La Certificación en Diseño de Permacultura realizada en Rancho Mastatal (PDC en Español) no es solo el resultado de un programa de 88 horas de clases técnico-prácticas, ¡es mucho más que eso!
Universal Language: Stories as an Apprentice at Rancho Mastatal
The First Rammed Earth Wall At Rancho Mastatal
Yuca(n) Do It All - Processing Yuca in Rural Costa Rica
Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Effects of Not Having Constant Internet Access
How to Build with Wattle and Daub in Timber Frame Construction: A Natural Building Method for the Tropics
Permaculture Entrepreneurship: Navigating the Path from Student to Professional
After completing a Permaculture Design Course (PDC), natural building workshop, or any other educational opportunities at a place like Rancho Mastatal, many students find themselves wondering how to turn their newfound knowledge and passion into a career. This transition from student to professional is a common challenge in the permaculture world.
Los beneficios y los tipos de fermentación
Invisible Structures
Team Sports as a Bridge Between Expats and Local Community
The Art of Simplicity
Finding Home in Permaculture
Los Suelos y Su Importancia para la Existencia de la Vida
The Importance of Attention to Intention
The Ethics of Permaculture
Are ethics universal, or are they subjective, governed by individual attitudes and circumstances? And if that is the case, how can anyone be sure that they have “good ethics” and are always making the right decision? And by what means can we design a future in which every choice leads to the wellbeing of all humanity and to the wellbeing of the planet?
What is Permaculture
Permaculture is a macro-concept that involves many different topics, methods, systems and ideas. Ideas like moving back to the land, using nature as our guide, applying ecology in our productive systems, reconnecting with the cycles of nature, approaching life holistically, creating stable local economies, regenerating the landscape and our relationships with others, investing in resiliency and interconnectivity; are in the heart of permaculture.
What is Natural Building?
Communication Breakdown: Strategies to Avoid Unhealthy Communal Relationships
Here at the Ranch we are usually 13 people living and working together in community. Healthy communication is something we actively practice. Conflicts, disagreements and misunderstandings inevitably arise in our setting. How do we navigate these sometimes treacherous waters so that everyone's needs are met?
Social Permaculture: The Secret to a Successful Community
The people part of our work is arguably the trickiest. Even though it takes experience, know-how and intelligence to design and install orchards, build buildings, and manage water, I’d say that they all pale in comparison to the work that’s required to create a holistic and healthy human environment in which to live.
How to Make a Solar Hot Water Heater for under $100
You wouldn't guess that in the tropics having hot water was so desirable, but at our elevation, it gets quite chilly for me in the evenings. During the rainy season the nights can get particularly cold and if you've been in the rain working, a rejuvenating warm shower is just the ticket!
Over the years we have trialed two different types of hot water systems: composting hot water and solar hot water. I've personally installed and used both systems and would like to share what I've learned.