[ECOLOG-L] #SciFund - a new funding resource
Ecologgers - A few months ago I emailed you about the #SciFund Challenge (http://scifund.rockethub.com ) - an attempt to use a new and different mechanism to fund scientific research, crowdfunding. And it's working. 49 scientists, 75% of whom are ecologists, are participating. And we've pulled in $30,000 in just a few days, with 37 days left to go. So I'd urge you to take a look! The style of proposals is very very different than your typical NSF/NIH grant. All proposals have accompanying videos, and are pitched at getting funding from a general science-interested audience through microdonations. The videos themselves are fantastic to see what any scientist can do with a camera, a copy of iMovie, and an hour or two. This could be a new source of funding for your lab's research in the future. We're having a discussion on our blog (http://scifund.wordpress.com ) about the whole experience, and about whether this is a viable mechanism for science funding in the future. What kind of projects are good for crowdfunding? What is required of crowdfunding proposals that is different than typical grant proposals? So, check it out and feel free to forward it around your department or to colleagues in other disciplines. If only for some great examples of science communication. http://scifund.rockethub.com -Jarrett
[ECOLOG-L] Job Posting -- Lake Superior NERR Monitoring Coordinator
Direct link to the posting on the Cooperative Extension website. http://www.uwex.edu/ces/hr/listing.cfm?PVL=C12027 *** LSNERR Monitoring Coordinator (100%) Posted: 11/4/2011 Refer to: PVL# C12027 REVIEW BEGINS: 11/29/2011 *Cooperative Extension Purpose:* We teach, learn, lead and serve, connecting people with the University of Wisconsin, and engaging with them in transforming lives and communities. *Working Title: *Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR) Monitoring Coordinator *Official UW-Extension Title: *Lecturer Title Series (title prefix to be determined) *Percent of Employment: * 100% *Geographic Areas Served: * Primarily northwest Wisconsin and northeast Minnesota, especially portions of Douglas (WI) and St. Louis (MN) Counties within the boundaries of the Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve (LSNERR) *Office Location: * Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve Offices, 14 Marina Dr., Superior, Wisconsin 54880 *Type of Appointment: ** *This position is a fixed-term academic staff appointment with Cooperative Extension, a division of the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX). Reappointment to this position after the initial term is dependent upon availability of funding and performance. *Position Background and Purpose: *The LSNERR Monitoring Coordinator (MC) provides lead oversight for the System Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP) as well as other LSNERR water quality monitoring programs and volunteer programs. The MC collects, compiles, analyses, and reports on water quality trends and plans monitoring projects. The MC will work extensively with the LSNERR geographic information system (GIS). The Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve is one of 28 research reserves in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System (http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/) and is the only NERR located in Wisconsin within NOAA's Lake Superior Biogeographical Region. The 16,697-acre LSNERR exists today because of a number of innovative partnerships. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) provides federal funds to the State of Wisconsin through the University of Wisconsin-Extension (UWEX), the State's designated lead agency. In another partnership, the LSNERR has a physical presence on the University of Wisconsin Superior campus and LSNERR staff members are appointed through either UWEX or University of Wisconsin Superior. The LSNERR Monitoring Coordinator manages the water quality monitoring program including the NERR System-Wide Monitoring Program (SWMP). The successful candidate will work extensively with the LSNERR GIS. The MC will be supervised by the LSNERR Research Coordinator. The MC will work closely with the LSNERR Education and Coastal Training Program Coordinators to provide oversight of the volunteer program, LSNERR student interns/fellows, and support of special events. This position provides excellent service and communication with the public and governmental entities by working collaboratively and respectfully to provide needed information. It also works to increase public awareness of LSNERR and its programs, and to build public support. This position plays a central role in managing a status and trends monitoring framework that will help coordinate science and management information pertaining primarily to natural resource management partners. This position also coordinates the design and management of a LSNERR geodatabase that will serve as the primary digital archive of information focused on the St. Louis River Estuary. Prudent design and implementation of the monitoring framework and database will ensure the efficient, cost effective acquisition of relevant information and will provide long term security for irreplaceable data. Monitoring information collected by this position is used to determine the response of the ecosystem to restoration projects and other management actions and to determine if existing rules and regulations and management measures adequately protect the natural integrity of coastal ecosystems particularly the St. Louis River ecosystem The relevance of the information in the monitoring framework and database is also linked to its use by coastal managers, educators and scientists
[ECOLOG-L] Uncontacted people and biodiversity
