Program Overview

The Permaculture Design and Resilient Ecosystems Diploma is a 9-month program that provides training for participants who are interested in creating regenerative food systems and lifestyles within the context of the development of resilient ecosystems. This program provides robust curriculum in permaculture design, going above and beyond basic permaculture training while also including courses in business planning and project management, community development, natural building, and food and medicine systems. The curriculum for this diploma program is comprised of all 3 certificate programs within the School of Permaculture Design.

Learning Sites

This program is offered primarily at the college’s two herb farms: Ravenhill Herb Farm and Tiny Tree Herb Farm. These farms are located on the beautiful and fertile Saanich Peninsula, about 25 minutes north of our downtown campus. Ravenhill Herb Farm is a locally-run farm overlooking the Saanich Inlet of the Salish Sea. This 10-acre west coast oasis grows food, medicinal herbs, and culinary herbs, all organically, for the community and is dedicated to sharing knowledge of sustainable living and permaculture practices. The farm also is home to many happy animals including goats, livestock guardian dogs, and chickens. Tiny Tree Herb Farm is located near the coastal community of Brentwood Bay overlooking the Malahat. This 6-acre farm organically grows a variety of food, along with medicinal and culinary herbs, trees and mushrooms. The rich soil, spring-fed water and ample sun exposure makes it a beautiful place to grow.