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For all of you who are looking for workshop opportunities or natural building conferences, this is the blog post for you! It is long, but that is because there is a lot of detail and a lot of workshops listed. You can find out more by clicking the link in the name of this blog post. Thanks to the folks at Natural Building Network for this information.

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8th International Permaculture Conference, May 16-18, 2007 — São Paulo, Brazil. http://www.ipc8.org/

The Village Building Convergence, May 18-27, 2007 — Portland, Oregon. The Village Building Convergence is part of The City Repair Project Placemaking Program, fulfilling City Repair’s mission to educate, inspire and activate local communities and develop our city and bioregion as a network of interconnected Village Centers. Come build on one of over 30 sites throughout the city! Experience presentations from leaders of sustainability from all over the world! More? www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/projects/vbc7

AdobeUSA 2007, May 18 - 21 2007 — El Rito, New Mexico. This will be the 4th conference of the Adobe Association of the Southwest. For more information look here: http://www.adobeasw.com

Build Here Now - Natural Building, Permaculture and Sustainable Lifestyles Convergence, June 17-24, 2007 — Taos County, New Mexico. Build Here Now is the 9th Natural Building, Permaculture and Sustainable Lifestyles convergence. Join us for a dynamic week of hands-on workshops, classroom theory, discussion, slide presentations, and networking with dedicated practitioners of natural building, permaculture and sustainable lifestyles - set amongst the stunning beauty of Lama Foundation. http://www.lamafoundation.org/BHN07.htm

Here are a few highlights of the May and June NBN Member Events Worldwide:

Go to the Natural Building Network website for full event descriptions: http://www.naturalbuildingnetwork.org/calendar.htm

MAY

May 1-31, 2007 — Southeast Asian Sustainability Leadership Training (SLT), Training for Trainers, Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand
This year will be the 2nd annual SLT hosted at Pun Pun Organic Farm, Seed Center, and Sustainable Living Learning Center. We invite leaders and representatives of community, farmers, and activist groups, along with other organizations in Southeast Asia to join us. Pun Pun is presently seeking donations to cover the cost of the one-month training. The participants are from grassroots organizations in less developed countries. They do not have the ability to cover their own costs. Any amount given is greatly appreciated and will go a long way, especially because so many people are connected to each of our attendees’ networks. Your contribution not only helps individuals, but goes toward supporting sustainable alternatives in SE Asia as a whole. For more information click here: www.mynewsletterbuilder.com//refer.php?s=34248233&u=1416826

May 12-19, 2007 — Cob & Straw Bale Homebuilder Workshop, Shamrock, Oklahoma
Join us for a week of natural building construction and education in NE Oklahoma. We will cover cob and straw bale construction from start to finish including siting, design, foundation, wall construction, windows/doors, roof, plasters, arches, niches and relief sculpture. To see photos from a previous (cob only) workshop conducted by Kindra Welch, visit: www.claysandstraw.com/projects /CaretakersCttge/CrTkrCttge.htm. For more details about the workshop www.sustainablegreencountry .org/main/?p=29 or call Konstantin at (918) 289-3061. E-mail keeshi[at]gmail.com,

May 12-16, 2007 — Natural Building For Women, Woodbury, Tennessee
This workshop will be a five-day hands-on building intensive. You will learn all the basics of building with cob for anything from a small outbuilding to your entire house. The moderately sized project that we will be constructing during this workshop offers a chance to participate in several stages of construction. We will cover foundations, walls, windows, doors, roofs, plasters, sculptural work, electricity and plumbing. Presented by Christina Ott of Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

May 12-13, 2007 — Earth, Oven, Art Workshops, Salem, Oregon
If you can make mud pies, you can build with earth. Good material is often underfoot. Practical, beautiful, dirt cheap, and faster than you think, mud is also sculptural, colorful, and rich, whether you make ovens, benches, garden walls, or houses. And you can do it with your kids! “Mud ovens” were the original masonry ovens (brick is, after all, fired clay). The ovens we make bake beautiful bread (and anything else), and perform as well as the fancy $4,000 Italian ones. You can build a simple one in a day, learn about cob and natural building – and make the best pizza and breads. Taught by Kiko Denzer and Hannah Field, this Workshop covers everything you need to know to make an oven and bake anything in it, as well as Hannah’s simple approach to naturally leavened, “artisan” breads. MORE INFO/QUESTIONS: Please call 541-438-4300, or email handprint@cmug.com.