Good morning, I am a journalist based in Lima, Peru, looking for information about the intersection (if any) between the protection of areas where uncontacted indigenous people live and conservation of biodiversity in the Amazon basin. Is anyone aware of research on that topic? Thanks! Best regards, Barbara -- Barbara Fraser Member, Society of Environmental Journalists and National Association of Science Writers bfras...@gmail.com www.barbara-fraser.com Follow me on Twitter: @Barbara_Fraser Telf: +511-242-0115 / +511-9-9668-4400 (celular) VoIP (USA): 301-960-4201 Apdo. 18-0418, Lima 18, Perú
[ECOLOG-L] Internship: Freshwater conservation, TNC, NJ
Position Description Job Opening ID: 39524 Position Title: Freshwater Conservation Intern (full time, temporary) Location: Delmont, Cape May County, New Jersey Position duration: 3 months (flexible start date, preferred December 12th 2011) Office Location: Delmont, New Jersey About Us The Nature Conservancy is the worlds leading conservation organization, working in all 50 states and more than 33 countries. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to preserve the plants, animals and natural communities that represent the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Essential Functions The Freshwater Conservation Intern will contribute to applied stream health research and restoration efforts, with a focus on stream connectivity. The position will primarily involve conducting field surveys of road/stream crossings in southern New Jersey. Other responsibilities will comprise a variety of tasks including, but not limited to, literature research, data entry, and helping to establish a volunteer culvert survey program. The intern will be exposed to a range of opportunities during the course of the position duration. These may include GIS analyses, learning about conservation of large landscapes, working with stewardship staff and a variety of landowners on land management issues, and gaining exposure to a global conservation organization. The position will be based at The Nature Conservancys New Jersey Delaware Bayshores office, located in Delmont, New Jersey. This is a 3-month, paid position for 35 hours/week. Housing is available. Primary Responsibilities 1. Conduct road/stream crossing mapping and ecological assessment. 2. Maintain a database of stream/crossing information. 3. Contribute to various on-going conservation science, planning, and on-the-ground-management activities, with opportunities to learn new skills and enhance existing knowledge. Basic Qualifications · Associates degree in natural resources, environmental studies or equivalent combination of education and 6 months of experience. · Experience managing and prioritizing tasks from multiple sources. · Experience performing administrative duties emphasizing detail-oriented and numerical tasks. · Experience working with Microsoft Office Suite software. · Experience working and communicating with a diverse group of people Preferred Qualifications 1. Ability to work independently, efficiently, and in an organized manner with strong attention to detail. 2. Ability to perform physical labor under a variety of weather conditions and ability to work alone or in a team in the field. 3. Experience working with ESRI ArcGIS software and using GPS technology. 4. Effective communication skills, whether in writing, in person, or on the telephone. 5. A cheerful and outgoing personality, positive attitude, sense of humor, and team spirit. Salary Information $10 per hour Housing available How to Apply https://careers.nature.org/psp/P91HTNC_APP/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTLAction=AJobOpeningId=39524SiteId=1PostingSeq=1https://careers.nature.org/psp/P91HTNC_APP/APPLICANT/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM.HRS_CE.GBL?Page=HRS_CE_JOB_DTLAction=AJobOpeningId=39524SiteId=1PostingSeq=1 Please submit résumé and cover letter as one document by Sunday, November 27th, 2011 by accessing TNCs online system using the link above. All sections of the online application must be completed (e.g. work experience and education, even if this information is included on résumé) in order to be considered for the position. Questions may be addressed to Ellen Creveling at ecrevel...@tnc.org EOE Statement The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer
[ECOLOG-L] PhD Graduate Research Assistantship
*Ph.D. Graduate Research Assistantship* Department of Natural Resources Sciences, University of Rhode Island Position available for the Fall of 2012 in the laboratory of Dr. Laura Meyerson (http://nrs.uri.edu/labs/invasive/index.html) Research is in the area of *INVASIVE SPECIES ECOLOGY/EVOLUTION. *Specifically, the project focuses the evolution of latitudinal gradients in the interactions between an invasive plant species (*Phragmites australis*) and its suite of insect herbivores. The work will be based in Kingston, RI but may involve much travel along the Atlantic coasts of North America and Europe/Northern Africa. Details regarding this project are available at http://www.biology.lsu.edu/webfac/jcronin/biograph/research/invasive3.htm. Graduate assistantship is funded by the National Science Foundation. In addition to an annual stipend, the assistantship includes a tuition waiver and health benefits. If you are interested in joining my laboratory, please send me an email ( lameyer...@mail.uri.edu). Include with the message a CV containing a brief summary of accomplishments (educational background, GPA, GRE scores, and academic major if applicable) and a statement of potential research interests. Students with a Masters degree are preferred. Please also state your availability for field work spring - summer 2012. -- Laura Meyerson Associate Professor **On Sabbatical leave until August 2012 at the Institute of Botany, Pruhonice, Czech Republic. e-mail: lameyer...@gmail.com U.S. local # to my Skype acct: 401-213-3613 Skype name: lameyerson Prague mobile: +420774137968 Mailing address: c/o Professor Petr Pysek, Institute of Botany, Department of Invasion, Ecology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Pruhonice, CZ 252 43, Czech Republic
