Sustainability Week 2011
This is the fifth consecutive year that we in Blacksburg have celebrated Sustainability Week. It is a week-long series of events organized by a committee composed of representatives of three groups:
- The non-profit local organization called Sustainable Blacksburg
- Staff members from the Town of Blacksburg
- representatives from the Office of Energy & Sustainability at Virginia Tech.
- The Rev. Jeanne Torrence Finley, NRV Chapter, Virginia interfaith Center for Public Policy
- Trieste Lockwood, Director of Virginia Interfaith Power and Light
- Melanie Smith, Community Health Organizer, Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy
- Dr. L. David Roper and the Christ Episcopal Church Green Team
- Bill Weitzenfeld, Executive Director, Association of Energy Conservation Professionals
- Gregg Lewis, Director, community alliance for energy efficiency (cafe)
Our goal is to have a week-long series of environmental events that will entertain, educate, and highlight sustainability programs and practices throughout our community and on the VT campus. Please click on each day under “Event Navigation” to see the events scheduled for each day.
EVENT DESCRIPTIONS
If the event requires REGISTRATION or has a COST, it will be listed below the event title. Otherwise, the described event is FREE and no registration is required. If information below an event title is designated TBD, that means that this detail has yet To Be Determined, and you should check back on this website before you go to an event for added information.
SUNDAY – 18 Sep
EVENT TITLE: Tour Glade Road Growing – A Sustainable Farm In Blacksburg
DESCRIPTION: We have a small farm located on Glade Road across from the Heritage Park in Blacksburg. We specialize in annual vegetables and sell at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market, but we also have about seven colonies of honeybees and have just planted a small apple orchard with 15 varieties of apples. Our farming methods are based on building and maintaining the health of the soil. We do our best to serve as caretakers of the land by using organic matter-based mulches and cover crops. Although our intensive cultivation area only occupies about 4 acres, we also manage the remaining 44 acres on the property, part in rotational pasture for a local beef cattle farmer and part in a native-species forest and riparian area for a tributary of Tom’s Creek. Visit our website for more details on the farm’s operation. We envision this tour to last about 1 hr with a question session at the end.
DATE: Sunday, September 18, 2011, 1:30 to 2:30 PM
LOCATION: 2351 Glade Road, Blacksburg (across the road from the “upper” Heritage Park parking lot.) Please park near their red barn or in the Park parking lot across the road.
CONTACT: Sally Walker & Jason Pall, sally@gladeroadgrowing.com, 540-808-0672
EVENT TITLE: Faith and the Environment: A Program of Blacksburg’s Sustainability Week
DESCRIPTION: Every major religion has a mandate to care for Creation. We were given natural resources to sustain us, but we were also given the responsibility to act as good stewards and preserve life for future generations. This program will give participants an introduction to the connection between faith and caring for the environment and how a degraded environment affects our own health; an overview of issues likely to come before the 2012 Virginia General Assembly and how to advocate on behalf of the environment; and knowledge individuals can use to begin saving energy and protecting the environment through action in their own homes and houses of worship.
Professional residential energy assessment teams from New River Center for Energy Research and Training and Energy Check completed a diagnostic energy audit on a converted house owned by the Blacksburg United Methodist Church and will conduct tours of the building and demonstrate energy audit techniques following the formal program.
Featured Speakers include:
Sponsored by the NRV Chapter of Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the Blacksburg Ecumenical Environmental Effort. Refreshments featuring local foods will be served.
Sponsored by the NRV Chapter of Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the Blacksburg Ecumenical Environmental Effort. Refreshments featuring local foods will be served.
LOCATION: Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church Street
DAY,DATE and Time: Sunday, September 18, 2011, 4:00 to 6:00 PM
CONTACT: Ann Raridon, araridon@aol.com, 540-552-3243
EVENT TITLE: Free Community Meal
DESCRIPTION: The Sustainable Food Corps at VT, working with members of the United Methodist Church, will be hosting a free community meal from gleaned food sourced from local farmers, restaurants and groceries. Garden surplus or potluck would be a great addition to our meal, but certainly not needed! Local musicians will provide entertainment while we dine and engage in conversation.
