Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond by Brad Lancaster

Extended Deadline for Watershed Management Group's Artistic Cistern Design Contest Deadline
2009-09-15
Artistic Cistern Design Contest Deadline Extended to September 15

June 15, 2009 – September 15, 2009
What would the ideal rainwater cistern look like in your backyard? A dramatic sculpture? A complement to our desert flora? A sound instrument played by the rain? A good cistern design is sturdy, lightfast, mosquito-proof, easy to maintain, and cheap to build. But it doesn’t have to be boring!
In this friendly competition, WMG asks participants to tap their artistic side and submit their best ideas for aesthetically pleasing rainwater cisterns. The winning vision will be announced in September and constructed by the group in the fall.
Find out more details about the cistern design contest here.

Brad Lancaster, Moderator: ARCSA Panel "Why Consider Alternatives to Active Rainwater Harvesting" - Decatur GA
2009-09-15 15:00 - 15:45 (America/Los_Angeles)
Brad will be moderating “Why Consider Alternatives to Active Rainwater Harvesting” on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, from 3 – 3:45 pm.
The panelists will be:
Steve Williams of Building Greener,
Doug Pushard of www.HarvestH2O.com,
and Nate Downey of Santa Fe Permaculture.
For more information, visit www.arcsa.org/2009conference.html.

American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) Nat'l Conference, Sept 14-16, 2009 - Decatur, Georgia
2009-09-14 13:00 - 2009-09-16 12:00
September 14-16, 2009
Holiday Inn Decatur Conference Center
Decatur, Georgia
www.arcsa.org/2009conference.html

ARCSA Pre-Conference Rainwater Harvesting Seminar & Accreditation Workshop, Sept 12-13, 2009 - Decatur, GA
2009-09-12 09:00 - 2009-09-13 16:00
September 12 – 13, 2009
Decatur, Georgia
www.arcsa.org/workshop.html

Brad Lancaster: Turning Drains into Sponges and Water Scarcity into Water Abundance - Liberty TN
2009-09-10 17:00 - 19:00
When: Thursday, September 10, 2009 at 5 pm
Where: Short Mountain Sanctuary
247 Sanctuary Lane, Liberty TN 37095
Cost: Free, although donations are welcome and appreciated
For more information: Contact Sandor, sandorkraut@wildfermentation.com
Come out to Short Mountain Sanctuary and hear Brad Lancaster speak about the eight universal principles of water harvesting along with simple strategies that turn water scarcity into water abundance and 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.
About Short Mountain Sanctuary: SMS is a collective providing queer safe space. We strive to live lightly on the land and to maintain an environment that is open, free, and stimulating to each person’s growth and creativity. We make decisions by consensus. Life here is simple and rustic. We drink springwater, use an outhouse, and heat with wood. What electricity we have we collect from the sun. The heart of the community is an antebellum log cabin that serves as kitchen, dining, library, and common space. Residents live in a variety of homebuilt one- to five-person dwellings. We grow much of our food, herbs, and dazzling flowers. Goats supply us with milk and chickens with eggs. We publish _RFD: A Country Journal for Queer Folk Everywhere_ and host two faerie gatherings a year (May and October). Since SMS started in 1981 we have become a magnet for queers and the people who love us who wish to live rurally with a sense of community. Three new intentional communities have formed nearby: Ida, Sun Valley, and Pumpkin Hollow, and a growing group of friends lives independently in the surrounding countryside. As an extended community we share resources, party, and help each other out. We are a sanctuary and welcome visitors anytime.

