you will consider buying a supporter pass if you are able, but remember the conference is offered by donation also so that it is available to everyone. Suggested donation is $5 per class, film, talk. It’s going to be a great time.

All events take place at UA Global Campus on the Fayetteville Square. Map here. When you arrive, check in at registration booth in street-level lobby. You will get a detailed program at check in.
Thursday, February 28

After School Special—4:00-5:30 p.m. What’s on Your Plate – a fun-filled movie about where food comes
from. The film follows two eleven-year-old city kids as they talk to food activists, farmers, new friends,
storekeepers, their families, and the viewer, in their quest to understand what’s on all of our plates. This
movie is free and open to the public – everyone welcome. This is a great film for kids, but adults will love it
too. Donations gratefully accepted. A co-production with Apple Seeds, Inc.

Evening—Films: Festival Starters 7 p.m. Truck Farm and 7:55 Fresh This showing of Fresh sponsored by the Fayetteville Chapter of The Weston A. Price Foundation.

Friday, March 1: Farmer Friday
One morning track designed for farmers and aspiring farmers. A second morning track for gardeners with some experience. Followed by a special keynote presentation of interest to both groups and and to water conservationists too. Farmer Friday is offered by donation, with $20 suggested for the full day, but we want Farmer Friday available to all growers who are interested, so please come as you are!

9:00-9:30 Registration and Welcome: Street level Lobby

Farmers Morning Session 1: 9:30 to 10:45—”How to Sell More” Lori Boatwright, Public and Media Coordinator, Fayetteville Farmers Market, and Nicki McNelly, Manager, Bentonville Farmers Market

Farmers Morning Session 2: 11:00-12:00—”Small Farm Financing” Charlie Stockton, FORGE, Financing Ozark Rural Growth and Economy (forgeonline.com)

Gardeners Morning Session 1: 9:30 to 10:45—“The Generous Garden: Designing Landscapes That Give As They Grow” with Leigh Wilkerson & “Backyard Fruit” with Guy Ames.

Gardeners ( & Growers welcome too) Session 2: 11:00-12:00 — “Fundamentals of no-till gardening: start and run a garden or farm with no machine, high yields and great peace” with Patrice Gros.

12 noon: Lunch and Conversation: Lunch provided by Ozark Natural Foods for full-day participants.

Afternoon Keynote Session & Conversation: 1:00-4:00—“Planting the Rain: Principles, Practices, and Tips for Water-Harvesting Earthworks & more” Brad Lancaster, author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond. Food is virtual water – originating from the source of irrigation. Local, sustainable food is all the rage, but we can take it further by growing that food with local, sustainable water. This talk covers the growing of food using rainwater for irrigation. Case studies include rain-fed greenhouses, dryfarming, backyard market gardens , and climate-appropriate plantings.

Friday Evening, March 1: Opening Night & Film Premieres!!

Opening Reception sponsored by BHK Kafe and Arsaga’s at The Depot— 5: 30 p.m. Come and kick off the main festival with all of our friends, supporters, volunteers, teachers, and sponsors. (This ticketed event is included in Foodie, Locavore, and Friend of the Farm Passes, or $15 per ticket)

Farmer Friday: FILM PREMIERE NIGHT starts at 7 p.m. Join us for the Arkansas premieres of Eating Alabama at 7 p.m. and To Make a Farm* at 8:15. Two delightful new films, not to be missed, were the favorites of your Dig In! coordinators and are the highlight of our film series. Included in supporters passes; suggested donation $5/film.

Saturday, March 2: The Big Day!
Classes & Films Included in all Festival Passes or $5 suggested donation per session; seed swap and information/vendor fair are free.
8-9 Registration & Coffee. Info & Vendor Fair Opens. Info/Vendor fair.
CLASS SCHEDULE:
9-10am Concurrent Class Session 1
EMMA: EASY BRASSICAS & COOL WEATHER GREENS
DANA & LEIGH: EDIBLE LANDSCAPES
MARY: CANNING & PRESERVING
PATRICE: WINTER HARVEST
CHEF LEWIS: COOKING IN SEASON

1030-1130am Concurrent Class Session 2

MARIAH & IRA: BACKYARD CHICKENS
JANE: COMPOSTING FOR BETTER SOILS
KARYN: EASY HERBS TO GROW AND COOK
TIFFANY: BUDGET BEGINNER ORGANIC GARDENS
CHEF TUESDAY: COOKING IN SEASON

