Ecological Design & Permaculture

With Dani Slabaugh

Regenerative Ecological Design & Permaculture: Tools to heal land and communities

Want to tear out your lawn and ditch the chemicals? Start an urban homestead? Build a more resilient and connected community of neighbors? This course introduces the core principles of permaculture, guiding you on how to create sustainable systems that build soil, conserve water, and grow food. We’ll explore how to transform a yard or community space into a resilient, low-maintenance ecosystem. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Applying the three ethics and twelve principles of permaculture design

  • Understanding Denver’s unique ecological context

  • Practical techniques for building healthy, living soil

  • Strategies for regenerative water management (rainwater harvesting, greywater)

  • Fundamentals of tree care and guild planting

  • How to conduct a basic site analysis for your own space

  • Practical steps and resources for starting an ecological garden

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction to Permaculture: Core ethics, principles, and an overview of ecological design

  2. Designing with Nature: Understanding local ecology (Denver focus), site observation, and working with natural patterns

  3. Key Systems & Strategies: In-depth look at building soil health, managing water, and selecting plants

  4. Practical Application & Wrap-Up: Steps for starting your project, resource sharing, and Q&A

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 12 maximum, 5 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 13+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Financial Assistance Available? Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: None.

About the Teacher

Dani (they/them or she/her) has been DIYing since their teenage years, when their mom taught them how to safely use her miter saw in the family living room.  Dani spent nearly a decade working as a landscape contractor, has built two small backyard homes (a yurt and a 12x8 tiny home on wheels), and since moving to Denver has enjoyed learning to build furniture at DTL. They are excited to share the liberated feeling that comes with the tool know-how to build the thing you want, how you want it.

What People Say about Dani's Classes…

“Dani made the entire session safe and fun and really helped us all get over any fear around tools. They were welcoming and encouraging with all of our questions.”

“Dani was a very patient and thoughtful instructor! The class was designed perfectly for students who came in with anxiety about power tools.”

“Finding such a brilliant instructor at the Tool Library was amazing. Dani is next level!”