About

"What are you doing that will have any relevance 100 years from now"

-Bill McDorman

Welcome to The Permaculture Lab!

Faced with the daunting ecological and social challenges of our time, we transformed our concern into action. Permaculture, with its holistic approach to sustainable living, became our guiding principle. From our humble beginnings in 2011 as The San Diego Sustainable Living Institute, we have evolved into The Permaculture Lab.

Our journey has been remarkable. We've conducted hundreds of workshops, reaching thousands of individuals, teaching them not just to dream of a greener planet but to take tangible steps toward it. At The Permaculture Lab, we believe in empowering individuals to become part of the solution. Whether it's through backyard projects, farm initiatives, or regenerative business practices, we provide the tools, skills, and knowledge needed to make a significant ecological impact.

Join us as we continue to grow, learn, and inspire. Together, we can tackle global environmental issues with local, actionable solutions. Welcome to a community where your actions can shape a sustainable future.

You Can Make a Positive Ecological Impact!

Our Choices Matter

The Time For Change is Now!

Our Organization

Over the years, countless people have worked with us to share their knowledge and skills through teaching workshops. We have been humbled to have hosted classes with internationally renowned authors and educators including Brad Lancaster, Toby Hemenway, Dr Elaine Ingham, Mark Shepard and so many more.

In addition, a great number of local teachers have shared their knowledge

Our Core Team

Josh Robinson

Co-Originator + Lead Educator

Josh is a father, partner, gardener, farmer, teacher, and ecological instigator. He has over 20 years of experience in the field designing, installing, and teaching about creating ecological abundant gardens, home, farms, and businesses. Josh is recognized throughout the Southwestern US as a leader in water harvesting and permaculture. He holds a Master’s Degree in Ecological Landscape Design.

His work has received multiple awards as well as being featured in Toby Hemenway’s Gaia’s Garden and Art Ludwig’s Create an Oasis with Greywater.

He has designed, installed, and managed numerous farms and food forests throughout Southern California with his business, Ecology Artisans, in which he co-founded in 2014

Josh can often be found in the garden, or tinkering on new projects and ideas around the farm.

Yael Zaidman

Co-Originator

In addition to being a co-founder of The Permaculture Lab, Yael is a mother and farmer that knows the importance of healthy, local, and nutrient dense food. She has been growing veggies, flowers, and herbs for the herself and the local community for over 17 years. She was the plant propagation manager for Suzie's Farm, a 100 acre organic farm in San Diego. She currently raises all of the plant starts for our 17 acre experimental permaculture farm + homestead, Terra Corazón, located in Valley Center in Northern San Diego County

Reach Out to Us!

Let us know how we can help you