Brad Lancaster & Eric Toensmeier: Module 3 of Tennessee Carbon Farming Intensive, Sept 8-11, 2009 - Ecovillage Training Center at the Farm, Summertown TN
2009-09-08
Tennessee Carbon Farming Intensive
Broadacre Permaculture & Holistic Management for
Carbon Negative Agriculture
Exploring Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy & the Economy
through a 6-part holistic curriculum
August 25 – September 16, 2009
Ecovillage Training Center at the Farm
in Summertown, TN
www.livingmandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html

Including

Holistic Management, Advanced Permaculture Design, Keyline Design & Implementation, Soil Food Web, Rainwater Harvesting, Carbon-Farming, Food Forest Gardening, Energy, Economy Relocalization, and Much More.
Context

The Tennessee Carbon Farming Course will be the first in a national campaign to spread this cutting edge curriculum throughout the United States. The Ecovillage Training Center at the Farm offers an amazing opportunity to experience permaculture in action; the Farm’s 1,700 acres will undergo a massive keyline design and implementation during and after the course to help drought-proof the community and prepare for future growing.
Course Description

Taught by the leading experts in sustainable agriculture and carbon sequestration, this course will encompass all of the design elements needed to create a carbon sequestering agricultural system—returning carbon to the soil while increasing food production. This course will cover holistic landscape systems design, project management, and implementation.

Purpose

Studies have shown that permaculture-inspired soil building techniques lead to significant carbon sequestration, while also increasing soil fertility and water retention. This course will provide participants with an opportunity to learn these techniques in order to create resilient, drought proof, soil-rich, carbon-negative agricultural systems that produce organic food as well as additional income through the international carbon market.

Format

This course will be offered through six interrelated modules constituting the nation’s first holistic curriculum for carbon negative agriculture. Participants can choose to attend the entire course or individual modules and/or combined selections based on their specific interests.

Modules

Module 1 – 8/25-30: Holistic Management®: with Kirk Gadzia
Module 2 – 9/1-6: Keyline Design Course: with Darren Doherty
Module 3 – 9/8-11: Regenerative Earthworks & Food Forestry: with Brad Lancaster & Eric Toensmeier
Module 4 – 9/13-16: Soil Food Web & Pathways to Relocalisation: with Dr. Elaine Ingham & Joel Salatin
Module 5 – 9/14-15: Regenerative Food Forestry: with Eric Toensmeier
For more information, visit:
www.livingmandala.com/Living_Mandala/Carbon_Farming_09.html

Brad Lancaster & Larry Breed: Harvesting Rainwater & Greywater - Burning Man, Black Rock City NV
2009-09-04 16:30 - 17:30
Harvesting Rainwater and Greywater

Date/Time(s):
Friday, September 4th, 2009 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Type:
Class/Workshop

Location:
Earth Guardian Pavilion

URL:
http://www.earthguardians.net/

Contact Email:
earthguardians@burningman.com

Description
What is your greywater doing at home and on the playa? Come hear greywater use advocate Brad Lancaster and greywater evaporative expert Larry Breed talk about systems to harvest rainwater and greywater to make your home and camp more sustainable. See the websites below for more information.
https://www.harvestingrainwater.com/
http://www.instructables.com/id/Gray_B_Gon_wind_powered_evapotron_for_graywater_di/
To see this listing on the Burning Man site and access the Burning Man events calendar, visit:
http://playaevents.burningman.com/brc/2009/playa_event/848/

Brad Lancaster: Watershed Management Group's Blackwater System Installation Class
2009-08-13 07:00 - 12:00
Watershed Management Group is offering a series of classes in a wide range of water-related topics. Information for the sessions Brad is teaching is listed below.
If you have questions or would like information on the other class sessions, contact WMG.
Level 1
Sunday, July 19th: 5-8pm. Site Assessment for Greywater System (site TBD)
Saturday, July 25th: 7-11am. Greywater System Install
Saturday, July 25th: evening hours. Open time available to finish installation of system if needed
Level 2: note date change/correction
Wednesday, August 12th: 2-4pm. Integrated Design Lecture
Wednesday, August 12th: 4-6pm. Blackwater (KRD) System Site Assessment (Lisa & Catlow’s house)
Thursday, August 13th: 7am-12pm. Blackwater System Installation

