Learn about self-sustaining agriculture.

Permaculture addresses environmental, social, and economic challenges while promoting harmony between humans and the natural world. Benefits include sustainable agriculture, biodiversity and water conservation, localized food production, and cultural preservation.

Get acquainted with the ethics and principles of permaculture with Alder Burns, who has been practicing and teaching permaculture in multiple climates and locations for 35 years. This workshop will touch on permaculture thinking in the classroom, followed by an observational walk around the site to apply design principles and look for solutions within the situations and details we see. Learn about:

• Permaculture origins
• Permaculture ethics and principles
• Site design principles, zones, sectors, and elements of focus

The free program is May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Extension office. Register by calling (618) 687-1727 or visit go.illinois.edu/Permaculture.

Explore the Modern Homesteading Series
Gain the knowledge and hands-on guidance to help further hone your skills in the art of growing, raising, and preserving your own food through the modern homesteading series. Unless otherwise noted, all programs are free and open to the public and will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Jackson County Extension office at 402 Ava Rd. in Murphysboro. Learn more about the full series at go.illinois.edu/ModernHomesteading.