May 12-13, 2007 — Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains, Colonial Beach, Virginia
Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

May 13-July 6, 2007 —Apprenticeship in Natural Building, Cob Cottage Company, Coquille, Oregon
Covers all aspects of building cob and natural homes using a range of earth building techniques and other natural materials - wood, both milled and roundwood, stone, lime, clay, straw, together with creative use of industrial and commercial waste and surplus. We’ll work on all phases of a house - walls, floors, roofs, etc., helping complete buildings already in progress at the school and beginning new buildings elsewhere. Mostly you will work alongside a professional/instructor on a one on one basis. For more information contact the Cob Cottage Company at 541-942-2005 or read the full description at http://www.cobcottage.com/apprentice

May 13-18, 2007 —Sustainable Treehouse Design and Construction, Warren, Vermont
Building a sustainable tree house is among the most interesting, exhilarating and enlightening projects imaginable. Moreover, it is emblematic of everything we hope to achieve in sustainable architecture. How do we build in a natural setting without despoiling the very nature that supports us? For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/treehouse.htm

May 14-27, 2007 — Permaculture Design Course, Quail Springs Learning Oasis and Permaculture Farm, New Cuyama, California
Permaculture Design Course at Quail Springs with Renowned Australian Teacher, Geoff Lawton…”All the world’s problems can be solved in the garden.”, approximately 2 hour drive from LA, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo. Permaculture is a holistic approach to land use design, based on ecological principles and patterns. It aims to create stable, productive systems that provide for human needs, harmoniously integrating the land with people. Permaculture principles can be applied to any environment, at any scale - from dense urban settlements to individual homes, from farms to entire regions. To register or for more info, contact: Kolmi (805) 886-7239, info@quailsprings.org. www.quailsprings.org.

May 14-20, 2007 — EcoNest 7-Day Builder Program, Santa Fe, New Mexico
This is a professional training program for those individuals already working in the building industry or individuals with past building experience interested in one of the following: Becoming proficient in clay/straw building; Assisting a client who wants an EcoNest built; Learning how to build EcoNests as a profession; Building their own EcoNest; Networking and assisting on EcoNest projects; Advancing their career as a natural builder; Becoming a certified EcoNest contractor. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/builder.htm.

May 16-August 5, 2007 — The Natural Building Intensive, Warren, Vermont
The Natural Building Intensive is a unique course that brings together a collaborative group of experienced and enthusiastic instructors with students in an in-depth, hands-on experience in natural building, from the design stages through finishing touches. Students enrolled in the summer 2007 program will help design and build a complete structure from start to finish—a garden folly handcrafted from natural stone, cob, straw, timber, light clay and living plants right down the road from Yestermorrow in Warren Village. This program, which is a first for Vermont and the Northeast, provides the opportunity to develop a range of natural building skills for owner-builders and aspiring professional natural builders alike. This program includes the following courses: stone masonry; scribe timberframing; cob, strawbale and other mud/straw building techniques; earthen and lime plasters; earthen floors; living roofs, and; rocket stoves. Four slots will be available for students to complete the full 10 week intensive, and 10+ spaces are open for registration in individual classes. Tim (tim [at] sgnb.com) will be directing this project for the Yestermorrow Design/Build School (www.yestermorrow.org), and he can be contacted for additional information. Please contact Yestermorrow directly for registration.

May 16-18, 2007 — 8th International Permaculture Conference, São Paulo, Brazil
The 8th International Permaculture Conference and Convergence (IPC will be held in Brazil in May 2007. Traditionally IPCs are held every two years and switch between continents. Past host sites have been Australia, USA, New Zealand, Nepal, Scandinavia and Croatia in 2005. It is now Latin America’s turn. The international umbrella organization responsible for the event will be NBN member Permacultura America Latina (PAL), which is a USA registered 501(c)3 non-profit that has been working in Central and South America since 1989. www.ipc8.org

May 17-20, 2007 — EcoNest Hands-On Home Building Workshop, Santa Fe, New Mexico
The 4-day workshop is the basic introduction to clay/straw building and to the EcoNest Company. This program will give the attendee a broad understanding of the whys and hows of natural and health enhancing building with plenty of hands-on experience. This is a good workshop for anyone who is interested in ecological building in general and who wishes to become familiar with the EcoNest building system. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/building4day.htm

May 18-27, 2007 — The Village Building Convergence, Portland, Oregon
The Village Building Convergence is part of The City Repair Project Placemaking Program, fulfilling City Repair’s mission to educate, inspire and activate local communities and develop our city and bioregion as a network of interconnected Village Centers. As villagers, we seek to combine our highest knowledge and understanding of history, contemporary conditions, social, appropriate ecological and technological innovations, and our respect for future generations. Come build on one of over 30 sites throughout the city! Experience presentations from leaders of sustainability from all over the world! More? www.cityrepair.org/wiki.php/projects/vbc7

May 18-21, 2007 — AdobeUSA 2007, El Rito, New Mexico
This will be the 4th conference of the Adobe Association of the Southwest. Our website is http://www.adobeasw.com . We are rapidly adding new information so please check this website often. This year we have a great international group of speakers http://www.adobeasw.com /speakers-list/they’re nationalities are as diverse as from Egypt to Peru. We are offering in addition to the speakers presentations many events and activities for the public to participate in. We have invited several of our speakers to run adobe building workshops proceeding, during and after the conference http://www.adobeasw.com /workshops/. Also, check out the Northern New Mexico College website http://www.nnmc.edu for details.

