The Forest Economy: Growing Bioregional Business Niches (North Carolina, US)

Although this region is scarred by a history of destructive ecological and human exploitation as its economic engine, it also contains a regenerative biological treasure trove of native foods, medicines, fibers, building materials and other products that when managed well can be the basis for a truly sustainable economy.

“As we are seeing in the Occupy Movement and general swelling unrest throughout the United States, a majority of Americans are dissatisfied with the way things are going,” says Zev Friedman, instructor for the class.

“It's becoming increasingly hard to meet our basic needs, and we see our economic and governmental leaders failing again and again to respond in any real way to the constant emergency that seems to pervade our world. We need to peacefully take back control of the destiny of our communities through bioregional organizing, which in many ways comes down to economics. This economy won’t rely on tourism, sprawling development, or seduction of large industry, but instead on a loyal exchange between people and communities who genuinely care about the well-being of each other and the land.”

Friedman says that we can look to historical examples of similar economic models in Britain, other parts of western Europe, and numerous sub-tropical and tropical parts of the world to see that they are realistic and functional.

The Forest Economy: Growing Bioregional Business Niches, is a 1-day class introducing participants to some of the skills necessary to begin finding your own place in this bioregional economic food web; it also outlines some of the most promising opportunities as identified by regional leaders.

Living Systems Design, Warren Wilson College and Matthew Raker of Advantage West have partnered to develop the cutting-edge curriculum for the day, which includes a 2-hour presentation with Zev Friedman (Living Systems Design) describing the type of permaculture-based forestry management necessary for this kind of economy, a pragmatic overview of regional forest-related business opportunities with Matthew Raker (Advantage West), and hands-on installation of an experimental forest garden plot on Warren Wilson College property led by Zev Friedman and Warren Wilson College faculty and students. The College will be managing and monitoring the yields and inputs of this forest garden in perpetuity.

The Forest Economy: Growing Bioregional Business Niches
with Zev Friedman, Matthew Raker, Dave Ellum, Warren Wilson Student Leaders

Date: Saturday, February 18, 2012, 8:30-5:00
Location: Warren Wilson College, Bryson Gym
Cost: General Public- $60; Students, youth and elders (over 65)- $40
Lunch: $10 for organic, vegetarian, delicious lunch made by bioregional chef extraordinaire Michael Gentry. Otherwise, bring own lunch.
Registration: Contact Justin Holt, justinveazeyholt@gmail.com , 845-401-3700 (c), or go to www.livingsystemsdesign.net for more information

Spaces are limited, so sign up now!

Schedule for the day:

8:30- Arrive, meet and greet, coffee and snacks
9:00-11:00- Introduction to permaculture forestry with Zev Friedman: techniques, species and economics
11:00-11:15- Break
11:15-12:00- Land-based economic niches for WNC with Matt Raker from Advantage West
12:00-1:00- Lunch
1:00-5:00- Forest garden installation with onsite instruction