Brad Lancaster: Watershed Management Group's Integrated Design Lecture & Blackwater (KRD) System Site Assessment
2009-08-12 14:00 - 18:00
Watershed Management Group is offering a series of classes in a wide range of water-related topics. Information for the sessions Brad is teaching is listed below.
If you have questions or would like information on the other class sessions, contact WMG.
Level 1
Sunday, July 19th: 5-8pm. Site Assessment for Greywater System (site TBD)
Saturday, July 25th: 7-11am. Greywater System Install
Saturday, July 25th: evening hours. Open time available to finish installation of system if needed
Level 2: Note date change/correction!
Wednesday, August 12th: 2-4pm. Integrated Design Lecture
Wednesday, August 12th: 4-6pm. Blackwater (KRD) System Site Assessment (Lisa & Catlow’s house)
Thursday, August 13th: 7am-12pm. Blackwater System Installation

Brad Lancaster & Toby Hemenway: Permaculture Design Course in Seattle, WA
2009-08-08 09:00 - 2009-08-09 17:00
Six Weekends, May to October, 2009
Brad Lancaster will be teaching with Toby Hemenway August 8 and 9, 2009
For more info, email Carrie Niskanen
and see Toby’s site www.patternliteracy.com

Brad Lancaster: Public Water Havesting Talk - Seattle, WA
2009-08-07 19:00 - 20:30
Permaculture Now! is very excited to present an evening with Brad Lancaster:
Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance.
Date: Friday, August 7, 2009
Time: 7 – 8:30 pm
Address: Greenlake YogaLife Studio, 7200 Woodlawn Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115
Suggested Donation: $10 at the door
Contact: Jenny Pell, (206) 949-0496
Please invite your friends, neighbors, extended email networks, and especially your local city public utilities officials, city council members, and other interested parties.
This inspiring and timely 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.

Scott Pittman & Guests: Workshop 3 of Permaculture Design Course, August 1-5, 2009 - Seeds of Change Farm, New Mexico
2009-08-01 - 2009-08-05
Workshop Three: Sustainable Home and Community
August 1-5, 2009
(arrive to class July 31st, leave class August 5th after 8pm, or on August 6th)
See Workshop III Schedule
with SCOTT PITTMAN & guests
* Natural Building Methods & Design Approaches
* Use of Alternative Energies
* Appropriate Technologies for Waste Management, Heating etc
* Design for Communities and Ecovillages
Hands-on exercises in food processing & storage, seed saving, building with natural materials, learning to work with farm animals for soil & farm management
For more info see www.permaculture.org

Brad Lancaster: Watershed Management Group's Greywater System Installation Class
2009-07-25 07:00 - 11:00
Watershed Management Group is offering a series of classes in a wide range of water-related topics. Information for the sessions Brad is teaching is listed below.
If you have questions or would like information on the other class sessions, contact WMG.
Level 1
Sunday, July 19th: 5-8pm. Site Assessment for Greywater System (site TBD)
Saturday, July 25th: 7-11am. Greywater System Install
Saturday, July 25th: evening hours. Open time available to finish installation of system if needed
Level 2
Tuesday, August 11th: 2-4pm. Integrated Design Lecture
Tuesday, August 11th: 4-6pm. Blackwater (KRD) System Site Assessment (Lisa & Catlow’s house)
Thursday, August 14th: 7am-12pm. Blackwater System Installation

Brad Lancaster, Josh Robinson, et ali: Permaculture & Intensive Hands-On Workshop at Ecosa Institute, July 6-31, 2009 - Prescott, AZ
2009-07-23 - 2009-07-24
July 6-31, 2009
Prepare for a local food economy
An ECOSA Institute Intensive Workshop
Prescott, AZ
www.ecosainstitute.org for details
or
call 928-541-1002
or email info@ecosainstitute.org
This summer, invest in a hands-on intensive program that will have you generating positive solutions to the global environmental emergencies we face today. Prepare yourself for new opportunities in the “green” economy.
• Learn the latest practices and techniques for water harvesting, and creating local food sources and edible landscapes.
• Learn about both traditional materials and the latest materials available on the market
• Especially designed for: landscape architects, contractors, homebuilders, career changers, students
Instructors include: Brad Lancaster and Josh Robinson
72-hour Permaculture Certificate awarded. Credit available from Prescott College.