May 18-19, 2007 — Natural Finishes: Earthen Plasters & Clay Paints, Asheville, North Carolina
Learn various stages of the following: making & applying beautiful, totally eco-friendly, customized organic plasters & paints; making & applying casein washes; & creating textured finishes. To register or for more information contact Kleiwerks at http://www.kleiwerks.com/events_projects.php#fin1.

May 19-21, 2007 — Timber Framing for the Rest of Us, Earthwood, West Chazy, New York
This workshop was based on the methods that Rob and Jaki Roy have used to erect the frames of Log End Cottage, Log End Cave, Earthwood, Mushwood, and several outbuildings, the same methods use by contractors, farmers, and owner-builders for a hundred years or more. You will not learn crafty but time-consuming mortise-and-tenon joints here. Rather, this workshop accents the use of inexpensive metal fasteners made for the purpose, in combination with good building quality. For more information visit Earthwood at: www.cordwoodmasonry.com or email: robandjaki@yahoo.com or call 518-493-7744

May 19-20 2007 — Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains, Colonial Beach, Virginia
Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

May 19-20 2007 — Preparing, Forming and Applying woodchip/Clay In-fill System for a Timber Frame Community Center, Rumney, New Hampshire
In this workshop, we’ll form, mix and apply a woodchip/clay insulation system to enclose a timber frame structure. Our goals are to demonstrate a time-tested and versatile building systems we can promote as a model in local resource use, minimally processed materials and ease of use. For those of you interested in the 2-day experience, you’ll receive more construction details, guidance on your own project ideas and a chance to build formwork and light-frame systems on the second day. No carpentry experience required for 1-day, basic to intermediate experience expected for 2-day workshop. Overnight accommodations are available for 2-day participants. All workshops are through D Acres of New Hampshire and facilitated Bryan Felice of Undustrial Timber Frames and Micah Whitman.
More information: www.dacres.org and www.undustrial.org

May 20-26, 2007 — Home Design, Warren, Vermont
This course teaches students how to design a home and communicate that design through floor plans, sections, elevations, and a scale model. Through conversation, lectures, and slides we explore such issues as site planning, climatic design, sustainability, building layout, structural principles, materials, energy conservation, solar strategies, and what makes a building a beautiful expression of its occupant’s lifestyle. This class is perfect for those interested in new home construction, remodeling or renovation, or exploring a new career. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/homedesn.htm.

May 24-28, 2007 — Building a farm kitchen, Quilcene, Washington
Join Elke Cole, architect and designer for a hands on workshop in cob, light clay, earth plaster, and relief work. For more information visit: http://www.elkecole.com/%7Eelkecole/teaching.html

May 25-28, 2007 — Cob in the City, Vancouver, British Columbia
Join us for a unique opportunity to learn about cob in an urban setting. During this course, participants will build a cob oven and cob seating area in the backyard of our hosts’ private residence. Oven construction, basic cob mixing and building techniques, niches and sculptural elements will be taught. Theory topics include foundations, roofing, and the logistics of acquiring project materials in the city. At the end of the 4 days, participants will have enough knowledge to take on their own backyard project. This workshop is offered by Cobworks. For more information: http://www.cobworks.com/workshops.htm.

May 25-27, 2007 — Cordwood Masonry, Earthwood, West Chazy, New York
Morning sessions include cordwood theory, slide presentations, explanatory tours, and discussions of the three styles of cordwood construction: built-up corners (stackwall), round houses, and cordwood as infilling within a post-and-beam framework. The kinds of wood and how long to dry them is covered, as well as various alternative mortar mixes. Installing doors and windows is detailed, as is cordwood masonry “special effects.” At Earthwood, students examine several different kinds of cordwood masonry buildings. Afternoons are reserved for practical, hands-on work sessions. This workshop gives the student a strong introduction to this ancient building technique. For more information visit Earthwood at: www.cordwoodmasonry.com or email: robandjaki@yahoo.com or call 518-493-7744

May 26-27, 2007 — Natural Building Workshop, McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa
Workshops in Natural Building are offered each month at McGregor Alternative Technology. For information about this month’s program: http://www.mat.org.za/.

