At Shakori Hills, sustainability is viewed as humanity’s target goal of human-ecosystem equilibrium.
Look around and see composting and recycling bins, solar panels, local foods, and an organic community garden. We have tractors powered by biodiesel, water conservation measures in place, and woodland preservation.
The Sustainability Pavilion is the center of this practice. We offer a series of demonstrations and interactive discussions where you can learn more and meet local leaders in the movement.
Friday
Wild Spring Walkabout with Leif Diamant
Spring is spectacular, abundant…and happening Now! Enjoy the beauty and wildness of nature with Shakori Hills’ neighbor and organic farmer, Leif Diamant (psychotherapist, naturalist and ordained inter-spiritual minister,) as we explore and experience some of the wild and cultivated bounty of Spring. We’ll wander from Shakori Hills to Leif’s homestead, meet some asses and other farm and wild animals, sample edible and medicinal wild plants and taste the bounty of Leif’s organic garden. Come along on this popular walk to experience greater knowledge and deeper intimacy of nature. Leif’s website is wildearthconsulting.com.
Meet at the Bridge by Healing Arts, Friday 12:00 p.m. and will return by 2:00 p.m.
Building Resilient Communities & Neighborhoods
It is important to start living differently now! Harvey and Laurie will lead the group in sharing experiences and ideas for building communities that are both deeply satisfying and environmen-tally sustainable. Specifics include ways to build economic, energy, resource, health, and food resilience. Harvey Harman is a green builder/developer, organic farmer, permaculture teacher and Director of Construction and Land at Chatham Habitat for Humanity. Laurie Cone is a home death care educator and guide, and former scientist and environmental science high school teacher. Friday, 2:00 p.m.
Wages & Sustainability with Claire Horne, Orange County Living Wage
Chronic poverty is the biggest challenge to sustainability. Even in areas that seem prosperous, workers struggle to make ends meet. In Orange County, many workers earn just above minimum wage ($7.25). Orange County Living Wage promotes a roster of 126 local businesses who voluntarily pay workers a living wage ($13.15). Living wages can lift a family out of poverty and towards the middle class. Join us for a look at how wages connect to vibrant, prosperous and sustainable communities. www.orangecountylivingwage.org Friday, 4:00 p.m.
Saturday
Food Preservation with Pierre Lauffer
We preserve that which we value. Pierre, with close to 30 years’ experience in environmental science, will lead a group discussion on the historical and philosophical aspects of food preservation. Open dialogue will touch upon the various techniques and strategies for preserving our food and why it is important to maintain food preservation techniques. Saturday, 9:30 a.m.
Green Building Design Alchemy with Michael Chandler, Chandler Design-Build
Bring your green building thoughts and dreams for a reality check with Michael, local green designer-builder, teacher and writer, winner of the NAHB Green Custom home of the year, DOE Energy Value Housing Award and NAHB Green Builder-Advocate of the year. This is a question-and-answer session focused on the convergence of building science, beauty and affordability, which he calls “Design Alchemy.” Bring your ideas and questions and get informed answers. Saturday, 11:00 a.m.
“Special Food”
Safety and dose are related. The leaves or roots of many plants can be safely taken in small amounts as an herb. However, concentrated extracts sold as liquids or pills may contain the plant’s chemicals in far greater amounts and may not be safe. Some supplements being sold are even totally unsafe for human consumption. Medical Epidemiologist, Dr. Rick Langley, and Chemical Epidemiologist, Ariel Christensen with the NC Division of Public Health, will lead an interactive panel discussion on the use of nutritional supplements. Saturday, 12:00 p.m.
Ferment That Fruit: Ugly fruit deserves love too!
Fermentation doesn’t have to be complicated and is better with little to no manipulation. Learn how to make wine or cider with almost any and every fruit. Lyndon Smith, cellar-man and owner of Botanist & Barrel and cidermaker, Kether Smith, will lead a fast-paced demonstration about fermentation. Demo will focus on the big dos and don’ts, highlighting the natural fermentation process. It should give you the confidence and basics, so when you get home to ferment you won’t get stuck wondering what to do next! www.botanistandbarrel.com
Wages & Sustainability with Claire Horne, Orange County Living Wage
Join us for a look at how wages connect to vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable communities. See Friday’s description for expanded information. Saturday, 4:00 p.m.
Sunday
Home Solar Power Electricity with Ed Witkin of Carrboro Solar Works
Ed will lead an interactive discussion about the use of PV within the home. He will discuss solar energy technology and how to improve home PV systems to achieve the greatest energy savings as well as local, state and national trends (and assistance) in PV systems. Sunday, 12:00 p.m.
We Need the Bees!
We have most of our food because of honeybees. Join beekeepers from Chatham and surrounding counties to discuss the basics of beekeeping and how you can support honey bees and other pollinators. You can find us daily from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Ask a Beekeeper Tent next to the Sustainability Pavilion.
GrassRoots Festival as a Social Enterprise: Modeled Structures for the Future of Capitalism with Jordan Puryear, GrassRoots Festival Founder
A discussion on creating socially conscious business enterprises that contribute to community sustainability. Jordan is co-founder of Shakori Hills, Virginia Key and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festivals, which he has been involved in organizing and running since 1991. Sunday, 2:00 p.m.