[ECOLOG-L] Job: Director, Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of Maryland
PROFESSOR AND DIRECTOR The University of Maryland invites applications for Director of the http://www.cbcb.umd.edu/Center for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology. Candidates are expected to be prominent scholars with publications and research experience at the interface of biological science and computing. Their primary responsibility will be to lead a nationally visible research program complementing existing strengths in computational genomics, proteomics, and molecular evolution. They will also be expected to promote the CBCB, and help build collaborative relationships, both on and off-campus. Information about the Center can be found at http://www.cbcb.umd.edu/www.cbcb.umd.edu. Collectively, the CBCB faculty spans the fields of computer science, mathematics and statistics, biology, and biochemistry. The Center is housed in contiguous space and has access to significant high-end computing infrastructure through the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. CBCB faculty members are also affiliated with at least one other campus academic unit appropriate to their interests. There is ample potential for collaboration with other organizations in the area, such as the NIH, the JCVI, and the Smithsonian Institution. For more information contact the search chair, Thomas D. Kocher (mailto:%20...@umd.edut...@umd.edu). To apply, send a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and names of three references, following the instructions at https://jobs.umd.edu/https://jobs.umd.edu - Faculty Position Number 117572 ANDhttp://cbcb.umd.edu/hiring/httphttp://cbcb.umd.edu/hiring/://cbcb.umd.edu/hiring/. Candidates must apply to both websites to receive consideration. Review of applications will begin November 15, 2011.
[ECOLOG-L] UMass Amherst lecturer - Applied Biology and Ecology
University of Massachusetts Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences LECTURER POSITION The Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst invites applications for a full time LECTURER, non-tenure track position, beginning Spring 2012. The academic year lecturer position involves teaching courses in Applied Biology and Ecology. Responsibilities also include administrative duties associated with undergraduate programs, curriculum development, and student recruitment/advertising. Candidates must have: a Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, evidence of proficiency in teaching, ability to work with diverse populations/students, and at least 3 years of experience in teaching. Individuals should have experience in teaching large lecturer sections. This position is funded for two years with the possibility of renewal. The search committee will begin reviewing applications on 18 November 2011 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should send a vita, a teaching statement, and the names of at least three individuals who can write letters of recommendation to: Lecturer Search Committee R#42411 Department of Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences University of Massachusetts Amherst 270 Stockbridge Road 102 Fernald Hall Amherst, MA 01003 The University provides an intellectual environment committed to providing academic excellence and diversity including mentoring programs for faculty. The College and the Department are committed to increasing the diversity of faculty, student body and the curriculum. The University of Massachusetts is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women and members of minority groups are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] CONFORWest Call for abstracts - Nov 19
Hey Ecologgers - A friendly reminder for CONFOR West call for abstracts. The conference is Feb 2-5, 2012. CONFOR West is an interdisciplinary environmental conference put on entirely by graduate students for graduate (and senior undergraduate) students. Please spread the word! This is the 3rd year of the conference and a great opportunity to network and learn from our peers - while skiing, hiking, and enjoying the fresh air of the Canadian Rockies in Canmore, Alberta! The abstract deadline is November 19. For more info please go visit our website www.conforwest.com Feel free to contact us at conforwest2...@gmail.com with any questions! Thanks! CONFOR West 2012 organizing committee conforwest2...@gmail.com www.conforwest.com
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opening at University of Nevada, Reno
Job Title: Assistant Prof/State Climatologist; Search Number: 16725 Job Description: The Department of Geography seeks to hire a tenure-track Assistant Professor to serve as the Nevada State Climatologist and the Director of the Nevada State Climate Office (NSCO) starting July 1, 2012. The successful candidate will serve as a faculty member of the University of Nevada, Department of Geography, with primary service role as the State Climatologist with responsibility to oversee and enhance the operations of the NSCO and teaching and research duties. The State Climatologist maintains information on Nevada climate, publishes a quarterly report, and is expected to provide leadership on climatic hazards and drought planning in the state through work and consultation with the governors office and state agencies. The University of Nevada, Reno has strong ties with the Western Regional Climate Center and the National Weather Service offices located in Reno. We are looking for an individual with an established track record in climate studies in semiarid/arid regions who is capable of developing the NSCO, as well as pursue an active, externally-funded research program that includes work on climate systems that influence Nevada and western North America. Teaching responsibility will be two courses per year. The office will be expected to meet at least minimum standards for status as an AASC Recognized State Climate Office (ARSCO). Salary is commensurate with experience