May 26-27, 2007 —Building Foundations, Warren, Vermont
Discussions about Foundation Design and Layout, determining final site grade based on common sense and builder’s tricks, and when to use what kind of different materials. We will build a stone foundation for a small garden folly near Yestermorrow. This class is for anyone who will be living on top of a foundation, and wants to know how they are built and how they work. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/found.htm

May 26-27, 2007 — Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains, Colonial Beach, Virginia
Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

May 27-June 2, 2007 —Timberframing Outside the Box: Scribe Methods, Warren, Vermont
This class will introduce students to techniques used to create a well crafted frame out of round and oddly shaped timbers and is perfect for those wishing to incorporate organic shapes in their timber framing work. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/scribe.htm

May 28-June 3, 2007 — EcoNest 7-Day Builder Program, Durham, Ontario
This is a professional training program for those individuals already working in the building industry or individuals with past building experience interested in one of the following: Becoming proficient in clay/straw building; Assisting a client who wants an EcoNest built; Learning how to build EcoNests as a profession; Building their own EcoNest; Networking and assisting on EcoNest projects; Advancing their career as a natural builder; Becoming a certified EcoNest contractor. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/builder.htm.

May 28, 2007 — Earthwood Techniques (Underground), Earthwood, West Chazy, New York
Low-cost foundations and earth-sheltering methods used at the Earthwood house are emphasized, accenting surface bonded wall construction and plank-and-beam roofing. The five elements that affect load calculations are discussed. Alternative foundations, drainage and waterproofing, insulation, structural considerations, cooling tubes, and the masonry stove are all covered. An explanatory tour of the Earthwood house is included, as well as a step-by-step slide presentation documenting the construction of Earthwood from floating slab foundation to earth roof. For more information visit Earthwood at: www.cordwoodmasonry.com or email: robandjaki@yahoo.com or call 518-493-7744

May 31-June 4, 2007 — Earth Plaster Workshop, Tres Orejas, New Mexico (Near Taos, West of the Gorge)
Layers of Plaster to Cover Straw or Earth; How to make an Adobe Floor; Finish Techniques, Alis and Casein; Color on Lime or Clay; Restoration Procedures; Learn Useful Skills That Can Earn You a Living! All Meals Provided. Camping Space Available. $200 before May 15, $250 After (or $65 per day). For more information contact Carole Crews (seacrews [at] taosnet.com) or call (505)758-7251.

May 31-June 1, 2007 — EcoNest Hands-On Home Building Workshop, Durham, Ontario
The 4-day workshop is the basic introduction to clay/straw building and to the EcoNest Company. This program will give the attendee a broad understanding of the whys and hows of natural and health enhancing building with plenty of hands-on experience. This is a good workshop for anyone who is interested in ecological building in general and who wishes to become familiar with the EcoNest building system. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/building4day.htm

JUNE

June, 2007 — Cob Building Workshop, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Join Elke Cole, architect and designer for a hands on workshop in cob building and design. For more information: http://www.elkecole.com/%7Eelkecole/teaching.html

June 1-July 10, 2007 — Natural Building Apprenticeship, Taos, New Mexico
A six-week hands-on introduction to the wonderful world of natural building. With a focus on actual hands-on building projects and some classroom time, apprentices will be guided through several natural building methods and skills, including: straw-bale, adobe, and straw-clay walls; essential basic carpentry for door and window framing; and natural clay- and lime-based plasters. The apprenticeship also includes “Build Here Now”, a one-week natural building convergence featuring cutting-edge natural building professionals from around the country. While an apprentice, you will also be a part of Lama Foundation’s exciting summer community, and will be exposed to valuable community building skills from one of America’s oldest intentional communities. We will work hard, learn lots and play even harder. There is much fun to be had amidst the “mud, straw and love”. For more information: http://www.lamafoundation.org/nat-bldg-apprentice.htm

June 1-15, 2007 — Permaculture Design Certification, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
The Permaculture Design Course is a 15 day intensive course combining theory with practical hands on learning. The course includes lectures, discussions, hands-on, slide shows, field trips and design projects. We will examine the underlying assumptions of the current culture of consumerism and economic globalization, and encourage exploration of ways to contribute to the emergence of a culture of sustainability, compassion and equity. This is a special program hosted at OUR ECOVILLAGE a 25 acre model demonstration sustainable village and is offered as an introduction to OUR regular Skillbuilder programs (1/2 tuition if registered in regular Skillbuilder Program). For further details visit www.ourecovillage.org under “Programs”

June 1-3, 2007 — Landscape Design, Warren, Vermont
During this three-day class we will approach landscape design from the ground up. Students will learn how to analyze a site considering soils, slopes, sun and shadow, access and circulation, drainage, etc. Site development, building placement, and materials will also be covered. Field trips to gardens and nurseries will help students start to visualize actual garden designs and become more familiar with plants. Students will design a landscape that draws inspiration from the natural world, accommodates their needs, and is aesthetically pleasing. Bring pictures of your site and other intriguing landscapes, and ideas that you have been considering. All Levels. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/landscpe.htm

June 2-3, 2007 — Build an Earth Oven, El Cerrito, California
Wood-fired ovens are prized by bakers around the world for making the best chewy crusts and crispy pizzas. For less than $100 in materials, you can build your own oven from clay, sand, straw, and bricks. Based on the British mud-building technique known as “cob,” this style of oven is similar to the adobe “hornos” of the Southwest but simpler to build. In this 2-day workshop you’ll take part in every step of the oven-building process, and also learn how to find and identify clay and other natural materials. It’s a great first project for anyone interested in natural building, including kids! Instructor: Michael G. Smith is the author or co-author of 3 books on natural building, including “The Hand-Sculpted House.” Since helping to start the Cob Cottage Co. in 1993 he has taught hundreds of hands-on workshops focused on cob, straw bale, earthen plasters, ovens and floors. Offered by Kleiwerks West, for more information contact Marisha Farnsworth at Marisha [at] Kleiwerks.org or (510) 527-9271.

