Sustainability, Peace and Justice Workshops
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.
Thank you to the teachers and mentors who share with us each spring and fall!
Unless otherwise noted, all programs are located in the Sustainability Pavilion.
Multiday Program
We Need the Bees!
Moya Hallstein will lead a discussion with local beekeepers from Chatham and surrounding counties to discuss the basics of beekeeping and how you can support honey bees and other pollinators.
Workshops, Friday 3:00 p.m. and Saturday 2:00 p.m.
Ask a Beekeeper Tent staffed daily 11:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday
Wild Autumn Walkabout with Leif Diamant
We’ll wander from Shakori Hills to neighbor Leif’s homestead and farm, identifying, discussing and experiencing various edible, medicinal and beneficial plants that we pass. Fall’s beauty and bounty are enormous, and we’ll sample the wild side. We’ll likely see wild animals and you can meet some asses at the farm. Join us to experience deeper intimacy with and greater knowledge of Nature.
Meet at the Bridge by Healing Arts on Friday at 12:00 p.m. and return by 2:00 p.m.
Creating Universally Inclusive and Accessible Designed Spaces with Katy Borum
Universal inclusiveness adds to resiliency in communities. Focusing on the importance, development, and influence of inclusive and accessible spaces, Katy will share her experiences being a wheelchair user. Main discussion topics include the impact of creating fully accessible areas and accessibility standards in other countries. Katy will discuss Champaign, Illinois, as an example in making itself one of the most accessible cities in the United States.
Friday, 1:00 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.
Ferment That Fruit: Ugly fruit deserves love too!
Learn how to make wine or cider with almost any 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 you won’t get stuck wondering what to do next!
Friday, 5:00 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 plants’ chemicals in far greater amounts than is safe. Some supplements being sold are even totally unsafe for human consumption. Medical Epidemiologist, Dr. Rick Langley; Epidemiologist, Dr. Kimberly Gaetz; 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.
Nature Spirituality and Sacred Ecology; Nature as Teacher, Healer and Beloved with Leif Diamant
Nature is the original source of many religions and spiritualities, and our home; wildness is our roots. Leif (licensed psychotherapist, ordained minister, lifetime naturalist, and organic farmer) will facilitate deepening our intimacy with Nature. We will discuss and practice behaviors that can expand our relationship with Nature as source for peace, well-being, creativity, wisdom, compassion, spirituality and love.
Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
Creating Universally Inclusive and Accessible Designed Spaces with Katy Borum
Universal inclusiveness adds to resiliency in communities. Focusing on the importance, development, and influence of inclusive and accessible spaces, Katy will share her experiences being a wheelchair user. Main discussion topics include the impact of creating fully accessible areas and accessibility standards in other countries. Katy will discuss Champaign, Illinois, as an example in making itself one of the most accessible cities in the United States.
Saturday, 3:30 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.
Saturday, 4:30 p.m.
