About Daniel Halsey 

Daniel is the Co-founder and Managing Director of United Designers International and leads its non-profit arm, United Designers International Foundation. He is also the Principal Partner of The Natural Capital Plant Database.


With a B.S. in Temperate Climate Polyculture Design and an M.P.S. in Horticulture from the University of Minnesota, Daniel is a certified Permaculture and agro-ecosystems designer with over 25 years of experience.


His work in designing homesteads, communities, and ecological restoration projects is globally recognized.

 

Daniel teaches and consults in Haiti, Lebanon, Costa Rica, Canada, South Africa, Nepal, Senegal, the UK, the Netherlands, and across the U.S.



 


About Mike and Barb Haigwood

Mike and Barbara Haigwood bring decades of hands-on experience in homesteading, land stewardship, and sustainable living. From gardening and livestock care to resource management, their work reflects a deep commitment to living simply, responsibly, and in harmony with nature.

Having homeschooled their children, they continue to share that same spirit of curiosity and self-reliance through engaging, skill-based education. Whether teaching the art of sourdough making or guiding classes on raising and processing chickens, the Haigwoods exemplify that true preparedness grows from purpose, patience, and a genuine love for the land.

Join us for an immersive, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to observe the land, manage water systems effectively, implement practical earthworks, and collaborate with others to build resilient, thriving homesteads and communities. This experience goes beyond theory—participants will engage directly with the landscape, gaining real-world skills and insights that can be applied immediately.

Whether you’re new to homesteading or looking to deepen your knowledge, this workshop offers valuable guidance on working with natural systems, improving sustainability, and fostering self-reliance. Come ready to learn, connect, and take meaningful steps toward a more resilient future.

Instructors: Daniel Halsey, Barb & Mike Haigwood



Schedule Outline


Friday
5:00 - 9:00 pm

Evening greet-up with Dan, Barb and Mike -         

Intro to Permaculture/Ecological Design 

Saturday
9:00am - 12:00 pm
12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 2:00 pm
2:00 - 5:00 pm
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Dan on the overview of site analysis
Lunch
Developing Strategies for the Site
Options for Implementing the Design
Dinner

Evening Hangout - Conversation about the Field Guild

Sunday
9:00am - 12:00 pm

12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 5:00 pm

5:00 - 6:00 pm

Setting up the implementation: Siteing the drainage lines, Laser level, Flagging.
Lunch
Earthworks Hand on Excavation, Alignment, Slopes, Piping, Connections, Burying…
Dinner Q&A  about the last 2 days 

Monday
9:00- 11:00 am
11:00 - 12:00 pm

12:00 - 1:00 pm
3:00 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm
6:00 - 7:00 pm
Intro to the OR field guide to the disaster cycle
Building your Avatar (who and what are you) - . Mapping your hard and soft resources
Lunch
The Coming Together - Role Play Scenario #1
Dinner
Evaluation of Scenario #1
Tuesday
9am - 12:00 pm
12:00 - 1:00 pm
1:00 - 5:00 pm
5:00 - 6:00 pm

Building a Community
Lunch
Community in the Collapse - Role Play Scenario
Dinner Q and A with Dan, Barb and Mike              

Adjourned


Registration to this event DOES NOT include lodging accommodations.

TENT SITE SPECIAL: $12.50/night for tent camping.

LODGING: Lodging at Observer Ranch is expected to be sold out for this event. Reserve your lodging accommodations on site by clicking HERE.

STAY AT OBSERVER RANCH CAMPGROUND & LEARNING CENTER

Learn, connect and unwind! Enjoy views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountain Range, the sounds of Eight Mile Creek, and wildlife in the area. Brush Hollow Reservoir is <10 minutes away, great for fishing (don't forget your license!), hiking, additional wildlife viewing. Enjoy local hot springs, discover the beauty of the Royal Gorge Region!

Most land in Colorado gets a limited amount of water—and most of it is lost to runoff.

This workshop shows you how to slow it down, spread it out, and sink it into the ground—so your land holds moisture instead of losing soil.

At Observer Ranch, you’ll work hands-on to:

  • Control runoff and stop erosion
  • Rehydrate dry land and green it back up
  • Build practical drainage and earthworks systems
  • Reduce fire risk through better land design

This is not theory.
You’ll be on the land—mapping, flagging, digging, and building systems that actually work.

And just as important—learning how to work together as a community when it matters most.
Real land. Real skills. Real community.

TicketsPrice

Full Workshop (May 22 - 26)

Includes lunches and dinners

$421.24-$580.62

Individual Session (May 22-24)

Includes lunches and dinners

$232.86-$348.78

Individual Session (May 25-26)

Includes lunches and dinners

$232.86-$348.78
Total: $0.00

$0.00


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