June 2-3, 2007 — Workshop on Earth plastering, Lime plastering, and some Natural Paints and Stains, Colonial Beach, Virginia
Free Workshops covering earth plastering, lime plastering, and some natural paints and stains. The plastering is being done on four strawbale houses for Migrant Farmworkers. The workshops will be held on Saturdays and Sundays from Mar 24th to Jun 2, 9 AM to 3:30 PM. Arrangements can also be made to work Thursdays, Fridays, and Mondays. Volunteers can also work only Saturday or only Sunday. Food will be provided to all workshop participants. There is a house approximately ten minutes from the site that can be used by participants. There is bedding for four people. An additional four to eight people can sleep inside on the floor. Additionally, there is room for tents outside of the housing (free), or there is a commercial campground very nearby (not free). Beds will be given on a first come, first serve basis, or as agreed upon by participants. For more information contact Greg Miller, gmiller [at] telamon.org, (804)357-0682.

June 2-3 2007 — Preparing, Forming and Applying woodchip/Clay In-fill System for a Timber Frame Community Center, Rumney, New Hampshire
In this workshop, we’ll form, mix and apply a woodchip/clay insulation system to enclose a timber frame structure. Our goals are to demonstrate a time-tested and versatile building system we can promote as a model in local resource use, minimally processed materials and ease of use. For those of you interested in the 2-day experience, you’ll receive more construction details, guidance on your own project ideas and a chance to build formwork and light-frame systems on the second day. No carpentry experience required for 1-day, basic to intermediate experience expected for 2-day workshop. Overnight accommodations are available for 2-day participants. All workshops are through D Acres of New Hampshire and facilitated Bryan Felice of Undustrial Timber Frames and Micah Whitman. More information: www.dacres.org and www.undustrial.org

June 4-July 27, 2007 — Natural Building Apprenticship, Mendocino County, California
Emerald Earth Sanctuary. In 2007, our 2 month apprenticeship will be in it’s 4th year. Many of our past students have gone on to find ways to bring natural building into their lives, including both professional building work and instruction. This year we are excited to have Massey Burke, one of our 1st year students, return to help with the teaching. Massey has been one of the main natural building teachers at the Solar Living Institute at Real Goods in Hopland. She will joining Darryl Berlin, who is a founding member of Emerald Earth, and will be teaching this course for his 4th year. We hope the 2007 program will be exciting, full, and lively. We will also be inviting guest instructors to help with specific parts of the apprenticeship. For more information: http://www.emeraldearth.org/apprenticeship.htm

June 8-17, 2007 — Complete Cob and Straw-bale Hybrid Building, Lyle, Washington
In this in-depth course we will involve participants in all aspects of constructing a natural cottage including, design, foundation, wall, and roof construction, detailing of windows and doors, earthen plasters and flooring. Gain the confidence to build your own dream nest. Hosted on a beautiful 12-acre property in the beginning stages of development into a sustainable, permaculture homestead. Have fun, work hard, make friends, and eat well. Families are encouraged to participate. Amenities provided are camping, showers, wholesome vegetarian meals, and morning Yoga. Please inquire about family pricing and early payment discounts. Enrollment limited to 15. A $100 deposit will hold your spot. Cost: $770 Contact Bernhard at 503-929-8583 or bernhard_masterson@hotmail.com P.O. Box 1836, Estacada, OR 97023.

June 9-10, 2007 — Stone Masonry, Warren, Vermont
This hands-on workshop will provide students with basic skills for working with stone and masonry. Students will learn various methods of constructing stone walls and will be exposed to a variety of examples of stonework incorporated in residential design. Each student will have the opportunity to work firsthand with footings and dry-laid, masonry-laid and masonry-veneered stonewall work. There will also be discussion of paver installation and fundamental brick and block construction. Strong, healthy backs are required! All Levels. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/landscpe.htm

June 10-22, 2007 — Building with Cob, Strawbale and More: Natural Wall Systems, Warren, Vermont
A wealth of wall building systems is available to the natural builder using the basic materials of clay, sand, straw, stone, and wood. This two week intensive/extensive course will focus on several methods, including: cob, strawbale, clay block, wattle and daub, and light-clay. Students will learn the properties, advantages, and challenges for each method as we integrate these various techniques into a single garden folly structure. You will learn how to mix, build, and finish cob, properly stack and trim bales, weave and daub wattle, and combine these ingredients in other ways to create load-bearing and in-fill material. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/natwall.htm.