Brad Lancaster: Watershed Management Group's Greywater Site Assessment Class
2009-07-19 16:00 - 19:30
Watershed Management Group is offering a series of classes in a wide range of water-related topics. Information for the sessions Brad is teaching is listed below.
If you have questions or would like information on the other class sessions, contact WMG.
Level 1
Sunday, July 19th: 4 – 7:30 pm. Site Assessment for Greywater System
Saturday, July 25th: 7 – 11 am. Greywater System Install
Saturday, July 25th: evening hours. Open time available to finish installation of system if needed
Level 2
Tuesday, August 11th: 2 – 4pm. Integrated Design Lecture
Tuesday, August 11th: 4 – 6pm. Blackwater (KRD) System Site Assessment (Lisa & Catlow’s house)
Thursday, August 14th: 7 am-12 pm. Blackwater System Installation

The Bullocks, et ali: Permaculture Design Course at the Bullock Permaculture Homestead, July 19 to Aug 8, 2009 - Orcas Island, WA
2009-07-19 - 2009-08-08
Permaculture Design Course – FULL.
Accepting people for waiting list only.

Orcas Island, WA
July 19 – August 8, 2009
At the Bullock Permaculture Homestead
Instructors: Douglas Bullock, John Valenzuela, Joseph Bullock, Sam Bullock, & Dave Boehnlein. Presentations by Brad Lancaster Thursday morning, August 6, 9 am – 12:15 pm.
Course Will Cover:
Approximately 144 hours of classroom and hands-on education. Including: design methodologies, observation skill building, whole system design, annual and perennial foods, water/energy/waste techniques, appropriate construction, plant propagation and culture, outdoor mushroom cultivation, herbs and fiber use, and animals. Agricultural strategies for drylands, wetlands, and everything in between will be observed, discussed, and implemented at our ever-evolving homestead.
Course Tuition:
Cost: $1850 ($1750 if paid in full by June 1st, 2009); includes delicious, mostly organic meals, materials, and certificate. Camping space is provided. A $250 nonrefundable deposit is required with course registration, with the remainder due on or before July 1, 2009. Course is limited to 30 participants.
For more info contact:
Dave Boehnlein
360-840-8483
info@permacultureportal.com

Brad Lancaster & Scott Pittman: Workshop 2 of Permaculture Design Course, July 4-8, 2009 - Seeds of Change Farm, New Mexico
2009-07-04 09:00 - 2009-07-08 18:00
Workshop Two: Natural and Constructed Ecosystems with Brad Lancaster (author of Rainwater Harvesting in Drylands & Beyond) & Scott Pittman

Dates: July 4 – 8, 2009 (arrive for class July 3rd, leave July 8th after 6pm)

Forest and Trees: Their Role in the Landscape
Food Forests and Gardens for Self-Sufficiency
Rainwater Harvesting and Reuse
Water Management on the Landscape

Hands-on exercises in understanding of role and management of weeds, introduction to native pollinators & honey bees to farms, orchards and home gardens; soil management in drylands on broadscale, tracking water on the landscape, learning to design rainwater harvesting systems.
For more info see: www.permaculture.org