1130-130p Lunch Break/ Vendor Fair/ Interest Group Roundtables/ FREE Community Seed Swap by Fayetteville Community Garden Coalition.
11:30-12:30 Sponsored Tasting: Lean Green Gourmet. Visit their table in the Information & Vendor Fair
12:30-1:30 Sponsored Tasting: Greenhouse Grille Visit their table in the Information & Vendor Fair
12:00-1:00 Interest Roundtables: Community conversations, totally casual. Meet up with other folks who share your interests and share information.
•Lexicon of Food: What do the terms organic, local, locavore really mean? Farmer James Maginot of Beyond Organics Farm will moderate this discussion on the terminology of the food movement.
•Urban Gardening: Peter Nierengarten, Director of Sustainability and Strategic Planning for the City of
Fayetteville will moderate this conversation on the particular challenges and opportunities of growing within cities.
•Find Your Food: Local Markets, CSAs & More. Farmers Mariah and Ira of Summer Kitchen Farm will moderate this conversation on exploring options to eat more locally.

130-330p PUBLIC KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: BRAD LANCASTER
Classic Water-Harvesting Presentation: Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance
This inspiring presentation shares eight universal principles of water harvesting along with simple strategies that turn water scarcity into water abundance. They empower you to create integrated water-sustainable landscape plans at home and throughout your community. Rainwater harvesting is the process of capturing rain and making the most of it as close as possible to where it falls. You’ll see examples enhancing local food security, passively cooling cities in summer, reducing costs of living and energy consumption, controlling erosion, averting flooding, reviving dead waterways, minimizing water pollution, building community, creating celebration, and more.
3:30-4:00 Sponsored Tasting: Ozark Natural Foods Tasting table in the Information & Vendor Fair area (4th Floor).
400-500pm Concurrent Class Session 3
CELESTE: MAKING MEDICINALS WITH HERBS
CAT & LUCY: FERMENTED FOODS FOR BEGINNERS
LEIGH: BEGINNER BEEKEEPING
GUY: GROWING BACKYARD FRUIT
HERB: SEED SAVING (Followed by an “Advanced Seed Savers Exchange” by Fayetteville Community Garden Coalition. See details here.

Saturday Evening—FESTIVAL FILMS: Make A Difference Night Films start at 6:30 King Corn (90 min) , 8:10 Big River (27 min) 8:40 Homegrown Revolution (14 min) (Included in all Festival Passes, or $5 per film suggested donation)
Stay tuned to this page for more news coming soon. You will receive a program with all event details when you register at the festival Thurs, Fri or Sat. Please join us.
Cost: The festival is offered by donation. It is a not-for-profit event and your contributions and those of our sponsors make the festival happen. If you can, please consider a supporters pass. You can also get a pass at the festival and/or donate what you can. Mainly: we want everyone to be able to attend—so come as you are!
Map, directions, parking info here: http://diginfestival.com/map_parking/

Regular Registration Deadline for WMG's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, Spring 2013 — Tucson AZ
2013-02-25

WMG Webinar: Extreme Composting: Using Human Waste to Enhance Soil in Case Studies from Around the World, with Diane Austin and Sowmya Somnath — February 21, 2013
2013-02-21 09:00 - 10:00
Extreme Composting: Using Human Waste to Enhance Soil in Case Studies from Around the World
A free WMG webinar with Diane Austin and Sowmya Somnath

February 21, 2013
9–10 AM MST
Composting toilets are particularly useful in parts of the world with limited sanitation infrastructure, but there are many barriers to implementation, including social stigma, limited resources, and building community capacity to maintain systems. Dr. Diane Austin of the University of Arizona and Watershed Management Group’s own Sowmya Somnath will discuss projects they have led in India, Burkina Faso, and Mexico and will discuss the challenges and successes of implementing community-based eco-sanitation projects.
Click here to register for this webinar.

