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Discover Nature’s Genius

Immersion Workshop | Discover Nature’s Genius in Montana

August 2–7, 2015 | Blacktail Ranch, Wolf Creek, Montana

The registration for this workshop is now closed.

 

Did you know nature has over 3.8 billion years of research and development experience? Tap into nature’s genius this summer and discover the world of biomimicry in the wilds of Montana!

Nature’s genius abounds in the ecology of Montana (called the montane forest). It offers the ideal conditions for drawing new lessons and insights for the toughest innovation and sustainability challenges. Through this workshop, we teach designers, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world to discover biological intelligence and bring it into their work.

August in Montana is the perfect time of year to get outside and discover what this unique ecosystem offers. (Plus, you could meet your friends and family pre- or post-workshop for an adventure in Yellowstone or Glacier National Parks!)

Through the course of the workshop, our highly experienced biomimicry instructors will teach participants to:

  • Identify sustainable innovation strategies in nature and discern the functional objectives being achieved by forms, processes, and systems in nature
  • Translate biological phenomenon into relevant and applicable design principles
  • Recognize Life’s Principles—the rules for the way life on Earth survives and thrives in natural systems and in human design
  • Assemble interdisciplinary biomimicry work teams based on required competencies

Workshop Location
The workshop will be held at the Blacktail Ranch, where Montana’s Rocky Mountains meet the prairies in a dramatic convergence of rocky cliffs and grassy hills. You’ll be inspired by the beauty and ruggedness, as well as one of the most biologically rich regions in the entire country.

The South Fork of the Dearborn River runs through the 8,000-acre working ranch, which has been in the owner’s family for five generations. Accommodations include the historical lodge and cabins. There are miles of trails to explore including the Blacktail Cave, which is an extensive limestone cavern first discovered by the ranch owners in 1946. Since then it has hosted many archeological explorations and excavations. Evidence from the cave indicates it was used by people as far back as the last Ice Age—9,000 to 11,000 years ago.

Workshop Leaders
Our workshop leaders are highly experienced biomimics with deep knowledge not only of biomimicry, but of the montane forest wildlife and ecosystem as well.

Jamie Dwyer

Certified Biomimicry Professional, Biomimicry 3.8 Biologist & Design Strategist

Jamie has worked as a biologist and design strategist at Biomimicry 3.8 for six years.  Biomimicry has been the perfect opportunity to bring together Jamie’s seemingly divergent interest in the fields of biology and architectural design. Her work for Biomimicry 3.8 is currently focused on facilitating biomimicry in the built environment and helping designers integrate biology into any level of their designs from form, process to system. As a Certified Biomimicry Professional and client services project manager at Biomimicry 3.8, Jamie seeks to transform the design framework by empowering designers with the tools and the mindset shift of biomimicry.[/two_third_last]

Karen Allen

Certified Biomimicry Professional, Restoration Ecologist

Karen is a Certified Biomimicry Professional who is passionate about sharing the secrets of the natural world to inform sustainable innovations. She is a seasoned biomimicry educator, facilitator and consultant who has been practicing biomimicry on a variety of projects since 2000. Her interdisciplinary science background and love of natural history help Karen translate nature’s strategies for architects, engineers, and designers. She co-instructs the Biomimicry Professional Certification Program and teaches the Biology Taught Functionally course through ASU on-line.

 

Who Should Attend
This workshop is open to professional and university-level participants from all backgrounds and levels of experience with biomimicry. The agenda is designed to give non-biologists a front door into the world of biology and how to apply its lessons. Biologists will also find value in the workshop in learning how to make biological information accessible, relevant, and valuable to a wide range of audiences.

Credit Towards the Biomimicry Specialist Program
Biomimicry 3.8 has restructured the Biomimicry Specialist Certification program to include self-paced, modular learning units. This Immersion Workshop is eligible for credit toward the Biomimicry Specialist program. Learn more about the programs and units required for the Biomimicry Specialist Certification.

For current Biomimicry Specialists interested in achieving the Biomimicry Professional Certification, this Immersion Workshop will count towards eventual Biomimicry Professional Certification, although these details have not been finalized. For questions regarding the Biomimicry Professional track, please contact [info at biomimicry.net].

Discounts – Limited Availability!
All discounts have limited availability, are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and may not be combined.

  • Early registration discount: The first five registrants will save $235.
  • Student discount: Enrolled university students save $235.  Must upload copy of current student ID upon registration.
  • Biomimicry Global Network member discount: Members of a local Biomimicry Global Network save $235. Must upload brief, written endorsement from local network leader upon registration.
  • Local resident discount: Montana residents save $500.

Workshops fill quickly. Register as soon as possible to guarantee your seat in the workshop and preferred lodging type. Deadline for registering is June 19, 2015. All instructions included within the form.

Pending availability of workshop spaces, late registration will be accepted through July 17, 2015.

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