Brad Lancaster: Viva Verde Expo Presentation - Silver City NM
2009-06-27 14:00 - 15:00
Turning Water Scarcity into Water Abundance
with Brad Lancaster, author of the award-winning, best-selling books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, Vols 1 & 2.
Learn the eight universal principles of water harvesting and simple strategies for creating integrated water-sustainable landscapes at home and throughout your community to increase local food security, passively cool your home, reduce energy consumption, control erosion, avert flooding, revive damaged waterways and more.
WHEN: Saturday, June 27, 2009
2 – 3 pm
WHERE: Global Resource Center Auditorium
Western New Mexico University
Corner of 12th and Kentucky Streets, Silver City NM
FOR DETAILED SCHEDULE INFORMATION:
http://www.vivaverdenm.com/exposchedule.html

Viva Verde Expo, June 26-28, 2009 - Silver City NM
2009-06-26 - 2009-06-28
The Viva Verde Expo is a weekend-long educational conference that will provide opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops; learn from experts in the field; connect with providers of green goods and services; participate in our Green Home and Garden Tour to learn about a variety of energy efficient retrofits and green building techniques, and take part in discussions about regional development of Green Jobs.
www.vivaverdenm.com

Brad Lancaster will give a presentation on Turning Water Scarcity into Water Abundance on
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2pm to 3pm
in the Global Resource Center Auditorium,
Western New Mexico University,
Corner of 12th and Kentucky Streets

Brad Lancaster: Water Harvesting Presentation - Salt Lake City, Utah
2009-06-15 12:00 - 13:30
Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance
Monday June 15th
12:00-1:30 PM
Utah Society of Environmental Education:
Green Bag Professional Development Series
SLC Downtown Library
210 East 400 South
Salt Lake City, UT
www.usee.org (RSVP required)
$5-$15 USEE members/nonmembers, Donations welcome
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. 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.
Brad Lancaster is a dynamic teacher, consultant, and designer of regenerative systems. He is the author of the award-winning, best-selling books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, the information-packed website www.HarvestingRainwater.com, and the Drops in a Bucket Blog. He lives his talk on an oasis-like eighth of an acre in downtown Tucson, Arizona, by harvesting over 100,000 gallons of rainwater a year where just 12 inches per year falls from the sky.

Brad Lancaster: Water Harvesting Presentation - Salt Lake City, Utah
2009-06-14 17:00 - 18:30
Sunday, June 14th
5:00-6:30 PM
Realms of Inquiry School
1140 South 900 East
Salt Lake City, UT
Suggested Donation $5
Hosted by Utah Urban Homesteaders and TreeUtah
www.treeutah.org (contains PDF/RSVP info)
http://utahurbanhomesteaders.webs.com/

Turning Drains Into Sponges and Water Scarcity Into Water Abundance
By Brad Lancaster
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. 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.
Brad Lancaster is a dynamic teacher, consultant, and designer of regenerative systems. He is the author of the award-winning, best-selling books Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, the information-packed website www.HarvestingRainwater.com, and the Drops in a Bucket Blog. He lives his talk on an oasis-like eighth of an acre in downtown Tucson, Arizona, by harvesting over 100,000 gallons of rainwater a year where just 12 inches per year falls from the sky.

Applied Watershed Restoration for Drylands with Craig Sponholtz - northern New Mexico
2009-06-05 - 2009-06-10
June 5-10, 2009
Wind River Ranch
near Las Vegas, New Mexico
Five-day long practical land restoration training for practitioners, landowners and anyone concerned about the health of degraded arid and semi-arid landscapes.
This is a hands-on course that will develop the student’s ability to read the movement of water in the landscape, assess the symptoms and causes of watershed degradation and create appropriate solutions. We start by learning and observing runoff patterns and processes common to most drylands. Using nature as the model students then learn to utilize readily available materials such as rocks and wood to reduce erosion and harvest runoff. These simple structures enhance water absorbing landforms and plant communities creating living sponges that heal erosion and ultimately re-wet the landscape.
In addition to building foundational knowledge, we apply it by designing and constructing restoration structures as a part of ongoing restoration efforts at Wind River Ranch. This is an intensive, project- oriented class that is intellectually challenging and involves some physical labor. We learn and create as a team, and encourage all students to participate in the hard work of on-the-ground restoration at their own ability level. Every project involves a wide variety of tasks, not all of which are physically strenuous. Since the majority of class time is spent in the field visiting previously constructed projects and working on our own project, students must be prepared to be outdoors rain or shine. After all how could we miss observing a rainstorm in New Mexico! We do of course take the necessary precautions to avoid extreme weather.
Our goal is to send students home empowered to recognize and initiate the simple changes that can produce profound benefits for their home watersheds.
Topics Include
SITE ASSESEMENT:

Tracking sources and sinks of runoff and sediment
Moisture storage in landforms and plants
Identifying and diagnosing ecological degradation
Prioritizing restoration needs
PROJECT DESIGN:
Passive water harvesting
Erosion control for headcuts, gullies, and arroyos
Wetland restoration
Re-vegetation
PROJECT PLANNING
Identifying on-site resources
Checking for project feasibility
Labor and materials estimating
Long term monitoring and maintenance
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
Site survey and layout
Tools, materials and logistics
Building for form and function
Minimizing the construction footprint
LOGISTICS:
The program is offered at a beautiful conservation ranch in New Mexico, not far from Las Vegas, NM. Classes will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00PM with regular breaks throughout the day. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared by the staff. Students have plenty of time to relax, converse and enjoy the beautiful setting of Wind River Ranch while carrying out meaningful watershed restoration work. More detailed logistics on what to bring, what to expect are HERE.
Dates: June 6-10, or August 15-19 2009
Workshop Testimonials by Brad Lancaster (author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond) and Larry Santoyo of Earthflow Designs – see left column
Workshop Fee: $665 if registered one month in advance, or $700 thereafter
Last Day to Enroll five days before the class start date.
Deposits: Space is limited. A non-refundable deposit of $300 will hold your space for both classes.
Scholarships: Two and more attendants applying together receive 10% discount.
Cancellation refunds: We donâ€™t issue program refunds unless the program is canceled by us. Please plan your attendance accordingly!
Workshop fees include: all instruction, all workshop materials, lectures, study materials, three meals per day and camping/bunkhouse space.
Instructors:
Craig Sponholtz of Drylands Solutions. Read more about their work here
Contact Us
For additional questions about this program, please contact Arina, also at 505-455-0514.
… to Registration Portal

Nuts & Bolts of Water Harvesting for the Urban Homestead: with Brad Lancaster in Austin TX
2009-05-31 11:00 - 15:00
This is a unique opportunity to experience Brad in action! With Brad’s guidance, we will analyze an existing urban homestead for potential rainwater harvesting opportunities. Then we will get our hands dirty (and wet) as some selected water harvesting devices are constructed. Techniques, sources of materials, and other nuts & bolts items necessary to actually implement the strategies will be covered.
Who should attend? Do-It-Yourselfers and those who want to know HOW

Date & Time: Sunday, May 31, 2009, 11 am – 3 pm
Location: A West-Central Austin Residence, details to be provided upon registration
Admission – $40, including brunch. Advanced registration required at www.designbuildlive.org. Limited to 15 participants.

Greywater Happy Hour: with Brad Lancaster in Austin TX
2009-05-30 19:00 - 20:30
Greywater, generally described as water from washing machines, showers and bathtubs, and handsinks, is a potential source of secondary, or reclaimed, water. Why send water down the drain when it can be safely introduced to the landscape through various earthworks and strategies? State and local regulations sometimes put certain restrictions on the use of greywater, but Brad will describe some of the strategies that have been employed in various jurisdictions. (The June 17 monthly DBL presentation will specifically address Central Texas area regulations.)
Beer (not greywater!) and light snacks will be served. Book sales and signing.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 7-8:30 pm
Location: The Great Outdoors Garden Center
Who should attend? General public, Civil Engineers, Landscape Architects, Architects, Municipal and regional water and stormwater regulators
Admission – $5 in advance or at the door. Limited space – advanced registration recommended at www.designbuildlive.org. Approximately capacity: 100.