Early Registration Deadline for WMG's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, Spring 2013 — Tucson AZ
2013-01-21

Regular Registration Deadline for WMG's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, Winter 2013 — Phoenix AZ
2013-01-21

Valley Permaculture Alliance w/ Brad Lancaster: Permaculture Design Course, January–June 2013 — Phoenix AZ
2013-01-12
The 2013 Permaculture Design Course: Drylands (PDC), offered by the Valley Permaculture Alliance (VPA), teaches an approach that will provide you the skills to observe your world, garden, home, and life with a fresh and new perspective. Permaculture is a holistic approach to life that can benefit you both personally and professionally.
Early registration deadline: December 20, 2012
The PDC is a comprehensive program designed for anyone wanting to learn the principles in applying nature awareness, energy systems, water supplies and so much more to desert home landscapes, gardens, and communities. This year, unique to all previously taught VPA PDC programs, you can take as few sessions as you like, or all 12 sessions earning you the PDC Certification—the choice is yours.
The VPA is bringing in locally known and nationally recognized experts to present and demonstrate real-world examples of permaculture principles and how to apply them to your life. This is an opportunity to meet and learn from highly respected instructors from the global stage, plus local teachers that possess first-hand experience of our unique area.
All dates and topics are now open for registration with a limited-time early-bird discount. Those who take all ten January–May classes will be enrolled in two additional classes in June specific to the Permaculture Design Project.
For an overview of the course: http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/page/pdc-course
For course topics and schedule: http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/page/pdc-schedule
For registration and payment information: http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/page/register-payment
For a list of instructors and their bios: http://www.phoenixpermaculture.org/page/instructor-bios

Early Registration Deadline for the 18th Annual Sonoran Permaculture Guild Design Course, February–March 2013—Tucson AZ
2012-12-15
Registration for the 18th Annual Permaculture Design Course is open now!
This course happens over five weekends every February and March. Dates for the upcoming 2013 course are:
February 9–10,
February 16–17,
March 2–3,
March 16–17, and
March 23–24
Cost: $695, or $650 for early registration (before December 15).
Partial scholarships are available.
There is also a class book fee of $42 for a copy of Introduction to Permaculture by Bill Mollison. Also highly recommended are Brad Lancaster’s Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands & Beyond, Volumes 1 and 2.
For the last seventeen years this course has been full with a waiting list, so early registration is encouraged. To give a high-quality educational experience, we limit the size of the class to eighteen participants. Contact Dan, the course registrar, at dorsey@dakotacom.net or 520-624-8030 to register or receive more information.
This Permaculture certification course covers all aspects of sustainable design with a Southwest drylands flavor, including a balance of hands-on experience, classroom time, and design practicum. Dynamic exercises encourage pattern recognition, noticing the links between plants and animals, climate, and landforms that make up natural ecosystems. The course focuses on dryland communities with a strong urban and semi-rural emphasis, addressing individual site and neighborhood “problems,” such as stormwater flooding. Students learn to read the landscape, to map and analyze energies flowing through a site, and to develop integrated designs for sustainable systems. The weekend format of the course makes it easier for people who hold a weekday job to attend and promotes better integration of the course material into daily life. Our course closely follows the standard 72-hour format developed by Bill Mollison and others.
Course topics include agroforestry, appropriate technology, building design, design principles and patterning, site analysis, dryland gardening principles, ecosystem restoration, philosophy and ethics of Permaculture, regenerative community economics, soils and erosion control, village and community design, water harvesting, invisible structures, and many other topics. The classroom site is in the central-Tucson area and at other Permaculture sites in the Tucson area. Much of the class is held outdoors. This course is co-taught by Dan Dorsey, Brad Lancaster, and Barbara Rose, each with two decades of Permaculture experience, as well as other SPG associate teachers.
To visit the Sonoran Permaculture Guild website’s listing for this course, go to www.sonoranpermaculture.org/courses-and-workshops.

Early Registration Deadline for WMG's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, Winter 2013 — Phoenix AZ
2012-12-10

Craig Sponholtz & Owen Habutzel: Applied Watershed Restoration & Introduction to Keyline Design, November 27 – December 1, 2012 – southern CA
2012-11-27 - 2012-12-01
Course details and registration information to be posted at www.quailsprings.org/events.

Watershed Management Group's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, November 9–17, 2012 — Tucson AZ
2012-11-09 - 2012-11-17
Watershed Management Group’s Water Harvesting Certification Course

November 9–17, 2012

Tucson, AZ

Early Registration Deadline: September 7, 2012
Regular Registration Deadline: October 5, 2012 Two spots left! Deadline extended… Interested? Apply now!

