8 Reasons South Shore Permaculture’s PDC is Different
It all begins with an idea.
There are many Permaculture Design Courses (PDCs) - and a wealth of information - available to you online and throughout the country. What makes the certificate from South Shore Permaculture unique and worthwhile? Here are at least 8 we could think of…
1. BIOREGIONAL EXPERTISE: Permaculture for YOUR Climate
The Problem with Generic PDCs: Most permaculture courses teach principles developed in Australia or focus on climates nothing like New England. You're left wondering, "But how do I apply this to my soggy spring, humid summer, and frozen winter?"
Why South Shore Permaculture is Different:
Every example, plant list, and design strategy is tailored to South Shore Massachusetts and Greater Boston conditions.
Learn about native species, local soil types (hello, glacial till!), and seasonal challenges specific to coastal New England.
Study proven techniques at local farms that have survived our unpredictable weather.
What This Means for You: You'll leave with actionable knowledge you can implement immediately—not theory you have to "translate" to your climate zone.
2. HYBRID FORMAT: Designed for Real People with Real Lives
The Challenge: You work full-time. You have a family. You can't drop everything for a 2-week intensive course.
The South Shore Permaculture Solution:
Online classes: Thursday evenings, 6:30-8:30 PM (2 hours/week for 12 weeks = 24 hours)
In-person weekends: 4 strategically timed gatherings spread over 6 months (48 hours)
Total commitment: 72 hours over 6 months = totally doable alongside work and family
As 2024 graduate Mary Ann Ormond said: "South Shore Permaculture's mix of online and in-person learning made it accessible and fun."
What This Means for You: You don't have to choose between your career and your education. You can transform your life without disrupting it.
3. HANDS-ON IMMERSION: Learn by DOING, Not Just Listening
What Makes SSP Different: While many PDCs are lecture-heavy, South Shore Permaculture gets you into the field*:
Weekend 1 (March 1-2):
Nature walk at Weir River Farm practicing observation skills
Fox walk exercise to heighten your senses
Movie & potluck night to build community bonds
Weekend 2 (April 5-6):
Your first permablitz! Apply design principles to a real South Shore site
Full-day tour of Sirius Community ecovillage
Natural building demonstrations
Farm-to-table lunch grown on-site
Weekend 3 (May 3-4):
Food forest tour at Leland Street Cooperative Garden
Earthworks workshop at Nature's Way Health & Wellness
Learn to shape land for water management and soil building
Weekend 4 (May 24-25):
Immersive farm tour at Fowl Play Farm (Brett Sovick's working permaculture farm)
Natural building project (cob oven or similar)
Optional overnight camping for deep community connection
What This Means for You: You won't just learn ABOUT permaculture—you'll practice it at real sites with experienced mentors by your side.
(*Dates and activities are subject to change. All participants will be notified.) 4. LOCAL TEACHERS WHO WALK THE TALK
Meet Your Instructors:
Todd Breitenstein - Lead Instructor
Decades of permaculture design experience
Known for "packing every class with practical information and inspiring examples"
Brings real-world application to every principle
Brett Sovick - Farmer & Guide
Runs Fowl Play Farm, a working permaculture demonstration site
2024 PDC alumnus who built his farm using these exact principles
Living proof of transformation: went from student to successful farmer through South Shore Permaculture connections
Guest Experts:
Ron and Connie Maribett (35+ years running Maribett Permaculture Farm)
Jessica Fox (20+ years experience in regenerative agriculture, cultural anthropology, and gastronomy; Founded South Shore Permaculture to build ecological and community restoration)
More to be announced! Local natural builders, food forest designers, and community organizers
What This Means for You: Your teachers aren't flying in from California to lecture you. They live here, farm here, and build community here. They know the challenges you face because they face them too.
5. COMMUNITY THAT LASTS BEYOND THE COURSE
The Hidden Value of PDCs: The certification is great. The knowledge is invaluable. But the REAL transformation? That comes from community.
What South Shore Permaculture Students Experience:
From Jessica's article in Edible Southeastern Massachusetts: "During our first PDC, we witnessed connections made that continue to energize our region. For instance, Brett Sovick, the farmer behind Fowl Play Farm and one of our first students, has built lasting relationships that have brought him support, new customers, and even donated farm animals—all through connections made at South Shore Permaculture."
You'll Gain Access To:
Alumni network for ongoing skill-shares and collaborations
Monthly permablitzes where community members help each other's projects
Tool libraries, seed swaps, and resource sharing
Connections to local farms, gardens, and regenerative projects
A tribe of like-minded people committed to healing the planet
As Mary Ann Ormond said: "I highly recommend SSP to everyone who is interested in building new skills and meaningful connections to support a more resilient future for themselves and their community."
What This Means for You: You're not just taking a course—you're joining a movement. Your cohort becomes your extended family, your collaborators, and your support system for life.
6. GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED CERTIFICATION
The Standard: South Shore Permaculture's PDC follows the official 72-hour international curriculum established by permaculture founders Bill Mollison and David Holmgren.
What This Certification Opens:
✅ Credibility to design permaculture systems professionally
✅ Foundation for Permaculture Diploma programs (advanced certification)
✅ Recognition by international permaculture networks
✅ Ability to teach introductory workshops and lead permablitzes
✅ Career opportunities in regenerative agriculture, landscape design, and education
What This Means for You: Whether you're designing your backyard or launching a permaculture career, this certificate carries weight worldwide.
7. VALUES-ALIGNED EDUCATION: Earth Care, People Care, Fair Share
Beyond the Technical Skills: South Shore Permaculture doesn't just teach you HOW to design—they teach you WHY it matters and WHO you're doing it for.
Cultural Humility: The course "respects Indigenous peoples and traditional ecological knowledge," acknowledging that the Wôpanâak people stewarded these lands for millennia before European colonization. You'll learn regenerative techniques through a lens of humility and gratitude.
Community-First Approach: From Jessica's writing: "As we confront the troubling climatic events happening around the world, each catastrophe serves as a reminder of the fragility of our foundational systems—particularly our food system."
SSP believes local action creates global change. They're building resilience one garden, one farm, one community at a time.
What This Means for You: This isn't just a skills course—it's an invitation to be part of the solution. You'll leave inspired, not just informed.
8. PROVEN TRACK RECORD: Real Transformations
Student Success Stories:
Mary Ann Ormond (2024): "The knowledge, resources, guidance, and support I received have been invaluable and well worth the investment of time and tuition."
Brett Sovick (2024): Went from student to running Fowl Play Farm—a thriving permaculture demonstration site that now hosts PDC weekends. Built customer base and received donated farm animals through SSP connections.
Countless Others:
Transformed soggy corners into rain gardens
Built thriving food forests from "dead zones"
Reduced water bills by 40% using earthworks techniques
Created self-sustaining gardens feeding families year-round
Launched permaculture careers and businesses
Found lifelong friends and collaborators
What This Means for You: This isn't theory. These techniques WORK in our climate, and these connections LAST.