DATE: Sunday, 18 September, 6:30 to 8:30 PM
LOCATION: Blacksburg United Methodist Church, 111 Church Street
CONTACT: Nate Foust-Meyer, nfmeyer@vt.edu, 434-942-8919
EVENT TITLE: Movie At The Lyric - The Last Mountain
DESCRIPTION: Bill Haney’s ecological documentary, The Last Mountain, traces the horrific ecological fallout from the practice of mountaintop removal that has been employed throughout West Virginia. The filmmakers show how local communities, with the help of such national figures in ecology as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stand up to industries that are making decisions harmful to their lives. The organization Appalachian Voices says that mountaintop removal mining has impacted 67 mountains in Virginia, and that “In some counties, such as Wise County, Virginia, surface mining has impacted nearly 40% of the land area.”
COST: Lyric Members – $5.00. Non-Members – $6.00
DAY, DATE and TIME: Sunday, 18 September, 3:00, 7:00 & 9:15 PM
LOCATION: The Lyric Theatre, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Susan Mattingly, execdirector@thelyric.com, 540-951-4771
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MONDAY - 19 Sep
EVENT TITLE: Urban Wind & Solar
DESCRIPTION: In this workshop, you’ll learn about wind and solar power generation, view a working installation and discover the challenges of generating power in an urban environment. We’ll cover the details of how Blacksburg Wind Power went about installing the small-scale wind turbine and solar arrays at the Y Center one year ago, and find out how this could translate to an installation at your home. Instructor Peter Thompson is a member of the Blacksburg Wind Power project team and CEO at Streamlined Strategies.
COST: $10, all proceeds will benefit the YMCA at Virginia Tech
DAY, DATE and TIME: Monday, 19 September, 7:00 to 9:00 PM
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED: Register at http://www.vtymca.org/OpenU.html or call 540-961-9622
LOCATION: The Y Center, 1000 North Main Street
CONTACT: Larissa Chadwick, larissa@vtymca.org, 540-961-9622
EVENT TITLE: Movie At The Lyric - The Last Mountain
DESCRIPTION: Bill Haney’s ecological documentary, The Last Mountain, traces the horrific ecological fallout from the practice of mountaintop removal that has been employed throughout West Virginia. The filmmakers show how local communities, with the help of such national figures in ecology as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stand up to industries that are making decisions harmful to their lives. The organization Appalachian Voices says that mountaintop removal mining has impacted 67 mountains in Virginia, and that “In some counties, such as Wise County, Virginia, surface mining has impacted nearly 40% of the land area.”
COST: Lyric Members – $5.00. Non-Members – $6.00
DAY, DATE and TIME: Monday, 19 September, 3:00, 7:00 & 9:15 PM
LOCATION: The Lyric Theatre, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Susan Mattingly, execdirector@thelyric.com, 540-951-4771
TUESDAY - 20 Sep
EVENT TITLE: Sustainability Week Tree Planting
For more details and a map CLICK HERE
DESCRIPTION: Virginia Tech students and employees as well as members of the surrounding community are invited to come out and take part in planting 10 native, hardwood trees on the Virginia Tech Campus. No experience required. Tools and instruction will be provided but please wear closed toe shoes. This event supports “The Virginia Tech Climate Action Commitment and Sustainability Plan.” What you plant will be enjoyed by generations of Hokies!