Participants who complete the Water Harvesting Certification will be able to:

Integrate water-harvesting systems with other design considerations (energy conservation, aesthetic design, food production, wildlife habitat, etc.)
Calculate rainwater runoff potential of catchment areas and determine soil percolation rate
Create a water budget and use water-harvesting systems to match landscaping to available water supply
Choose, size, and build appropriate earthworks features for different applications (basins, berms, swales, French drains)
Design greywater systems from laundry machines, bathroom sinks, and bathroom shower water
Build gravity-fed greywater systems from laundry-machine water to irrigate landscape
Size and install plastic cisterns
Design water-harvesting systems to support small-scale food production (including earthworks design, cistern design and application, and soil improvements)
Design all of the above systems while incorporating safety and health considerations

Instructors

Brad Lancaster, WMG Senior Watershed Specialist, and author of Rainwater Harvesting For Drylands and Beyond
Catlow Shipek, WMG Senior Program Manager
James DeRoussel, WMG Program Manager
Lisa Shipek, WMG Executive Director
Mark Ragel, Owner of Water Harvesting International

Full information and application can be found at: watershedmg.org/tech-trainings

Brad Lancaster with Amanda Bramble (Ampersand), Steve Carson (Rangeland Hands), Jan-Willem Jansens (Ecotone), and Craig Sponholtz (Dryland Solutions): Watershed Restoration Workshop, October 6–7, 2012 — Cerrillos NM
2012-10-06 - 2012-10-07
WATERSHED RESTORATION: THE CUTTING EDGE
CATCHING, SINKING, STORING, AND USING WATER WHERE IT FALLS
OCTOBER 6–7, 2012
COST: $35 (Scholarships available for residents of the Galisteo Watershed)
REGISTRATION: Send us an email at ampersandproject@yahoo.com, listing your name, email, phone, and location. We will contact you by late August with the formal registration procedure. If you don’t hear from us by then, give us a call at 505 780-0535.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Use the free, on-site water flowing off our roofs, backyards and roads to increase the living sponge of biomass that is the foundation of our communities’ ecology and good health. Learn to identify and enhance natural processes in order to create sustainable oases of perennial food and shelter systems. We will also investigate how our built environment impacts the watershed, and how to design, retrofit, and build watershed-friendly systems.
* Explore community watershed potential through the use of maps identifying your site, its subwatershed, and the role of both within the larger Galisteo Watershed
* Create water-harvesting earthworks and low-impact erosion-control structures utilizing free, local materials to enhance to capacity of your property and your neighborhood.
* Join contractors and educators who have organized, designed, and installed local restoration projects within the Galisteo Watershed and set the standards for the current water-harvesting movement!
Instructors include:
BRAD LANCASTER
Author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Vols 1 & 2
AMANDA BRAMBLE
Ampersand
STEVE CARSON
Rangeland Hands, Inc.
CRAIG SPONHOLTZ
Dryland Solutions, Inc.
JAN-WILLEM JANSENS
Ecotone
Download the Ampersand Watershed Restoration Workshop Flyer.
For more about Ampersand Sustainable Learning Center: www.ampersandproject.org or call (505) 780-0535

Registration Deadline for Watershed Management Group's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, November 9–17, 2012 — Tucson AZ
2012-10-05

