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About Illinois Valley news. (Cave City, Oregon) 1937-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 21, 2015)
Page A-8 Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Permaculture workshop provides introduction to natural building By Annette McGee Rasch IVN Senior Contributing Writer Utilizing ancient cob and cordwood building techni ues, Certified Permaculture Designer Hazel Speer wants to teach people a better way to construct low-cost buildings that are long-lasting, fireproof, provide natural insulation and are able to withstand earthquakes. “Really, it takes a massive flood to destroy these structures,” Speer said. Feb. 8, Speer, co-founder of Treesong Permaculture nstitute, is presenting a free workshop from a.m.- p.m. that will include a slide show providing an introduction to natural building. Workshop participants will also visit a planned, cob construction project. The workshop, held at the Rusk Ranch ature Center, at Redwood ighway, will also serve as a preview of a atural uilding raining Camp that Speer will lead in April and May, . “ he free workshop will give people an all inclusive overview of these processes,” Speer said. “From initial soil and water sampling to site design and foundations, choosing the right location is very important.” hough permaculture encompasses so much more than building, Speer explained that, “ t’s about a paradigm shift guided by ethics and principles that includes earth- care, people-care and fair share, which means you’re not greedy about earth’s limited resources. atural building and appropriate technology is just a piece of this. he workshop will also cover these broader principles.” Many people delve into natural building by constructing a barn, goat house or other outbuilding to gain skills and confidence in the processes, and then decide to go farther. Speer, an expert in cob construction, has helped shepherd the building of many such structures in the area. “ n our community, with so many of us getting by on small incomes, these techni ues offer strategies to become more self-sufficient while creating economically viable homes they can be proud of,” Speer said. “ hose who own or have access to a small piece of land can utilize these techniques and principles to construct a sound building for pennies on the dollar.” “ here’s so much potential for people to become empowered, heal their lives and create sustainable futures,” Speer added. “Resources are limited and these principles are really the only way we can effectively sustain our planet.” Recycling is a key permaculture principle and Speer pointed out that many in the alley are already very innovative and could utilize discarded or unused materials just lying around on their properties, or barter with friends and neighbors, to acquire supplies for natural building pro ects. n the process, she says people increase their connections and find support with both their own and others’ pro ects. “Think of the old barn-raising ethic - that sense of community and labor sharing, you help me build mine and help you build yours,’” Speer said. Some turn to natural building for health reasons, as trailers are composed of toxic materials and are prone to molding, while natural building techniques result in structures that are healthy to inhabit and comfortable in all seasons. And nationwide, increasingly, there is a shift, as municipal zoning authorities are beginning to recognize and acknowledge the structural integrity and soundness of well-designed natural homes. Speer began her career by reading about permaculture years ago and then really plunged in after apprenticing in atural uilding with anto vans, a renowned applied ecologist, landscape architect and inventor with experience on six continents. Speer received her certification through the Cascadia Permaculture nstitute and also studied permaculture design with om Ward in Ashland. She continues to attend workshops, and now, also teaches these techniques and skills. Speer is also certified in Optical Surveying for arthworks Water. With a background in sculpture, Speer recognized early on that natural design was more like an art form. “ n natural design there are no corners, everything flows according to the potential of the site and the materials at hand,” Speer said. “ t’s about so much more than ust a s uare building composed of by ’s.” Speer also promotes family involvement in building and land improvement pro ects. “After one week of training, at years of age, my daughter Sarah helped us build our house. This helps children gain confidence and practical skills,” Speer said. Speer got involved with the Rusk Ranch Nature Center when she helped design playground e uipment for the organization. he center endeavors to benefit the community by providing opportunities for the public, particularly young people, to appreciate the natural world and instill a sense of stewardship toward the earth and its inhabitants. Many community leaders and volunteers are involved with the popular nature center, which is growing each year, as more resources and varied activities are offered, according to the center’s xecutive Director Patty Downing. “We value the long-term wholeness of our Valley, and we recognize that people and nature are inseparable,” Downing said. “We strive to nurture whole families, multiage groups and children. And offering instruction in permaculture and natural building is a logical progression of our mission.” he atural uilding raining Camp will convene for four weekends in April and May at the Rusk Ranch Nature Center and costs . ocal families who register early can get up to in discounts and those who complete the training will receive a Certificate in asic atural uilding. Adults or Families with children over years of age are welcome, as space permits. he camp has flush toilets, shower, kitchen facilities and river access. For more information, call - - , or go to the Rusk Ranch ature Center’s website or Facebook page. (Courtesy photo for The Illinois Valley News) Hazel Speer (right) and a helper build an oven. 100% afé Organic C a s Cuisine Ahim I love shuffleboard! M ENU : • Dosa Masala with a red lentil sambaar and green chutney • Buckwheat, Black Bean Croquettes • Soup of the day • Marinated Salad with Julius dressing A ND FOR D ESSERT : • Tiramisu served with • Marzipan Stuffed Dates espresso coulis • Dark Orange Truffles • Chocolate Ribbon • Fresh ginger ale to wet Cheesecake w/ a berry your lips! coulis M ENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF OF DESSERTS !!! COMPLETE SATISFACTION GUARANTEED!!! F EEL FREE TO BRING YOUR OWN PLATE , BOWL , CUPS & UTENSILS Ahimsa Café is a food cart located at the Chevron Station, Tuesday & Thursdays from 11-7 beginning Jan. 20. For more information, or to place a special order for desserts, call Chef Christopher at 541-613-3810. Serving the Best Cheeseburger with an Attitude! T UESDAY THROUGH S UNDAY N OON TO C LOSE S PORTSMAN TAVER N RIB-EYE MADNESS FRIDAY, JAN. 23 @ 5 12235 Redwood Hwy • Wonder, OR 541-476-8990 • 2 Pool Tables & Suffleboard • • Friday Night Karaoke • • Saturday Night Pool Tournaments • • Bloody Mary Sundays 11AM-4PM • • NFL Special Events • KERBY GENERAL STORE NOW OFFER FROZEN FOODS, BREAKFAST SANDWICHES, HARVEST & TRIMMING SUPPLIES BUTANE AVAILABLE! BEER • SNACKS • TOYS & MORE COME IN FOR A FREE CUP OF COFFEE, HOT CHOCOLATE OR TEA! L ONGER H OURS ! 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM • MON. to SAT. 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM • SUNDAYS 541-529-4903 STRETCH YOUR EBT DOLLARS! Instructor: Lisa Sherier 541-761-4342 • Monday • Wednesday • • Thursday • 6:00 PM $5.00 for Drop-in $40.00 a Month 770 Caves Hwy • Cave Junction