June 11-15, 2007 — Designing and Building Natural Homes, Paonia, Colorado
This course covers the opportunities and evolving variations within the field of natural building. Architects, builders, and owners and students will gain an excellent introduction to the art and science of natural building materials, techniques, and design considerations, while also giving participants the opportunity to get their hands on straw bale, adobe, pressed block, cob, natural plasters and more. The five-day workshop will be full of guest instructor presentations, experimentation, open discussion, and extensive hands-on instruction. Instructor: Laura Bartels. For more workshop details or to register: http://solarenergy.org/workshops/workshop.php?id=6 or contact Solar Energy International (SEI) at 970.963.8855.

June 11-14, 2007 — Advanced Permaculture Training with Geoff Lawton, Bolinas, California
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from Geoff Lawton at Regenerative Design Institute! Since 1985, Geoff has worked consulting, designing, teaching and implementing permaculture projects in seventeen countries around the world. Clients have included private individuals, groups, communities, governments, aid organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and multi-national companies. This special 4-day training will include: Professional Consultancy; Earth Works in Detail; Working on and Establishing International Permaculture Aid Projects; Establishing Active Local Permaculture Groups. Prerequisite: Permaculture Design Certificate or current enrollment in a Permaculture Design Certificate Course. For more information:
http://regenerativedesign.org /courses-events/advanced -permaculture-training-with-geoff-lawton-coming-june -2007 or call 415.868.9681.

June 17-23, 2007 — Eco-Sense Cob Building Workshop: Part 2 - Gettin’ Higher Cob Building, Victoria, British Columbia
Be part of the leading sustainability project in greater Victoria. Located on eight glorious Highland acres the Eco-Sense project is rising up out of the land. This new project started in February 206 and already the first cob building is completed. The 230 sq ft woodworking shop will inspire us as we continue work on the main 1550 sq ft two story loadbearing cob house. Complete sustainability is no more than a beautiful earthen building as it encompasses the best of modern technologies within all of the systems. The home will be powered by the sun and wind with a state of the art grid inter-tie net metering system with BC Hydro. Solar water heating tubes will provide domestic hot water and hydronic in-floor heat for the thermal mass building. The home will also feature a rain water catchment system, composting toilets and re-use all of it’s grey water for irrigation of fruit trees. All of this will be surrounded by organic vegetable gardens in the future. For registration and workshop inquiries contact visit http://www.elkecole.com/%7Eelkecole/teaching.html. For more general information about the project visit www.eco-sense.ca. The workshops will be part of the ongoing construction process of the house- content may vary due to demands of the building progress.

June 17-24, 2007 — Build Here Now - Natural Building, Permaculture and Sustainable Lifestyles Convergence, Taos County, New Mexico
Build Here Now is the 9th Natural Building, Permaculture and Sustainable Lifestyles convergence. Join us for a dynamic week of hands-on workshops, classroom theory, discussion, slide presentations, and networking with dedicated practitioners of natural building, permaculture and sustainable lifestyles - set amongst the stunning beauty of Lama Foundation. Cost: $525. Tuition includes everything; you will have no extra costs during the program. We accommodate people in prepared tenting sites, with limited dorm-space (small extra fee) and car camping sites (no fee) by reservation. Hotel-type lodging is available in Taos or Questa at additional cost. All meals are vegetarian. Families are welcome - please inquire for details.
Phone: 505-586-1269, http://www.lamafoundation.org/BHN07.htm

June 18-August 24, 2007 — Natural Building Skillbuilder, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE’s natural building projects for 2007 include the second phase of construction on the ‘Community Art- Studio’, finishing work on the “Chillage”(our group space) and the Healing Sanctuary as well as start up of the residential zone of O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE.
Participants learn through hands-on practice of building skills, supported by presentations, personal study and discussions of related topics. The Natural Building Skillbuilder Program offers: Cob Construction: wall building, detailing, windows, doors, roof; Straw bale and Cob Finishing: aesthetics, bas-relief work, brown coat for plaster, windows and doors; Natural Plasters: clay and lime recipes, colour and application; Earthen Floors: in- floor heat, tile work, finishing; Stone Foundation; Woodworking: as needed to support cob or bale building; Basic Design Skills: passive solar, natural house specific needs, materials, decision making; Community life: all participants live on site for the duration of the program. Daily involvement in chores, community meetings, celebrations, seasonal ritual and other community events become part of the stay. Find out more at: www.ourecovillage.org. Download the full description here: O.U.R. Natural Building Skillbuilder Overview 2007.pdf

June 18-August 24, 2007 — Permaculture Design Skillbuilder, Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia
O.U.R. ECOVILLAGE’s Permaculture Design Skillbuilder offers a unique opportunity that will build skills and competence throughout the growing season. This is a three to four-month, fully residential program where a balance of practical hands-on learning and theoretical class time will be achieved. For further information tour www.ourecovillage.org under ‘programs’

June 18-24, 2007 — EcoNest 7-Day Builder Program, Bayfield, Colorado
This is a professional training program for those individuals already working in the building industry or individuals with past building experience interested in one of the following: Becoming proficient in clay/straw building; Assisting a client who wants an EcoNest built; Learning how to build EcoNests as a profession; Building their own EcoNest; Networking and assisting on EcoNest projects; Advancing their career as a natural builder; Becoming a certified EcoNest contractor. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/builder.htm.