Stream Dynamics et ali: Free Rainwater-Harvesting Workshop: A Graceful Resolution for the Urban River, October 4–5, 2012 — Silver City NM
2012-10-04 - 2012-10-05
Rainwater Harvesting: A Graceful Resolution for the Urban River
Contact:
Van Clothier, Stream Dynamics, Inc.
streamdynamics@aznex.net
www.streamdynamics.us
(575) 388-5296
Dates:
October 4–5, 2012
Location:
Silver City, New Mexico
Presenters:
Van Clothier Director of Stream Dynamics, Inc.
Catlow Shipek Watershed Management Group
Denise Smith Town of Silver City, Office of Sustainability
Allyson Siwik Gila Resources Information Project (GRIP)
Tuition:
FREE to participants, thanks to a grant from the New Mexico Environment Department
This workshop is part of the 2012 New Mexico Watershed Forum, and is being financed by a grant from the New Mexico Environment Department, so tuition is free!
Rainwater harvesting converts nuisance storm water runoff into a beneficial resource—protecting urban streams from flooding and water pollution—and provides free irrigation for landscaping and food-producing plants. The large array of benefits from this practice will be presented in detail. Local and regional experts will demonstrate water harvesting principles and benefits with beautiful color slides of successful projects in Silver City, Santa Fe, and Tucson.
Tour: Participants will tour half a dozen successful water-harvesting projects in Silver City and learn first-hand about the theory and practice of urban water harvesting and how it benefits both people and the environment. These projects, all within 2 miles of each other, range in age from 6 weeks to 6 years. Each site on the tour will demonstrate a different method to harvest water. We will discuss the design challenges at each site, how this was resolved, and how each project has performed in rain and snow. The workshop is fast-paced, and will go back and forth from the classroom to the streets and backyards of this small town.
Hands-on project: Participants will actually build a water-harvesting project during the second day of the workshop. They will get first-hand experience in designing and building a project, and participate in every step in the process. Stream Dynamics will monitor the project site and send participants project updates with photographs of the project they built, showing how it performs with flowing water.
Participants: The workshop is open to city officials, engineers, architects, landscapers, students, and people who work in Green Infrastructure and Low Impact Development in New Mexico and especially from Grant, Luna, Hidalgo, Catron, and Doña Ana counties.
Lunch: Morning coffee service and catered lunch will be provided free of charge to participants.
Classroom Materials: These books will be provided to participants:
Let the Water Do the Work, by Bill Zeedyk and Van Clothier
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, by Brad Lancaster
Create an Oasis with Greywater, by Art Ludwig
There will also be a 3-ring binder provided with additional reports, contacts and references, and a project site map.

Brad Lancaster & Calgary Poet Laureate Kris Demeanor: Harvesting Our Future: A Conversation about Water, Permaculture, and Systemic Change, September 19, 2012—Calgary AB
2012-09-19 18:30 - 21:00
The Waterlution Hub Network, in conjunction with Verge Permaculture, presents:
Harvesting Our Future: Water, Permaculture & Systemic Change
with:
Guest Provocateur Brad Lancaster, Author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, and
Calgary Poet Laureate Kris Demeanor, with a water-related musical performance
Wednesday, September 19th, 2012
Doors open: 6 pm
Event: 6:30–9 pm
How do we create systemic change toward a better future? What are the water costs of energy and the energy costs of water?
“Watergy” is a term for the water-energy nexus. As an expert on rainwater harvesting, Brad sparks conversation on how to address systemic change around water and energy through a permaculture or ecological-design-system lens. Join us for an interactive evening of dialogue on how much water and energy is required in a water-scarce landscape whether in gardens, indoor plumbing, municipal infrastructure or industry.
Find inspiration for action at Waterlution’s first Calgary Hub gathering in 2012-2013, explore cross-sector collaboration and discover opportunities with fellow professionals.
Location:
National Music Centre
134 – 11 Avenue SE Calgary, AB
Cost: Free with registration (see below for link)
Appetizers and refreshments provided
Reserve your spot! Register at www.waterlution.org/hubs/ab
**Volunteers needed for evening of event!**
Please contact Mike at mike@waterlution.org for further information.

Craig Sponholtz: Applied Watershed Restoration Course, September 17-20, 2012 – Calgary AB Canada
2012-09-17 - 2012-09-20
Rockworks & Earthworks: Applied Watershed Restoration
Turning landscape water problems into solutions…

Watershed Restoration emphasizes working with, rather than against, nature to work effectively with our most precious resource: water. Using agro-ecological principles, Craig Sponholtz has become internationally renowned for his ability to transform eroding gullies and barren landscapes into lush islands of native vegetation that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but capable of feeding people, livestock and wildlife.
Craig’s Applied Watershed Restoration course covers fascinating topics such as: reading the landscape, erosion, soil conservation, water harvesting rockworks & earthworks and cutting edge watershed restoration methods including natural channel design and induced meandering.

Evening Presentation, TBA

Four day workshop – Applied Watershed Restoration: Monday, September 17 – Thursday, September 20th.

