Program Development

The Ecological Design process is applied to creating effective programs to achieve specific outcomes for a site, group, or purpose. Program Development can take several forms and include multiple components such as proposal writing, research, strategic partnerships,  pilot programs, budget development, and specific program content, guidelines, processes and/or documents.   Terrasophia works closely with clients to design appropriate programs to meet their needs and goals in a realistic timeline.

We are currently focusing a lot of time and energy to create an Ecological Design and Integrated Rainwater Harvesting Handbook. This handbook will provide a framework for workforce development training programs, professional development, and do-it-yourself property owners to walk through the design process, core calculations, and key considerations for creating ecologically healthy landscapes and rainwater harvesting projects. This workbook will complement existing technical and conceptual resources by filling a gap in the literature with a clear, wholistic, how-to guide that prompts users to go out in the field to assess their site, take measurements, perform calculations and more! The handbook will contain an overview of the ecological design process, conceptual frameworks, technical worksheets, field checklists, individual and group activities, case studies, geographical considerations, recent research, and an extensive resource list organized by region and topic. Additional financial support is currently being sought to help create this valuable community resource. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about this project or make a contribution. jeffrey (at) terrasophia (dot) com. Thank you!!

Additional program development work includes:

G3/The Green Gardeners Group - working on curriculum development and co-instructor for the Water Efficiency Professional Training program customized for Generation Water in Los Angeles.

Plenitud Iniciativas Eco-Educativas - working with Puerto Rico-based non-profit to develop and lead a customized immersion program in permaculture, rainwater harvesting, and sustainable living for college groups doing service-learning projects on school breaks.

Sustainability for All - research and development for a rainwater harvesting workforce development and public demonstration program; identified relevant and needed certifications, industry standards, created methods for evaluation, developed program budget, outlined curriculum components, wrote program proposal for submission to potential funders (A revised version of this proposal received funding in 2011 to create 2 public demonstration projects and provide workforce classroom and field training to over 50 youth in the conservation corps) . Also developed concept proposal and budget for a 4 class certificate program in Integrated Rainwater Harvesting to be offered through community colleges to support workforce development (we are still working on finding funding for the development of this certificate program).

American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) - developed curriculum and instructed a customized 2-day rainwater harvesting workforce development training for the Los Angeles Conservation Corps; providing on-going pro bono support in developing guidelines and key processes for the newly launched 300 Level Certified Professional program.

Salmon Protection and Watershed Network (SPAWN) - served as Water Sustainability Coordinator for the development and implementation of the "10,000 Rain Gardens Project," in partnership with the Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD). The "10,000 Rain Gardens Project" is a Rainwater Harvesting Pilot Program exploring the impacts of education and awareness raising, technical consultations, tours, and workshops in the MMWD service area of approximately 190,000 people.  Visit the 10,000 Rain Gardens Website to learn more about this project. The Final Report is available as a pdf here, and through the website.

Sunrise Ridge Gardens - explored the potential for creating an advanced permaculture design and sustainable horticulture program on-site, including cost and market analysis, curriculum-based stewardship and development of the 7-acre property, and strategic partnerships. Collaborated with Conservation Actions Fund for Education to offer a hands-on rainwater harvesting training installing a 2500 gallon cistern, and with a Permaculture Design Course to tour the sites myriad permaculture features and engage hands-on activities including applying compost tea, in-situ perennial plant propagation, and mushroom inoculation.

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