June 19-21, 2007 — Cordwood Masonry, near Verona, Wisconsin
Conducted by Rob and Jaki Roy, Earthwood Building School. This workshop was based on the methods that Rob and Jaki Roy have used to erect the frames of Log End Cottage, Log End Cave, Earthwood, Mushwood, and several outbuildings, the same methods use by contractors, farmers, and owner-builders for a hundred years or more. You will not learn crafty but time-consuming mortise-and-tenon joints here. Rather, this workshop accents the use of inexpensive metal fasteners made for the purpose, in combination with good building quality. The textbook is Timber Framing for the Rest of Us. The project for this workshop will be timber framing for an outbuilding on the host’s property. Limit: 16 students. For more information visit Earthwood at: www.cordwoodmasonry.com or email: robandjaki@yahoo.com or call 518-493-7744

June 21-24, 2007 — EcoNest Hands-On Home Building Workshop, Bayfield, Colorado
The 4-day workshop is the basic introduction to clay/straw building and to the EcoNest Company. This program will give the attendee a broad understanding of the whys and hows of natural and health enhancing building with plenty of hands-on experience. This is a good workshop for anyone who is interested in ecological building in general and who wishes to become familiar with the EcoNest building system. This course is a prerequisite if you are interested in: Gaining hands-on learning with clay/straw building; What it feels like to experience building a home with a team of like-minded people; Having an EcoNest built for your family; Embarking on training to become a Certified EcoNest Affiliate; Interviewing to become an EcoNest Company Apprentice. Contact The EcoNest Building Company for more information: http://www.econest.com/training/building4day.htm

June 22, 2006 — Earthwood Techniques (Underground), near Verona, Wisconsin
Low-cost foundations and earth-sheltering methods used at the Earthwood house are emphasized, accenting surface bonded wall construction and plank-and-beam roofing. The five elements that affect load calculations are discussed. Alternative foundations, drainage and waterproofing, insulation, structural considerations, cooling tubes, and the masonry stove are all covered. A step-by-step slide presentation documenting the construction of Earthwood from floating slab foundation to earth roof is included. Textbook: Earth-Sheltered Houses. This is a very full day, consisting of mostly classroom instruction. The only difference is that there will not be an explanatory tour of Earthwood (which is 1200 miles away), except by slides. For more information visit Earthwood at: www.cordwoodmasonry.com or email: robandjaki@yahoo.com or call 518-493-7744

June 23-30, 2006 — Comprehensive Cottage Construction, Williams, Oregon
Join us this June as we build a small cottage in the woods designed to demonstrate a wide range of natural building techniques. Over eight days you will learn how to build with cob, straw bales, lights-straw-clay, adobe, cordwood and poles. You will also have the opportunity to use earthen plasters and clay paints. Lectures, discussions and demonstrations will focus on passive solar design, alternative energy, foundations, living roofs, load-bearing and non-load-bearing construction, cob ovens, and much more. We will also tour several finished natural homes. Participants will receive detailed instruction and hands-on experience in small cottage construction from laying the foundation to application of a living roof. www.whiteoakfarmcsa.org, info@whiteoakfarmcsa.org, www.cobtogether.com

June 23-24, 2007 — Rustic Furniture, Warren, Vermont
This workshop is a vehicle for creativity in natural wood. Students will collect branches and limbs from our forest to create unique personal objects of beauty, creativity and comfort. Skills learned will include structuring, geometry, fastening, aesthetic puzzling, and morphogenic resonance. Utilizing this new skill set, along with simple hand tools, available materials and imagination, each student will leave with a small piece of furniture of their own design. All Levels. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/acw/rustic.htm.

June 23-24, 2007 — Natural Building Workshop. McGregor, Western Cape, South Africa
Workshops in Natural Building are offered each month at McGregor Alternative Technology. For information about this month’s program: http://www.mat.org.za/.

June 24-July 7, 2007 — Cob and Community, Mayne Island, British Columbia
Our Cob and Community project this year has expanded to include a bit more about carpentry, too! Join us as we build a cob addition onto our existing bale house. Participants will learn every aspect of cob construction: identifying materials, design and siting, mixing, building techniques, niches, sculptural elements, attachments. We will tour some of the Mayne Island cob houses and answer many questions about natural building during our theory classes: grey water, composting toilets, passive solar, heating, permits, electrical and plumbing, living roofs, etc! We also plan to complete construction on last year’s C&C bath house project. Participants will have the opportunity to build a light clay wall, make an earthen floor, prep and plaster the exterior and install the roof. This workshop is offered by Cobworks. For more information: http://www.cobworks.com/workshops.htm.