Hosted by: VERGE Permaculture, a Calgary-based company that specializes in a systems design approach to sustainable human habitat and a focus on interconnected elements: low energy buildings, water management, waste re-use, renewable energy & food production systems.
VERGE is passionate about helping Canadians regenerate degraded landscapes, build topsoil and improve our surrounding ecologies so both ours and future generations can lead healthy lives and benefit from natural resources.
FMI: www.vergepermaculture.ca/content/rockworks-earthworks-applied-watershed-restoration

Brad Lancaster: Plant the Rain to Grow Sustainable Abundance, September 10-13, 2012 – Calgary AB (Canada)
2012-09-10 - 2012-09-13
If you think that urban water harvesting begins and ends with rain barrels … you’re thinking too small.
Discover how you can use your lawn, your street, your shovel—and your shower!—to transform your community into a green oasis of empowered neighbors! During this 4-day course, participants will learn from Brad—in the classroom and through hands-on learning—strategies and skills in integrated design and water harvesting with earthworks and greywater systems.
For LOTS more course information and to register, visit www.vergepermaculture.ca/courses/rainwater-harvesting.
Dates: Monday, September 10 – Thursday, September 13, 2012
Times: 9 am – 5 pm, daily
Where: An acreage 10 minutes south of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Hosted by: The folks at Verge Permaculture

Brad Lancaster: Public Talk: Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance, September 8, 2012 – Calgary AB (Canada)
2012-09-08 19:00 - 21:00
Green Calgary Sustainability Series Presents:
Date: Saturday, September 8, 2012
Time: 7–9 pm
Location: John Dutton Theatre at Castell Central Library, 616 Macleod Trail SE, Calgary
Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance
This inspiring power point presentation shares eight universal principles of water harvesting along with simple strategies that turn water scarcity into water abundance. They empower you to create integrated water-sustainable landscape plans at home and throughout your community. Rainwater harvesting is the process of capturing rain and making the most of it as close as possible to where it falls. Greywater harvesting is the process of directing water from household sink, bathtub, shower, and washing-machine drains into the soils of the landscape where the water is naturally filtered and reused to generate more on-site resources. The two work hand in hand, and can reduce our water consumption by 30 to 50%! You’ll see examples enhancing local food security, passively cooling cities in summer, reducing costs of living and energy consumption, controlling erosion, averting flooding, reviving dead waterways, minimizing water pollution, building community, creating celebration, and more.
Cost: $10 for members | $20 general admission | $20 Calgary Dollars
Please RSVP by Wednesday, September 5 to www.greencalgary.org or (403) 230-1443
This event is a fundraiser for Green Calgary and is made possible by:
Green Calgary
Calgary Public Library
Verge Permaculture
Bullfrog Power

Early Registration Deadline for Watershed Management Group's Water-Harvesting Certification Course, November 9–17, 2012 — Tucson AZ
2012-09-07

University of Arizona Outreach College: Residential Rainwater Harvesting Course (open to Tucson homeowners), Fall Semester 2012 — Tucson AZ
2012-08-22 09:00 - 16:00
A course on Residential Rainwater Harvesting will be offered in the fall term at the University of Arizona. A flyer which gives you the essential details can be downloaded here. The target is to have 20 students for this class, half from the neighborhoods in Tucson and half regularly registered UA students. The schedule of the class has been set to encourage participation from homeowners in the Tucson area. All classes are held on Wednesdays with lectures from 9–11 am and a studio/lab from 1–4 pm. The latter may run shorter on some days. While this is not so convenient for regular UA students, our intent is to make it easier for Tucson householders to attend as they will need to come to campus only one day per week.
Non-UA students can register—this time only—for $25 and if they complete the course satisfactorily are eligible for 7 Continuing-Education Units. Classes begin on Wednesday, August 22, and end Wednesday, December 5. Classes will be held in room 105 of the Veterinary and Microbiology Building, which is near the 6th Street Parking Garage.
The primary purpose of the course is to help students prepare a detailed portfolio on planned water harvesting for their Tucson home. It must be a home whose site has not previously been analyzed in a UA class. The portfolio is to be of a high quality so that a water harvesting program could be carried out by the homeowner or a contractor. All students are expected to complete the same assignments and take the same exams. A complete syllabus will be provided at a later date. We use Brad Lancaster’s, “Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Volume 1” as our textbook.
For more information, contact Professor Jim Riley at jjriley@ag.arizona.edu.

Brad Lancaster for Southern Arizona Rain Gutters: Rainwater Harvesting Incentive Program Workshops, August 18, 25; September 1; October 13, 20 — Tucson AZ,
2012-08-18 09:00 - 12:00
Southern Arizona Rain Gutters (SARG) is hosting Brad to teach Rainwater Harvesting Incentives Program Workshops.
See details below to register for a class—FREE if you register in advance—and to get assistance planning and installing a rainwater harvesting system for your site.