and education. Candidates will be evaluated on previous experience, communication skills, publication record, grant and contract activities, ability to work both collaboratively and independently, supervisory experience, and personal area of expertise that complements existing faculty. We seek a candidate who will develop their own externally funded research projects, as well as, be willing to work collaboratively with department faculty and contribute to existing projects. Preferred Qualifications : Experience with the analysis of climate data sets. Familiarity with installation, maintenance, and use of data collection networks. Experience with integration of climate data into publications for the public. Experience with communication on climate issues with government management agencies, research institutions, the media and the public. Experience with monitoring and tracking of climate. Previous interactions with other state and regional climate offices. Previous participation in activities of the American Association of State Climatologists ($1$3AASC). Experience managing large research and outreach projects. Previous supervisory experience. Record of research program development or other demonstrated ability to obtain and complete research grants and contracts from governmental or private funding agencies. Publication record of research involving studies relevant to climate related studies. Demonstrated ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses. Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in climatology, geography, meteorology, earth science, or other relevant disciplines at time of appointment. Experience in one or more of the following areas: conducting climate related research including diagnosis and projections, performing climate impact assessments and weather event evaluations, demonstrations to the user community the value of climate information in the decision making process. Record of peer-reviewed journal articles and presentations at professional meetings. Job Close Date: 01/31/2012 If you are interested in viewing more details and applying, please login or create an account at http://jobs.unr.edu/
[ECOLOG-L] Job Opportunity - Aquatic Microbe Ecologist - Visiting Scientist
Overview The National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) is a $430 million dollar observatory project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology. For the next three decades NEON will collect a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. NEON will use cutting edge technology including an airborne observation platform that will capture images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who will observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. A leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory will grow to 300+ personnel and will be the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. Term: This is a 6-month position. Location: Work can be done remotely. The work schedule is flexible and can be modified to meet the needs of the successful candidate. Weekly telecons with the Aquatic Team Lead will be required and occasional trips to HQ (Boulder, CO) are anticipated. Summary: The Aquatic Microbe Ecologist will design and document the freshwater microbial components of the NEON Observatory including detailed sampling designs and analytical protocols for freshwater microbial measurements in streams/rivers and lakes; refining measurements; documenting procedures and protocols for field data collection, and analytical laboratory processing; lab contract technical input. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • The scope of the Aquatic microbial sampling is defined from prior reports and the STREON Design. This position will assess that initial design and provide updated information where necessary. •Draft field sample collection procedures for streams, rivers, and lakes. • Define proper sample preservation, shipping, and storage. • Define sample processing steps at the analytical lab. • Assist with technical input to lab contracts and evaluation of analytical labs who will process NEON samples during Operations. • In addition, the Ecologist will be expected to interact with the aquatic and terrestrial science teams and collaborate on data product development. • The Aquatic Microbe Ecologist is expected to produce reports and publications of NEON procedures and protocols and is encouraged to collaborate with the research community to investigate continental scale ecology. Education: • PhD in aquatic microbial ecology, or closely related field. Specialization in aquatic microbial ecology with hands-on experience in sample collection processing in both streams and lakes. Required Experience: • Currently enrolled in or completed a Postdoctoral position related to the role of microbes in freshwater ecosystems. • 2+ years research experience in freshwater microbial ecology, with emphasis in the role of microbes in freshwater ecosystem structure and function. • Familiar with or completed a STAMPs course • Familiar with Earth Microbiome Project (EMP) • 2+ field experience working in streams, rivers, and lakes of North America. • Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific and engineering enterprise. Preferred Experience: • Working knowledge of North American stream and lake dynamics preferred. • Experience working with federal and state agencies and NGO’s. Skills and Abilities: • Demonstrated ability to write technical and scientific documents. • Proficiency in analyses of microbe diversity and function. • Ability to work independently, but as part of an active science team. • Strong communication and interpersonal skills. • Undertake responsibilities beyond those associated with individual Observatory tasks. • Ability to work independently, and as part of an active science team. Apply to: www.neoninc.org NEON Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Veterans and Disabled Persons are encouraged to apply.