DAY, DATE and TIME: Tuesday, 20 September, 1:30 to 3:00 PM
LOCATION: Upper Drill Field, Kent Street
CONTACT: Matt Gart, Campus Landscape Architect, Office of University Planning; 231-4186 gartm@vt.edu,
EVENT TITLE: Tour of Hale-YMCA Community Garden and Roper Solar Greenhouse
http://www.roperld.com/science/ymcasolargreenhouse.htm
DESCRIPTION: The Hale Y Community Garden is a 15 acre site that includes the Roper Solar Greenhouse, community garden plots, demonstration civic agriculture gardens, permaculture gardens and a bluebird trail. Property owner Arlean Lambert, solar greenhouse designer Dave Roper and garden coordinator Jenny Schwanke will lead a tour.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Tuesday, 20 September, 4:00 to 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Meet at the gardens, 215 Maywood Street, Blacksburg, VA. http://www.roperld.com/science/graphics/YSGHMap.jpg
DIRECTIONS: From the corner of North Main and Patrick Henry, drive out North Main, past Food Lion shopping plaza on your left, and continue past the Maple Ridge development on your right. Proceed down the hill. After you past Mount Tabor Road (on your left), go past the next two named streets, and turn right on Maywood Street. Drive to the end of Maywood, and park in the circular gravel lot. You will see the Roper Solar Greenhouse on the hill beyond. Assemble on the hill near the greenhouse.
CONTACT: Jenny Schwanke, jenny@vtymca.org, (540) 961-9622
EVENT TITLE: Edible Forest Gardening
DESCRIPTION: Participants will tour an edible forest garden and we will talk about the principles of permaculture and forest gardening that informed the design. For more information about this subject, access the following website – www.naturescapesva.com
DAY, DATE and TIME: Tuesday, 20 September, 5:00 to 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Arlene Hale Lambert’s home (Next to the Hale-YMCA Community Garden on the North side of Blacksburg.
DIRECTIONS: From the corner of North Main Street and Patrick Henry Drive, drive out North Main, past Food Lion shopping plaza on your left, and continue on N. Main past the Maple Ridge development on your right. After you pass Mount Tabor Road, go past the next two named streets, and turn right on Maywood Street. Drive to the end of Maywood, and park in the circular gravel lot. Walk down the hill, and then up the hill, past the Roper Solar Greenhouse, then turn right and walk down the hill to assemble at Arlene’s house.
CONTACT: Sarah Gibbs, sarah@naturescapesva.com, 540-818-1394
EVENT TITLE: Movie At The Lyric – The Last Mountain
DESCRIPTION: Bill Haney’s ecological documentary, The Last Mountain, traces the horrific ecological fallout from the practice of mountaintop removal that has been employed throughout West Virginia. The filmmakers show how local communities, with the help of such national figures in ecology as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stand up to industries that are making decisions harmful to their lives. The organization Appalachian Voices says that mountaintop removal mining has impacted 67 mountains in Virginia, and that “In some counties, such as Wise County, Virginia, surface mining has impacted nearly 40% of the land area.”
COST: Lyric Members – $5.00. Non-members – $6.00
DAY, DATE and TIME: Tuesday, 20 September, 7:00 & 9:15 PM
LOCATION: The Lyric Theatre, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Susan Mattingly mailto:execdirector@thelyric.com 951-4771
WEDNESDAY - 21 Sep
EVENT TITLE: VT Active Commute Celebration
DESCRIPTION: This event is held to recognize commuters who travel to our campus for work or school using an active mode of transportation. Our pedestrian, cyclist, and multi-modal active commuters are offered a free light breakfast, and we offer information on organizations and services that can help improve active commutes and hopefully incentivize new active commuters. In the past, we have included bike safety checks by representatives from our local bike shops, health/fitness information, and giveaways from local/campus organizations, and we have opportunities for commuters to provide feedback on how we can help them start or improve their active commute.
The event receives foot traffic from the dedicated commuters who have been looking forward to the celebration and also students/faculty/staff who are travelling through the Drillfield, at the heart of Virginia Tech’s campus. Through this event, we reach several hundred Hokies who range from new students to lifelong employees, and these individuals include dedicated active commuters and those who are just getting interested in learning about how to incorporate more activity into their daily lives.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Virginia Tech Drillfield, VT Central Campus
CONTACT: Amanda Chassot Repella chassot@vt.edu 540-231-0250
EVENT TITLE: How to Improve Your Business by Applying Lean Principles?