WHAT IS TUCSON WATER’S WATER HARVESTING INCENTIVES/REBATE PROGRAM?
Tucson Water wants to assist its customers wishing to install water-harvesting systems in order to reduce the amount of drinking water being used to water plants. To learn more about Tucson Water’s Single Family Residential Rainwater Harvesting Incentives/Rebate Program, go to Tucson Water’s rebate website at cms3.tucsonaz.gov/water/rwh-rebate
HOW MUCH IS THE INCENTIVE/REBATE FOR?
Incentives/rebates are available at two levels. The first level earns you up to $300, and the second level earns you to up to $2,000.
For a summary of the requirements see Water Harvesting Rebate Requirements.pdf.
For additional details go to cms3.tucsonaz.gov/water/rwh-levels.
A sample water-harvesting plan shows the items needed to apply for a Level 2 rebate (see Example level 2 WH rebate plan.pdf). A blank template is provided to fill in your specific plan information and calculations (see Blank level 2 WH plan template.pdf)
WHERE CAN I TAKE THE REQUIRED RAINWATER HARVESTING INCENTIVES PROGRAM WORKSHOP?
In order to apply for a rebate, you must be a Tucson Water customer and you must attend a 3-hour workshop about rainwater harvesting. SARG has been approved by Tucson Water to teach these workshops, and has hired Brad Lancaster as an instructor.
How do I preregister for a SARG Incentives/Rebate workshop?
Call the SARG office at (520) 299-7246 to sign up for a workshop. YOU MUST SIGN UP AHEAD OF TIME TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP!
When and where is the workshop taught?
Workshops are taught on various Saturday mornings in August, September, and October, from 9 am to 12 noon (plan to arrive at 8:45 am) at the SARG building, 1627 N Stone Avenue (west side of the street between Speedway and Grant).
FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.sargwatersolutions.com/tucson-water-harvesting-rebate.html

Free Dunbar/Spring Pruning Workshop and Mulching Services, August 4, 2012 — Tucson AZ
2012-08-04 06:30 - 12:00

Warren Brush, Brad Lancaster, Owen Dell, and Sasha Rabin: Sustainable Vocations Training Course, July 25 - August 11, 2012 – central CA
2012-07-25 - 2012-08-11
Sustainable Vocations prepares youth (ages 15 – 24) for diverse leadership roles that integrate sustainability into their lives and communities. This pioneering program provides a unique, hands-on introduction to the expanding green jobs market while exploring the comprehensive tenets of environmental stewardship and sustainable living. While expansive in scope, timely topics include: ecological design, conservation and restoration, alternative energy systems, sustainable agriculture, natural building, ecological literacy, water harvesting, community regeneration, and nature awareness. Students earn an internationally recognized Permaculture Design Certification and graduate with the practical skills to enhance their employment opportunities and life path – all while helping to create a more sustainable future for us all.
Sustainable Vocations
Summer 2012 Course Dates:
July 25 – August 11, 2012
Cost: $1,500–$2,500 (sliding scale)
Priority/Scholarship Application Due Date
May 1, 2012

FMI: www.sustainablevocations.org/home

Brad Lancaster & Gary Wittwer: Rainwater—An Untapped Harvest, June 6, 2012 – Tucson AZ
2012-06-06 13:00 - 15:00

Brad Lancaster: "Beneficial Ruins and Water Webs" Free Public Talk, June 1, 2012 — Portland OR
2012-06-01 19:30 - 21:00
Date: Friday, June 1, 2012
Time: 7:30 – 9 pm
Venue: Portland State University’s Shattuck Hall Annex
Address: 1914 SW Park Ave, Portland OR 97201
Cost: free & open to the public
Hosted by: PSU School of Architecture, with special thanks to Kai Pannu & Scott Burns
Talk title & description:
Beneficial Ruins & Water Webs: A Vernacular Design Challenge to Increase the Resilience of Local Ecologies & Human Communities
This talk explores the idea of a beneficial ruin—a creation that improves the conditions of the ecological and human communities where it resides, even when abandoned. A beneficial ruin must be in relationship with its place and its people. Typically it acts as a web, passively harvesting and enhancing natural flows, so that at its best it generates other resources, even while regenerating itself. Examples of such ruins from the drylands of the southwest U.S. and the Middle East will be shared, with an emphasis on those that improve water, soil, food, and community. Examples of what Portland is already doing—or could be doing—will be woven into the talk, challenging you to create and/or enhance such ruins or seeds of resilience in your place.
