Cob Build Here Now (...later)

[M J Epko]

This is intended to be an announcement of an opportunity, not an
advertisement. For more information, contact the Permaculture Drylands
Institute at <pdrylands at aol.com>

*

Build Here Now
A Natural Building & Permaculture Convergence
June 6-12, 1999 at the Lama Foundation, Taos County, New Mexico

Co-sponsored by:
	Permaculture Drylands Institute
	Lama Foundation
	The Last Straw Journal

Topics include: 
	sustainable timber harvesting and preparation
	timber framing and log joinery
	straw bale
	cob
	straw-clay
	adobe
	stone
	earthen plasters
	appropriate technology
	permaculture design principles
	renewable energy systems
	eco-village design
	social and community structures
	sector planning
	watershed management
	high alpine forest ecology and ecosystem regeneration

Goals:
	rebuilding Lama
	hands-on natural building & permaculture education
	forest regeneration
	community building
	networking & celebration
	interagency collaboration

About the site:
Lama Foundation is situated on 105 acres of high alpine desert in northern
New Mexico, altitude 8600 feet. The land is regenerating in the wake of the
1996 7000-acre Hondo Fire. Convergence participants are welcome to join in
Lama's daily schedule of early morning silent meditation or yoga, afternoon
classes and evening activities such as dances of universal peace, singing,
chanting, and other forms of spiritual practice.

Lodging options:
On location - yurt and tent with beds can accommodate 20; tent sites for
100 campers. Hotels and campgrounds available in Taos and Questa (at
additional cost).

The Taos Fair:
A public celebration to be held at Kit Carson park on June 13. Will be an
opportunity to demonstrate and promote natural building and permaculture
through hands on educational activities, music, food, and fun for all ages.

Youth programs:
Childcare, hikes, play, and natural building opportunities available for
children ages 5-16.

Travel information:
The Albuquerque airport is 3 hours from the site. Carpooling and shuttle
service will be available (more details later). For more info, contact PDI
at 505-983-0663; <pdrylands at aol.com>

Cost:
Before January 1, 1999, $450; between January I and April 30, $500;
thereafter, $550. Children 5-16 half price. Cost includes three vegetarian
meals per day and on-site lodging.

Permaculture Basic Design Course in Taos:
Offered the week preceding the Convergence, a 7-day design course will take
place from May 30 through June 5. Registration info available from PDI upon
request.

Make checks payable to Permaculture Drylands Institute and send to
Attn: 1999 Convergence, PDI, PO Box 156, Santa Fe, NM 87504-0156

Visa/Mastercard payments may be phoned in to 505-983-0663 or mailed

Registration form:
	Names
	Total # adults
	Total # children
	Affiliation
	Address
	Phone
	Fax
	E-mail
	Visa/Mastercard #
	Exp date
	Check #
	Amount
	Signature

___ Please register me for the convergence, I have included my deposit of
50% of the total cost, of which $50 is non refundable.

___ I am interested in conducting a workshop and/or demonstration. Please
send application.

___ I am interested in participating in the Taos Fair on June 13. Please
send more information.

___ Please send information about receiving a work exchange/partial
scholarship.

___ Please send information about area motels, as I prefer not to camp at
the site.

___ Please send information about carpooling.

___ Please send information about the youth program.

___ Please send more information about the Permaculture Basic Design course
May 30-June 5 in Taos.

* * * * * * * * * *

The Last Straw, the grassroots journal of straw-bale and natural building,
provides up-to-date information on construction techniques, projects,
research/testing/code issues, resources, and other information written by
and about those who design, build, research, and live in straw-bale and
natural buildings. An educational nonprofit organization, The Last Straw
Journal promotes environmentally-conscious choices about the way we live
and build. http://www.NetworkEarth.org 

Permaculture Drylands Institute empowers people to care for the Earth and
its inhabitants. Through permaculture education, we seek to catalyze the
development of healthy, regenerative partnerships – with nature, our
communities, our families, and ourselves. Permaculture provides a critical
foundation to facilitate healthy relationships by: 1) encouraging people to
view the world as a web of partnerships, 2) promoting an ethic that
supports personal and planetary health, 3) introducing skills, tools,
techniques, and a decision-making process for taking regenerative action.
http://members.aol.com/PDrylands/PDIhome1.htm 

Lama Foundation is a sustainable, spiritual community and educational
center dedicated to the awakening of consciousness, respect for spiritual
practice in all traditions, service and stewardship of the land. Perhaps
known as the place where Ram Dass wrote his seminal book Be Here Now. Lama
serves as a "meeting of the ways," teaching the oneness of all paths. Each
summer a series of retreats are held and many join the Lama community to
experience a life-style rich in spiritual practice and personal growth
through service to others. http://www.taosnet.com/lama