Here is a video journal of the first eight weeks of the Regenerative Design and Nature Awareness (RDNA) program. You can read the entries chronologically or pick and choose by what topics interest you. Enjoy!

The Regenerative Design and Nature Awareness (RDNA) program is an advanced 9-month program that extends hands-on, skill-based training to help you develop the leadership skills you need to bring sustainability and regenerative practices into your personal and professional lives. Through RDNA, you can learn to design powerful communities, regenerate ecosystems and facilitate positive community change.

More information about RDNA

Weeks 1 and 2: Howling, Lineage and Weaving Villages

During the first two weeks of the 2010 RDNA program, Byron Palmer - Commonweal Garden work trader, RDNA participant, and videographer - and his fellow RDNA participants howl like wolves and get to know the land and each other as they begin building a community.

Weeks 3 and 4: Fire, Site Analysis, Elk and Dirt

In weeks 3 and 4, the RDNA team tracks an elk herd, sets things on fire while practicing primitive fire-building skills, plant vegetable gardens, and improve their site analysis abilities by asking questions like "What plants are here?" and "Where does the water move?

Weeks 5 and 6: Wild Food, Ancestors and Garlic

Weeks 5 and 6 are packed. The RDNAers learn how to plant garlic, make delicious wild food bars with guest instructor Matt Berry, and mitigate erosion on landscapes by slowing, stopping and sinking the water that moves through them. They also share their ancestors' favorite meals and tell stories of their family histories.

Weeks 7 and 8: Tidepool Treasures, Seasonal Gardening, and Working with Water

In Weeks 7 and 8, the RDNAers go tidepooling and harvest a seafood dinner, do a permaculture site analysis, retrofit a habitat pond and install a rainwater catchment system. They also learn that there is more to tracking than following animals.