More Than a PDC: A 9-Month Permaculture Design Certification Program
About this Event
Join us for More Than a PDC, a nine-month Professional Development Certificate program exploring the connections between permaculture, urban farming, ecology, community, and Indigenous ways of being.
With approximately 90 hours of learning over one weekend per month, this program goes beyond the traditional Permaculture Design Certificate (PDC). Participants will learn, practice, and connect through hands-on experiences, site visits, guest facilitators, and applied learning rooted in relationships with the land and our communities.
Facilitated by Dr. Riue, alongside supporting guest facilitators and practitioners, this program offers opportunities to deepen your knowledge, develop practical skills, and explore more regenerative ways of living and working together.
Guest Facilitators:
C. Dale Hendricks, Plantsmen, Permaculturist, Soils/Trees/Biochar, Educator- Green Light Plants LLC/ Hendricks Homestead
Charlie Kane, Farmer, Natural Builder
Nick Letts, Forager, Fungi, Herbalist, Social Permaculturist Farmer
Ruth Tyson. Urban Farmer, Market Msnager, Educator
Marc Williams, Ethnobiologist,Herbalist Educator, Forager, Chef- Botany Everday
Bodhi Vasoupoulis, Forager Herbalist, Farmer, Permaculturist Social Activist , Educator-Natures Love and Wisdom
Eric Joseph, Foraged, Herbalist, Farmer,Permaculturist Social Activist, Educator - The Plant Path
Marissa McClenton- Environmental Scientist, Community Advocate, Social Activist - Earth Stewarts/ Sierra Club
Riue Brown PhD, Educator, Forest Farmer, Eco-Spiritualists, Alchemist, Social Activist, Urban Farmer, Angelic Shaman - InnerSourceWellness Center and Urban Regenerative Sustainability
Trevor Pruitt- Herbalist.
Jamilia Davey PhD - Urban Gardener, Social/ Environmental/Urban Advocacy, Community Builder - Rodney Reservoir, Green for the Greater Good
What You'll Explore
The program brings together a diverse range of topics, including:
- Permaculture & Regenerative Agriculture: Social permaculture, urban regenerative farming, food forests, soils and nutrient cycles, trees, biochar, and seed-to-table practices.
- Plants, Food & Natural Resources: Ethnobotany, foraging, fungi, medicine making, composting and recycling, and beekeeping.
- Ecology & Place-Based Practices: Natural building, environmental justice, and place-based community making.
- Culture, Community & Relationships: Indigenous ways and right relationship, eco-spirituality, storytelling, and building meaningful connections with people and place.
Learn by Doing
This is a hands-on, experiential program designed to take learning beyond the classroom. Participants can look forward to:
- Site visits and field experiences
- Guest facilitators and experienced practitioners
- Visits with local farms, gardens, and ecological organizations
- Applied learning that connects ideas with real-world practice
Throughout the program, we'll explore how ecological principles, cultural knowledge, and community relationships can inform the ways we grow food, care for the land, and create more resilient communities.
Program Details
Program begins: April 1, 2027
Duration: Nine months
Learning hours: Approximately 90 hours
Schedule: One weekend per month, with select Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Exact dates will be announced.
Primary location: InnerSource Wellness Center, Wilmington, Delaware
Facilitator: Dr. Riue, with supporting guest facilitators
Participants should bring a bagged lunch for program days. Light refreshments will be provided.
Tuition & Payment Options
We offer three payment options to accommodate different budgets and make participation more accessible.
- Pay in Full — $750: The lowest-cost option, offering the greatest savings.
- Quarterly Payments — $840 total: Three payments of $280.
- Monthly Payments — $945 total: Nine monthly payments of $105. This option offers the greatest payment flexibility.
Partial scholarships will also be offered.
Accepted payment methods: PayPal and cash.
Deposit to Reserve Your Spot
A $150 nonrefundable deposit is due by March 15, 2027, to secure your place in the cohort. The deposit will be applied toward your total program tuition.
Your remaining balance will depend on the payment plan you select. Additional payment instructions will be provided upon registration.
Information Sessions
Curious to learn more before enrolling? Join us for free online information sessions beginning in November 2026, held biweekly via Zoom.
These sessions are an opportunity to learn more about the program, ask questions, and explore whether More Than a PDC is the right fit for you.
Zoom link: To be announced.
We look forward to learning, practicing, and connecting with you!
Come ready to explore, get your hands dirty, deepen your relationship with the natural world, and imagine new possibilities for regenerative communities.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 802.15