Integrated Water Strategies for Home, Farm, Garden & Community: with Brad Lancaster in Austin, TX
2009-05-30 14:00 - 16:00
Join Design~Build~Live in welcoming Brad Lancaster to Austin by attending this presentation with Tucson’s premiere “rainwater wrangler.” Cisterns and rainbarrels are wonderful components of a rainwater harvesting strategy, but they are only part of an integrated system which will maximize the use and benefits of free water in creating abundant, beautiful, energy-conserving landscapes. In addition to rainwater, Brad will discuss stormwater, greywater, and other water resources. He will show us what can happen when we replace water scarcity with water abundance.
Brad Lancaster teaches how to harvest rainwater, greywater and stormwater to create water abundance in place of water scarcity. He has 15+ years of experience in permaculture consulting, design, and education, focusing on integrated and sustainable approaches to landscape design, planning and living.
Book sales and signing follows the presentation.
Date & Time: Saturday, May 30, 2009, 2-4 pm
Location: AMD, Oak Hill, Austin Lone Star Campus, 7171 Southwest Pkwy, Austin TX 78735
Who should attend? General public, Civil Engineers, Landscape Architects, Architects, Municipal and regional water and stormwater regulators
Admission – $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Advanced registration recommended at www.designbuildlive.org. Limited to 300 seats.
For more information: Visit the website or send an email to info@designbuildlive.org.

Harvesting Rainwater & Stormwater to Create Amenities & Solve Problems: with Brad Lancaster in Austin TX
2009-05-29 13:30 - 15:00
Simple, inexpensive rainwater- and stormwater-harvesting strategies and earthworks hold great potential for replacing volume and runoff problems with amenities such as raingardens, shade trees, verdant landscapes and food. Brad’s integrated approach also seeks water-resource opportunities from air conditioning condensate and greywater. Integrated water strategies can be applied from the suburban residential lot to the community and regional level.
Date & Time: Friday, May 29, 2009, 1:30-3 pm

Location: Council Chambers, Austin (TX) City Hall
Who should attend? City/regional water and stormwater regulators, civil engineers, landscape architects, architects, permaculturists, motivated general public.
Admission: Free. 250-seat capacity. Advanced registration recommended at www.designbuildlive.org

Application Deadline for WMG's 2009 Water Harvesting Certification Program
2009-05-18
Watershed Management Group (WMG) is now accepting applications to the WMG Water Harvesting Certification program, a hands-on training program in Tucson, Arizona, designed to instruct educators, green professionals, and community organizers in water harvesting systems design and construction. The goal of the program is to provide the highest quality training in the nation in order to transfer water harvesting skills and knowledge effectively to new communities. The training will take place this summer in July and August.
The certification program is building on WMG’s 2008 Apprenticeship program in which 10 people were trained to lead water harvesting workshops. This year’s program has been condensed into two sections: a 9-day basic course and an 8-day advanced course to allow out-of-towners to participate along with Tucson residents. Participants will be instructed in a variety of topics including: earthworks, cisterns, greywater systems, streetscape stormwater harvesting, sustainable landscaping, and small-scale erosion control.
The WMG Certification course is designed and administered by WMG staff with assistance from local Tucson instructors and a curriculum advisory board made up of licensed contractors, consultants, and designers who create water harvesting systems. The WMG Certification is a unique educational opportunity not only in Tucson; there is no other program like it in the nation.
Applications and full details of the program are now available on WMG’s website at www.watershedmg.org. For more information on the program, please contact Lisa Shipek at lisa@watershedmg.org or at 520-396-3266. Watershed Management Group is a non-profit organization based in Tucson whose mission is to improve people’s lives through community development projects that improve resource management.

