Eva Soltes, founder of a nonprofit called Harrison House Music, Arts, and Ecology, is planning the area’s first course on permaculture design the weekend of April 15. Reporter David Haldane asks her an obvious question: what is permaculture anyway?
Ground Zero for climate change. That’s what Eva Soltes calls the Morongo Basin where, she believes, we already live with what others fear.
“We’re in the desert already and we’re only going to be getting more deserts in the world. If you can live in an existing desert and learn to rejuvenate the earth around you, then other people who are going to be living in future deserts can learn from us.”
Enter permaculture, the science of harnessing the world’s natural resources to sustain life and growth.
“Permaculture is about living in more harmony with nature and on the earth. It’s about living sustainably so we’re not depleting the earth’s resources.”
One obvious example: Harrison House, the Joshua Tree retreat Soltes owns that’s made of hay. Other examples include growing your own food or eating natural desert plants, collecting rainwater for drinking or showering and using gray water to nourish your fruit trees.
Bottom line, Soltes says: take no more out than you’re willing to put in.
The permaculture course begins with a $15 lecture Friday night at Harrison House in Joshua Tree. Those wishing to stay the weekend can buy $200 tickets by calling 760-366-4712 or checking online at harrisondocumentary.com.
PERMACULTURE DESIGN COURSE OFFERED IN JOSHUA TREE