DESCRIPTION: This session is designed primarily for business owners, employers, and students who would like to improve their business processes. Lean allows business owners to do more with less, thereby saving raw materials, energy, labor, and other costs. By vastly reducing waste, Lean contributes to more sustainable business and manufacturing processes. LEAN@VirginiaTech®, a student-driven, faculty-supported initiative, provides an overview about the Lean philosophy and the principles of a successful Lean transformation.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 11:00 AM to 12:00 Noon
LOCATION: Brush Mountain A Conference Room, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA
CONTACT: Adrienn Andersch, andersch@vt.edu, 540-553-6348
EVENT TITLE: Sustainability at the Hahn Horticulture Garden – Lunchtime Walk and Talk
DESCRIPTION: Sustainable gardening practices can go beyond food production to include landscape plants and lawns. Join Dr. Holly Scoggins, Garden Director, and our garden staff for this walking tour. See what we’re doing at the Hahn Garden to care for our campus garden while reducing our impact on the environment. From no-mow turf to “free” mulch, you’ll take home ideas and techniques for your own yard and garden.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, from Noon to 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Hahn Horticulture Garden on Washington Street. Meet at the Peggy Lee Hahn Garden Pavilion.
CONTACT: Dr. Holly Scoggins, Associate Professor and Garden Director, perennials@vt.edu, 540-231-5783, http://www.hort.vt.edu/hhg
EVENT TITLE: Sustainable Packaging
DESCRIPTION: Event will highlight technologies and products that improve the sustainability of packaging while offering protection, containment, and utility. Information will be provided to help consumers make informed packaging choices.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 12:30 PM- 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Brush Mountain A Conference Room, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Robert Bush, rbush@vt.edu, 231-8834
EVENT TITLE: Help Reuse a Building!
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate how construction waste from buildings can be reused. We have collected clean construction waste from a local Blacksburg residential development and research has focused on reusing and repurposing this material. We have created a small desk box from wood construction waste that people can assemble with our instruction. No previous experience with tools is needed.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Brush Mountain A Conference Room, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Blacksburg, VA
CONTACT: Dan Hindman, dhindman@vt.edu, 231-9442
EVENT TITLE: Chef Roulette At The Farmer’s Market
DESCRIPTION: Come watch local chefs prepare food using produce from vendors at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. Free tastings!
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 3:00 to 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Blacksburg Farmers Market, Corner of Draper & Roanoke Streets
CONTACT: Elizabeth Gilboy, egilboy@vt.edu 540-231-5644
EVENT TITLE: Movie At The Lyric – The Last Mountain
DESCRIPTION: Bill Haney’s ecological documentary, The Last Mountain, traces the horrific ecological fallout from the practice of mountaintop removal that has been employed throughout West Virginia. The filmmakers show how local communities, with the help of such national figures in ecology as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., stand up to industries that are making decisions harmful to their lives. The organization Appalachian Voices says that mountaintop removal mining has impacted 67 mountains in Virginia, and that “In some counties, such as Wise County, Virginia, surface mining has impacted nearly 40% of the land area.”
COST: Lyric Members – $5.00. Non-members – $6.00
DAY, DATE and TIME: Wednesday, 21 September, 7:00 & 9:15 PM
LOCATION: The Lyric Theatre, 135 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Susan Mattingly mailto:execdirector@thelyric.com 951-4771
THURSDAY - 22 Sep
EVENT TITLE: Sustainable Materials – Where Do They Come From And Where Do They Go?
DESCRIPTION: While many people struggle to define sustainability, this discussion will examine some of the practical aspects of using sustainable materials, including a short, concise definition of sustainable materials, discussion of processing and life cycle analysis, deconstruction and decommissioning. Several examples and case studies will be provided to elicit discussion.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Thursday, 22 September, 11:00 AM- 12:00 PM
LOCATION: Brush Mountain A Conference Room, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Brian Bond, bbond@vt.edu, 231-8752
EVENT TITLE: Virginia Tech’s Office of Energy and Sustainability and Student Group Environmental Coalition Open House
DESCRIPTION: An informal discussion and conversation regarding the status of ongoing sustainability initiatives at Virginia Tech. The Office of Energy and Sustainability has the primary lead for tracking and coordinating sustainability activities (www.facilities.vt.edu/sustainability ) . The Environmental Coalition is the largest student led environmental group on campus. Both organizations work closely together in advancing sustainability on campus. Virginia Tech has received a Silver Rating in the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education’s STARS (Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating System) Program, is featured in the Princeton Review’s Guide to 311 Green Colleges, was selected for the Princeton Review’s 2011 Green Rating Honor Roll, and received a 2011 Governor’s Environmental Excellence “Gold” Award for our Sustainability Plan Implementation. The Environmental Coalition successfully planned and implemented “Earth Week 2011” (http://www.facilities.vt.edu/sustainability/earth_week.asp). and in hosting “Virginia Power Shift 2011.” The intent is to provide attendees with information, to address their questions, and to receive their recommendations.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Thursday, 22 September, 1:00 to 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Brush Mountain Room B, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Virginia Tech.