Water Harvesting Brown Bag Luncheon with Brad Lancaster and Katie Bolger in Tucson, AZ
2009-05-07 12:00
The Tucson Association of REALTORS Green Task Force is proud to host a Brown Bag Luncheon Featuring Guest Speakers Brad Lancaster and Katie Bolger. The Brown Bag Luncheon is a free event with 100 spaces available. Please remember to bring your lunch, drinks and desserts will be provided. This event is open to the public so please feel free to pass this invite onto a friend.

Topic: Graywater and Rainwater Harvesting
Date: May 7, 2009
Time: 12:00 – 1:30 pm
Location: Tucson Association of REALTORS
2445 N. Tucson Blvd (Tucson Blvd just North of Grant)
RSVP: teresa@tucsonrealtors.org

Brad Lancaster, National Speaker and Author of Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond, will explain a clear and simple process to assess and design your own water harvesting landscapes. Brad provides an accessible resource that explains what water harvesting is, how to do it appropriately, and how to modify it to the unique conditions of everyone’s own site. “I believe we all can become beneficial stewards of the land, and partners in the ecosystem in which we live, and I believe that by sustainably harvesting rainwater we can all begin to transform our households from consumers of resources to producers of resources. Drawing on my years of teaching, consulting, designing, on-the-ground implementation, and learning from others, I offer listeners my clear and simple process to assess and design their own water harvesting landscapes.” –Brad Lancaster

Katie Bolger, Aide to Councilman Rodney Glassman, Tucson is the first city in the nation to adopt a commercial rainwater harvesting ordinance. Katie will explain the City of Tucson’s Graywater and Commercial Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance, adopted in the fall of 2008. The ordinance requires all new commercial development plans submitted after June 1, 2010 to include a rainwater harvesting plan and water budget. These documents will detail how at least 50% of the site’s landscape water demand will be met using rainwater captured at the site. The ordinance also requiring all new single family residences built after June 1, 2010 to have dual drainage plumbing installed for washing machines showers, bathtubs and lavatory sinks. This dual plumbing system allows discharge of water either to the sewer or to a gray water distribution system, which homeowners can choose to install.

RSVP: teresa@tucsonrealtors.org

Soil, Water, Carbon, Energy, and Economy Comprehensive Module - Columbus, New Mexico
2009-05-04
Dates:
May 4, 2009 begins 20 days of education

Location:
Whirlwind Farm
Columbus, New Mexico

Course offerings:
Holistic Management, Broadacre Permaculture Design, and Keyline Design Applications
Holistic Management with Kirk Gadzia (HM Certified Educator)
* 2 day Holistic Management (HM) Holistic Goal Setting
* 2 day HM Grazing Planning
* 2 day HM Financial Planning
* 2 day HM Land Planning
Broadacre Permaculture Design Course with Darren Doherty, Brad Lancaster, Scott Pittman & Daniel Salatin
* Keyline Design Applications * Earthworks * Agricultural Machinery * Site Analysis & Survey Techniques * Methods of Design & GIS applications * Client Communications * Agroforestry * Carbon Farming Techniques

Pricing:$3000 Including meals

Coordinator: Sankara Saranam

Email: ssaranam@godwithoutreligion.com

Phone:no phone

Nature Conservancy Water-Harvesting Tour
2009-05-02 08:00 - 09:00
The Nature Conservancy’s rainwater-harvesting project includes retrofitting the onsite buildings and the surrounding landscape to capture as much as possible of the approximately 11 inches of annual rainfall on the campus and adjacent areas. The retrofitting involves both active and passive rainwater-harvesting techniques. The Nature Conservancy and its partners see the grounds as a community asset where one can learn about sustainability and common-sense approaches to sustainable design and practices.
The one-hour tour is free to the public. Meet at the front entrance (NE corner) of the building at 1510 E Ft Lowell Road. Groups may schedule tours at times other than those regularly scheduled. For more information on any of these tours, please call 520 247-3437 or send an email to dboone@tnc.org.
