Sustainability, Peace and Justice Workshops
At Shakori Hills, sustainability is viewed as humanity’s target goal of human-ecosystem equilibrium. Our existence as a species depends on meeting our economic, social and environmental needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Shakori Hills has been committed to holding up these three pillars of sustainable practices since its inception.
Look around and see composting and recycling bins, solar electric panels, local foods, tractors powered by renewable biodiesel, water conservation and woodland preservation. Combine these efforts with our community outreach and business practices, we strive to demonstrate sustainability in everything we do. The Sustainability Pavilion is the center of this practice. Here we offer a series of demonstrations and interactive discussions where you can learn more and meet local leaders in this movement.
All programs take place at The Sustainability Fair located just across from Security and the Ticket Booth unless otherwise noted.
Friday
Wild Autumn Walkabout with Leif Diamant
Enjoy the beauty and wildness of Nature with Shakori Hills’ neighbor and organic farmer, Leif Diamant, as we explore and experience some of the wild and cultivated bounty of Autumn. We’ll wander from Shakori Hills to Leif’s homestead, meet some asses and wild animals, sample edible and medicinal wild plants, and taste the bounty of Leif’s organic garden. Nuts and fruit are most abundant in the fall. Come along on this popular walk to experience greater knowledge and deeper intimacy with Nature.
Meet at the Bridge by Healing Arts on Friday at 12:00 p.m. and return by 2:00 p.m.
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.
Friday, 1:30 p.m.
Sustainability in Practice with Cindy Shea
Time for a checkup? Are you up-to-date with energy trends? What’s currently being accepted by recycling markets? Practicing composting at home and work? Eliminating plastics wherever possible? Commuting responsibly? Cindy has led sustainability programs at universities, research institutes, and non-profits for
decades. Come participate in an interactive discussion and share your knowledge and concerns for our future.
Friday, 3:00 p.m.
The ABCs of Beekeeping with Chatham County Beekeepers
Come learn the basics of what you’ll need to start your own honey bee haven, including a hands-on equipment building demo. You can also find us daily from 11am-6pm at the Ask a Beekeeper Tent, next to the Sustainability Pavilion, where you can talk with beekeepers, watch bees at work in an observation hive, learn about area resources and taste local honey.
Friday, 4:30 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.
Climate Activism for Our Future Health and Environmental Sustainability with Nicole Egerstrom
Climate change can be scary to think about, let alone talk about. Nicole Egerstrom, from the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, is passionate about climate change and health research for a sustainable future. Nicole will be leading an open dialogue about climate communication, with focus on how environmental sustainability and health are connected and go hand-in-hand with each other, and why it is important to be a climate activist for our future.
Saturday, 12:00 p.m.
Nature Spirituality and Sacred Ecology; Nature as Teacher, Healer and Beloved with Leif Diamant
Nature is our Home and Wildness is our Roots. Nature is the source of many religions and spiritualities. Leif Daimant, (licensed psychotherapist, ordained interfaith/spirit minister, lifetime naturalist, and organic farmer) will facilitate deepening our intimacy with Nature. We will discuss and practice processes and behaviors that can expand our relationship with Nature as a source for peace, well-being, creativity, wisdom, compassion, spirituality and love.
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
The ABCs of Beekeeping with Chatham County Beekeepers
Come learn the basics of what you’ll need to start your own honey bee haven, including a hands-on equipment building demo. You can also find us daily from 11am-6pm at the Ask a Beekeeper Tent, next to the Sustainability Pavilion, where you can talk with beekeepers, watch bees at work in an observation hive, learn about area resources and taste local honey.
Saturday, 2 p.m.
Fermentation with Shane Jones
Not just for brewing beer, fermentation has a great diversity of applications across the culinary world, and as far in such arenas as biofuel production and waste management. Shane, a graduate of Appalachian State’s Fermentation Sciences program, will lead us through an interactive discussion on the concepts of fermentation and their many and varied applications; and of course, a little bit about brewing beer.
Saturday, 3:30 p.m.
Essential Skills and Tools for Long-Term Resilience and Sustainability with Harvey Harman
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 environmentally 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.
Saturday, 5 p.m.