June 27-July 1, 2007 — Three-in-one workshop: Building a cob oven, appropriate technology and natural design, Jacksonville, Oregon
During this workshop we will build a cob pizza/bread oven from scratch while also learning about other technologies that will help us understand how to live more self sufficiently. We hope that participants can reduce their impact on the earth, save lots of money, lead more wholesome, enjoyable lives with the knowledge they gain at this workshop. Although the workshop is only 4 days long, it is packed with useful information and hands-on training. Offered by House Alive! For more information: http://www.housealive.org/workshops/3-in-1-3.html

June 29-July 6, 2007 — Earthbag Building Workshop, Moretown, Vermont
Learn to build a 28-foot diameter earthbag yurt with Kaki and Doni, authors of Earthbag Building, in collaboration with Becky Kemery, author of Yurts; Living in the Round. Phases of construction include: Earthbag wall building technique; Electrical and Plumbing; Arched openings; Interconnecting stud frame walls; Built-in shelving; Insulation strategies. For more information: http://www.okokok.org/ws-vermont-0707.php.

June 29-July 1, 2007 — The Rocket Stove, Warren, Vermont
his course teaches the basics for creating a super-efficient, down-draft wood burning stove–the rocket stove. The design of the rocket stove allows for economical and efficient use of fuel as it combusts at such a high temperature producing a minimum of gases and particulates. These stoves can be created with masonry, metal flue pipe, and steel drums. They lend themselves readily to built-in furniture (e.g. a cob bench) in which the flue pipe may be run, creating thermal mass storage for added comfort and heat retention. During this course we will build a rocket stove in a small garden structure as its primary heating source. Students will learn the fundamentals of heat and combustion, how a rocket stove functions, and its construction. A wonderful stove design for permanent installations and portable heating. BYOM (Bring your own matches). This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/mmbs/rocket.htm

June 30-July 1, 2007 — Hands-On Weekend, Espanola, New Mexico (Near Taos)
Learn the basics of making and building with cob as we construct a cob sweat lodge. This is a great weekend introduction to the basics of cob building. It should be a very fun workshop! Presented by Barefoot Builder. For more information about this event please visit: www.barefootbuilder.com.

June 30-July 1, 2007 — Edible Forest Gardens, Warren, Vermont
Edible Forest Gardening is the conscious application of the principles of ecology to the design of home scale gardens that mimic forest ecosystem structure and function, but grow food, fuel, fiber, fodder fertilizer, “farmaceuticals,” and fun. This workshop will offern an in-depth exploration of forest ecology, site analysis and assessment, the design process, and interaction with some of the lesser known plants that can comprise ‘perennial polycultures’ in forested biomes. This workshop is open to all, but is recommended for experiences gardeners or graduates of Permaculture design courses. Intermediate. This course offered by Yestermorrow Design/Build School. For more information: http://www.yestermorrow.org/courses/wbc/forestgardens.htm.

June 30-July 1, 2007 — Earth, Oven, Art Workshops, Salem, Oregon
If you can make mud pies, you can build with earth. Good material is often underfoot. Practical, beautiful, dirt cheap, and faster than you think, mud is also sculptural, colorful, and rich, whether you make ovens, benches, garden walls, or houses. And you can do it with your kids! “Mud ovens” were the original masonry ovens (brick is, after all, fired clay). The ovens we make bake beautiful bread (and anything else), and perform as well as the fancy $4,000 Italian ones. You can build a simple one in a day, learn about cob and natural building – and make the best pizza and breads. Taught by Kiko Denzer and Hannah Field, this Workshop covers everything you need to know to make an oven and bake anything in it, as well as Hannah’s simple approach to naturally leavened, “artisan” breads. MORE INFO/QUESTIONS: Please call 541-438-4300, or email handprint@cmug.com.

June 30, 2007 — Big Bamboo Construction, El Cerrito, California
Get your hands-on some bamboo and learn about joinery, especially concrete-reinforced bolted joinery, tools and structural strategies. Recommended for people with some previous construction experience. Instructors: Marisha Farnsworth and Kevin Rowell run the design/build company, The Natural Builders, specializing in ecological construction in strawbale, bamboo and earth. For more information contact Marisha at Marisha [at] Kleiwerks.org or (510) 527-9271.

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About the Author

Andrew Morison is a licensed contractor specializing in straw bale and green construction. He has shown thousands of people how to build their own straw bale projects through his comprehensive series of instructional straw bale, concrete foundation, and plastering DVDs. You can check these out at http://www.LearnStrawBale.com.

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