[ECOLOG-L] Ecology What is it?
Honorable Forum: A search on-line for precisely ecocentric on November 9, 2011 results in precisely THREE hits. ALL three are from ONE paper, A Manifesto for Earth ('Biodiversity' Volume 5, No. 1, pages 3 to 9, January/March 2004) http://www.ecospherics.net/pages/EarthManifesto.html . Can someone tell me why this paper has not been cited at all in almost eight years? WT
[ECOLOG-L] PhD opportunities in plant community and ecosystem ecology
The Cleland lab at the University of California, San Diego is seeking exceptional PhD students to start in the Fall of 2012. Research in the lab focuses broadly on plant community responses to environmental change in Southern California terrestrial ecosystems, and graduate student funding is available from a mix of teaching and research assistantships. Ideal members of the lab have a clear vision of their research goals, are enthusiastic, mature, good communicators, flexible and have a strong background in ecology. All students will be expected to apply for fellowships and additional sources of research funding, and to contribute to an atmosphere of collaboration within the lab. Interested applicants can find more information about the lab at: http://biology.ucsd.edu/labs/cleland/Clelandlab/Home.html Details regarding the application, due December 11th, can be at: http://biology.ucsd.edu/grad/prospective/index.html The full list of faculty interests in Ecology, Behavior Evolution at UCSD is listed at: http://biology.ucsd.edu/biosections/ebe/index.html
[ECOLOG-L] Do you need marine specimens from the Pacific Northwest? Proposed exchange.
To those interested in marine/aquatic biodiversity, We operate a small lab in UBC's Beaty Biodiversity Museum, where we are happy to collect specimens for other labs during our regular dives, plankton tows and sediment core sampling, which takes us to the sandy or rocky intertidal, kelp forest, or bog environments in the Pacific Northwest. We would propose a specimen exchange for marine/aquatic sediments from your area--as our lab focus is on dinoflagellates and other interesting microorganisms. If you are interested and would like to learn more specifics, feel free to contact me at gave...@zoology.ubc.ca Best, Greg __ Gregory S. Gavelis, MSc, PhD candidate Eukaryotic Diversity and Systematics Beaty Biodiversity Centre __
[ECOLOG-L] ADFG : Recruitment Notice; Fish Game Regional Supervisor, Wildlife Conservation, Region II
The Department of Fish and Game, Division of Wildlife Conservation is recruiting for a Fish and Game Regional Supervisor. This position will lead wildlife management programs for Region II, which includes communities around Southcentral Alaska like Anchorage, Kodiak, Kenai Peninsula, and Cordova. This position is located in the Anchorage Regional Office and has a regional staff of 36 professional, technical, and administrative positions and four area offices. Program emphasis includes wildlife management and research activities primarily on moose, bear, caribou, wolf, sheep, goat, elk, deer, and furbearers. The primary responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to: * Overseeing approximately $4.9 million, comprised primarily from state and federal sources * Working cooperatively with state agencies, elected officials, municipal governments, federal agencies, and non-profit organizations engaged in wildlife conservation activities within the region * Serving as a member of the Division's senior management team, which determines program direction and recommends policy for wildlife programs statewide * Serving as a liaison to the Board of Game for developing and modifying hunting regulations that affect the region Significant management issues in this region include the following: human/wildlife interactions (primarily bears and moose in urban areas), wildlife sanctuaries, state game refuge land, and intensive management programs. Region II was comprised of eight area offices, but a recent reorganization created two distinct organizational units, each with four offices. Travel to urban and rural communities is associated with these activities, mostly by commercial or charter air carriers. http://notes4.state.ak.us/wa/postapps.nsf/3fce5e59a6a3b75189256443007a8e d2/ed1b2d83392aae6e89257943006aeeb8?OpenDocument David Thomson, Administrative Operations Manager Division of Wildlife Conservation, ADFG, 465-6194