CONTACT: Denny Cochrane, Sustainability Program Manager, Office of Energy and Sustainability, 231-5184, denniscc@vt.edu
EVENT TITLE: Corrugated Board Design Contest
DESCRIPTION: Participants will design and display a product made from post-consumer recovered corrugated board. Entries will be judged on the basis of originality and practicality.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Thursday, 22 September, 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Brush Mountain A Conference Room, Squires Student Center, 290 College Avenue, Blacksburg
CONTACT: Robert Bush, rbush@vt.edu, 231-8834
EVENT TITLE: Let’s Talk Trash! – Blacksburg’s Waste Minimization Efforts and Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:
Do you know what the Town of Blacksburg and other area organizations are doing to minimize waste and help protect our local environment? If not, join us and find out! Discover the many ways the Town and other vital community organizations are working together to protect and improve our community through various waste minimization programs and projects. This event is educational as well as interactive with an open dialogue presentation and a tour of the Y Center. Learn about local waste minimizations efforts such as:
• The Town of Blacksburg’s current curbside and apartment residential recycling program and plans for the future.
• The Town of Blacksburg’s internal efforts to reduce waste.
• Waste minimization efforts and successes at the Y Center.
• The Montgomery Regional Solid Waste Authority’s programs and achievements to reduce waste in Blacksburg and throughout Montgomery County.
• Composting benefits and opportunities in the community.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Thursday, 22 September, 6:00 to 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Jean Cairns Arts and Crafts Studio, Y Center at 1000 North Main Street
CONTACT: Bill Long, blong@blacksburg.gov, 540-808-6872
EVENT TITLE: Growing Community Gardens
DESCRIPTION: We will bring together community garden representatives from the area to discuss their gardens including successes and challenges, programming, and visions for the future. Community members interested in starting a community garden or growing in an existing garden are all welcome.
DAY, DATE and TIME: Thursday, 7:30 PM to 9:00 PM.
LOCATION: The Y Center Conference Room, 1000 North Main Street
CONTACT: Jenny Schwanke, jenny@vtymca.org, (540) 961-9622
FRIDAY - 23 Sep
EVENT TITLE: Go Green NRV Breakfast Series: Green Cleaning Concepts
DESCRIPTION: Mission – Go Green NRV is a group of business owners and operators who are concerned about the impact of their businesses on our local environment. This event is part of our Go Green NRV breakfast series, and we welcome anyone interested in green cleaning concepts for their business or home. Before the educational seminar, there will be a chance to network with other folks, and during breakfast, the educational seminar will begin. Goal – Go Green NRV businesses want to progressively implement sustainable practices that are feasible for your business plan. As we all apply practices where we can, we will, together, make a significant difference in the New River Valley environment.
COST: $7 for members, $10 for non-members
DAY, DATE and TIME: Friday, 23 September, 7:30 to 9:00 AM
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED?: Yes. Please register at this link – ?http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e4g8tsqjaf6d5af5
LOCATION: Holiday Inn Blacksburg 900 Prices Fork Road in Blacksburg, VA
CONTACT: Larry Day, love2woodwork@gmail.com, 540-599-3062
EVENT TITLE: Sustainable Land Use Planning: A Visit to Shadowlake Village
DESCRIPTION: Don Langrehr will host a visit to Shadowlake Village, a Cohousing Community (http://www.shadowlakevillage.org). Attendees will tour the community and become acquainted with the compact community design and the original land use decisions. A Green Drinks Happy Hour for all Sustainability Week participants.
DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS: Click on “Visiting SLV” near the top of the Home Page on the SLV website (shown above).
DAY, DATE and TIME: Friday, September 23, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
LOCATION: Shadowlake Village Common House, Shadowlake Road, Blacksburg,
CONTACT: Don Langrehr, DonforBlacksburg@gmail.com, 540-553-0595
SATURDAY - 24 Sep
CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES
• 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM – BIKE RODEO
DESCRIPTION: An introduction to bicycling safety, rules and riding skills for children in elementary school. Learn about traffic safety, basic bicycle maintenance and proper helmet fitting. Practice cycling fundamentals in a protected parking area with different stations and hone your skills.
LOCATION: Media Building Upper Parking Lot (The part of the lot closest to the Farmer’s Market)
CONTACT: Jeffrey Weiseman, j.weiseman@colleyarch.com, 540-998-5264
• CHILDREN’S ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION EXPO – CANCELLED
EVENTS ON THE VIRGINIA TECH CAMPUS:
• 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM – iCAN: A CANNED FOOD SCULPTURE COMPETITION
DESCRIPTION: You CAN make an impact in your community! In the spirit of Ut Prosim, community, friends, and neighbors are coming together to fight hunger in the New River Valley. The VT Center for Student Engagement & Community Partnerships (CSECP) will host iCAN, a canned food sculpture contest to stock the shelves of food pantries in our local community. The sculptures will be judged, and then the food will be given to hunger relief agencies in the New River Valley.
The event is open to the public between 4 and 6 PM.
DAY,DATE and TIME: Saturday, 24 September, 4:00 – 6:00 PM
PREREGISTRATION REQUIRED?: No, the general public is welcome to come and view the competition without registration between 4 and 6.
LOCATION: Commonwealth Ballroom, Squires Student Center, Virginia Tech
CONTACT: Whitney Johnson, whitj82@vt.edu, 231-0691
• 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM – SMITHFIELD’S HARVEST FESTIVAL
DESCRIPTION: Harvest Festival is Historic Smithfield’s celebration of autumn. Along with colonial era demonstrators, we also have apple butter making, cider press demonstrations, food and craft vendors, and our garden and fledgling orchard of 18th and 19th century varieties of apples, pears, plums and cherries. Our garden is planted with heirloom plants and open-pollinated vegetables and grains. Our gardeners are available throughout the day to talk to visitors about historic and home gardening varieties and techniques. This event showcases time-honored practices from a time when sustainability was an immediate necessity, not a choice. Location: 1000 Smithfield Plantation Road, Blacksburg (VT Campus). Contact: Karen Jones, 540-230-1259, kjones@preservationvirginia.org
• 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM – DINING SERVICES AT KENTLAND FARM VOLUNTEER DAY
DESCRIPTION: Community members are invited to roll up their sleeves and assist a sustainable food system project located on Virginia Tech’s Kentland Farm. Wear clothes you are comfortable getting dirty. Please do not come unless you are fit to do physical work. For more information, Contact: greendining@vt.edu or go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Dining-Services-Garden-at-Kentland-Farm-Volunteer-Program/148074191876490
EVENTS AT THE FARMERS MARKET:
• 9:00 AM to 11:30 PM – APPLE TASTING
DESCRIPTION: Come taste all the different apples that our local and regional farmers sell at the Farmer’s Market!
COST: $2.00
CONTACT: Ellen Stewart, 540-239-8290, bbfarmersmarket@gmail.com
• 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM – SHARE THE SPARE
DESCRIPTION: A booth at the Blacksburg Farmers Market. We encourage patrons of the market to consider buying one more item to donate to our booth, and we, in turn, will send it to perishable food banks that get it to folks in need in a timely manner.
