What we learned in school about hydrological cycles was in many cases oversimplified and its importance, understated. We were never taught how human habitat, infrastructure, design, and habits affect the watershed, micro and macro water cycles, and the global climate. Learn to connect each drop of water you use –and how you use it– at home, to the bigger picture. Topics include greywater, rainwater, stormwater, groundwater recharge, waste management and regenerative water management design.

Presented By: Benoit Clement

Water is the foundation of all life, and healing our relationship with water is an important step in building an abundant future. This will be an introductory presentation of several ways in which we can improve how we use and relate to water in our everyday lives, our homes, communities, and the world at large. We will discuss the current reality of the water system, and present practical solutions for some of the problems created by the current paradigm concerning water. This workshop will cover a wide range of topics, from conservation, to water harvesting, energy systems, food production, and shifts in perception. The intention is to open a doorway for you to dive deeper into the subjects that speak to you, and discover how you can be a water protector in your own community.

Presented By: Jesse Grimes

How much rain can you catch?

In this hands on workshop we will work on-site to learn the tools and techniques of rain-water harvesting. We will find water storage potential of structures, discover the contours of the landscape, and identify “key-points” of catchment, storage, and sequestration.

This will be a hands on workshop using tools of the trade, bunyips, laser level for finding contours, and measuring tape to find roof catchment potentials.

Presented By: Karmendra Rossy

Brandy founded Shades of Green Permaculture Design, Inc. in 2004 and has become a leading voice for sustainable and regenerative landscape design in the Southeast. Moving from Asheville, NC, to Atlanta in 2011, she began to pollinate the Atlanta area with a whole-systems permaculture perspective, empowering individuals, businesses, and communities with practical tools to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. She has trained 200+ permaculture design students, who are applying these learnings in the non-profit sector, landscape design firms, the building industry, city government, and many other industries in Georgia and beyond. As a designer, Brandy is intuitive, inspired, and pragmatic. She loves observing a site, and nestling human activity into the natural pattern language of each place. Her designs bring land to life for clients in a way that is healing, responsible, abundant, and regenerative. She completed her Master’s Degree in Contemplative Education from Naropa University, and brings forth a passion for land-based, experiential education, both in formal classes and in working with clients to engage with their land. In her “spare” time, she serves on the Pine Lake City Council and the Dogwood Alliance Board of Directors. She lives in Pine Lake with her husband, Aaron, their daughter, Zephyr, and their rambunctious pup, Peanut Butter.

2017 Workshop: Rainwater Harvesting: Infiltration, Catchment, Distribution