[ECOLOG-L] [Be the Change!] Regenerative Leadership Urban Permaculture
Hello friends, Join an unforgettable program in leadership, permaculture and sustainable design and change the world! The upcoming Regenerative Leadership and Permaculture Design course will change your life with nature connection, leadership, permaculture and more. Details @ http://commoncircle.com Who:Common Circle Education, the nation's leadership, sustainable living and permaculture school. What: Regenerative Leadership Urban Permaculture Design Dates: December 17 - Dec 31st - San Diego County, CA April 14 - April 22nd - Eugene, OR -- Sign up before November 15th and bring a friend FREE -- -- Find out details @ http://www.commoncircle.com/pdc -- -- Read reviews @ http://www.commoncircle.com/reviews -- Common Circle's Permaculture Design course was a genuine heart and mind opening experience. If you are interested in finding how you can be part of the life giving earth healing solution in today's global ecological and social crisis this course gives you an in depth and extensive overview of what it takes to make it happen. - Jessica M, Course Graduate (read the reviews @ http://commoncircle.com/reviews) During the workshop, we will talk about: * Smart nature-inspired design principles * Rainwater catchment and storage * Greywater - smart water re-use with plant filters * Food forest design for abundance * Eco-psychology and Regenerative Leadership * Intentional community design and dynamics * Bio-remediation and toxic waste cleanup * Natural building design - cob, strawbale and more * Soil biology and regeneration * Sustainable transportation and fuels * Green business and sustainable economics * Natural patterns and principles * Everything you ever wanted to know about plants and soil! My experience in the course was invaluable. I find myself with a new permaculture lens that I can put on at will, and see the world around me in a way that I feel leads to making more conscious decisions and living better in harmony with the earth. - Deborah F., Course Graduate (read the reviews @ http://commoncircle.com/reviews) This course will combine critical design skills with leadership, nature connection, and most importantly an urban focus, building and exceeding upon the internationally-recognized Permaculture Design Certification curriculum. Our programs offer by far the most complete curriculum of any similar course -- with a huge focus on leadership, personal growth and community design as well as green business. This course was the BEST time I have had in the past 6 years - Lana T, Graduate (read the reviews @ http://commoncircle.com/reviews) You'll learn how to create sustainable, thriving human systems, from green houses and organic gardens, to local micro-economies and communities, using sustainable design principles that are applicable to every human system, from businesses, communities, and cities to personal relationships. The experiences I have had and people I have met through Common Circle has been life changing. On these trips, a community is created and everyone's individuality is honored, welcomed and celebrated as you work together each day to prepare meals, confront issues large and small and find out how each and every one of us can be the change that we wish to see in the world. - Marlee F, Course Graduate (read the reviews @ http://commoncircle.com/reviews) Because of our unique focus on Urban and Suburban solutions, our courses are radically different from most other programs, teaching permaculture as a design science rooted in nature. With most of the world's population in cities, we must meet people where they live with real sustainable solutions. -- Sign up before November 15th and bring a friend FREE -- -- Find out details @ http://www.commoncircle.com/pdc -- -- Read reviews @ http://www.commoncircle.com/reviews -- Starting by learning the lessons from nature with some of the world's most renowned organic farming experts, we will then look at how to apply what we learned from the soil and the water to building sustainable, lasting institutions. We hope you will be able to join us for this incredible, life-changing experiential course! Much gratitude, Vladislav for Common Circle Education commoncircle.com -- common circle education 14525 sw millikan way, suite 17760, beaverton, or 97005