Erik Ohlsen is a licensed contractor, Founder and owner of Permaculture Artisans (Ecological farm and landscape company).
Erik is a renowned Certified Permaculture designer, and Certified Permaculture teacher and has been practicing permaculture and ecological design since 1998 when he co-founded his first non-profit called Planting Earth Activation, PEA. This charitable organization designed and installed community gardens in northern California for public and private use from 1998-2001.
In the field of ecological land development and management Erik has extensive experience with projects that range from small urban lots to 100+ broad acre design and implementation. His many years of experience, observation and listening of landscape patterns, managing installation crews and design teams, and his understanding of ecology make Erik a leader in the field of ecological landscape development.
Erik’s design and field experience comprise of a huge variety of skills including, farm design and implementation, water harvesting/storm water management, erosion control, extensive earthwork operations, heavy machine operating, irrigation systems, ponds, food forests/orcharding systems, native plant systems, wildlife habitat enhancement, integrated pest management, microclimate moderation, roof water catchment systems, sustainable forestry, soil building, vermaculture, hardscape design and implementation, client relations specialist, project management, and much, much more.
Erik has an innate ability to integrate a variety of disciplines into a holistic framework through facilitation of diverse groups of individuals and professionals. This skill is why many organizations and professionals in related fields to permaculture want to work closely with Permaculture Artisans to achieve excellence in their projects while benefiting entire ecological systems and communities.
Erik has been teaching Permaculture design and implementation since 2001 and is known in Northern California as a premier teacher of Permaculture. His engaging, energetic, do it yourself teaching style has captivated hundreds of permaculture students from all over the world.
Erik has taught courses in Permaculture and related subjects throughout the US, Canada, and the UK. He currently teaches with the Earth Activist Training, the Regenerative Design Institute and with The Occidental Arts and Ecology Center.
Benjamin Fahrer is an internationally recognized Permaculture designer, consultant, educator and farmer. Most of his work has been focused in Central California, yet also included projects and courses in Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and New Zealand. As a registered Permaculture Teacher with TAGARI since 2007 and a talented and strong leader in the movement, Benjamin administers Design Courses and Advanced Trainings,is recognized on the Worldwide Permaculture Network (WPN) and is a Senior Designer with the Permaculture Artisans.
Benjamin holds a BA in Eco-Dwelling and Sustainable Community Design and has worked on projects spanning the spectrum of holistic models for a sustainable and regenerative future. His work is primarily focused on working with a diversity of frontline organizations and non-profits throughout Northern California that teach and promote right relationship, ecologically and socially. Many of his permaculture designs are to aid communities and land owners to transition to a less energy dependent society and practice responsible land stewardship.
Benjamin has managed a number of gardens and two small organic farms,; this is over 12 years of experience as an agrarian horticulturalist and land manager, with 18 seasons of Production market gardening. He holds a extensive knowledge in the installation of productive gardens including 3 years of certified organic production at Ocean Song Farm in Sonoma County and 2 years as the farm supervisor at the Esalen Institute in Big Sur.
Fahrer is intimate with the cycles and flows of natures systems. As a SLOW Food Delegate to Terra Madre in 2006 and 2008 he has continued to support the ethics of a healthy and vibrant food system. His current projects deal with strengthening the larger Permaculture movement and the empowerment of youth and the next generation of practitioners.
As an educator and promoter of responsible land stewardship Fahrer thrives at the evolving forefront of educational modalities. Placing a strong emphasis on what it takes to be human and live in balance with the earth. Committed to this life long work he pulls strength from Buddhist teachings and a daily yoga practice; believing that in order to purify the body and mind one must give.