CONTACT: Lynn Brammer, (w) 231-4621, (c) 540-449-6621, (h) 540-381-4846, lbrammer@vt.edu
DEMONSTRATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS:
These will be held in TWO locations:
(1)) Room 114 in the VT Architecture Annex Building. (Follow signs from Draper Road and through the Media Building parking lots toward the VT Graduate Life Center Building. The Annex is the second red-brick building on your right.); and
(2) Under the large tent on the VT Media Building lawn, immediately across from the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market.
ROOM 114, ARCHITECTURE ANNEX (1)
(Follow signs from Draper Road)
• 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM – BUILD YOUR OWN RAIN BARREL WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTION: Interested in making your own rain barrel? Join the Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC) and Sustainable Agriculture Consultant Barry Robinson to learn about watersheds, conservation, and low impact development measures and take your own rain barrel home with you. For more information, visit http://cdac.arch.vt.edu/RainBarrels.htm
CONTACT: Kim Steika, 540-231-5644, ksteika@vt.edu
• 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM -LOOKING AT NATURE WITH A DIFFERENT EYE: PROTECTING BLACKSBURG’S ENVIRONMENT BY PROTECTING NATURE’S SERVICES
DESCRIPTION: The purpose of this talk is to enhance understanding of our total dependence on nature (nature’s services); to ask ourselves how well we protect those services in Blacksburg; and to select a specific service for more conscious protection. Talk Outline: (1) Marquita will present an overview of “nature’s services” – services as diverse as those provided by pollinators, fertile soil, trees and grasses, water purification, and the protection provided by stratospheric ozone. (2) Then, the presenter along with audience members will ask: which natural services need additional protection in Blacksburg? Possibilities include services provided by birds; tree and other green cover; or the natural services that sustain the Farmer’s Market. (3) Finally, we will select at least one service and discuss what actions we can take to consciously protect it.
CONTACT: Marquita Hill, 961-0868, hillmkh@comcast.net
• 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – GREEN ROOFS ARE GROWING IN BLACKSBURG
DESCRIPTION: This session will be a general overview of the characteristics and benefits of green roofs, followed by a description of several green roofs in Blacksburg, including the author’s ongoing research project.
CONTACT: Elizabeth Grant, 231-0609, elizabeth@vt.edu
LARGE TENT ON MEDIA BUILDING LAWN
Across from Farmer’s Market (2) **
• 9:00 AM to 9:30 AM – WINTERIZING-YOUR-GARDEN WORKSHOP
DESCRIPTION: Fall is here, and now is the time to clean up the garden and prepare it for the winter months. This workshop will give you a checklist on what to do to prepare your garden for the dormant season. The gardening efforts you do now will be rewarded in the spring!
CONTACT: Contact: Wendy Silverman, NRV Master Gardener Coordinator – 540-382-5790, wss@vt.edu
• 9:30 AM to 10:00 AM – BEES
DESCRIPTION: Deano Chlepas, from Birdsong Farm and a vendor at the Blacksburg Farmer’s Market, will speak about the importance of Bees, natural methods of beekeeping, the benefits of raw honey, beeswax, and candles.
CONTACT: Deano Chlepas – 304-832-6477, birdsong_design@yahoo.com
• 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM – Cross-Campus NRV Connect brings SGA and Sustainability Leaders Together
DESCRIPTION: The Radford Transit offers extended bus service to Blacksburg and Christiansburg, linking Virginia Tech and Radford University.
Celebrate Sustainability Week this Saturday at 10:30am for the student launch of Radford Transit. Help welcome Radford students to our Hokie Community for a ribbon cutting and sustainability leaders meet and greet. VT and RU Student Government Associations and environmental club leaders will share stories about sustainability initiatives going on at their campus. The launch will recognize Radford Transit as the missing link between our student communities in the New River Valley.
CONTACT: Lyndsay McKeever, SGA Transportation Director, Virginia Tech, 571-214-8805, mckeevla@vt.edu
• 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM – OPEN FORUM
DESCRIPTION: Come by and chat with folks on an informal basis. This time is also open for a presentation if anyone wishes.
CONTACT: Bill Claus, (H) 540-552-3078, (C) 540-239-1357 clausgw@verizon.com
• 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM – GRASS (FED BEEF) IS GREEN
DESCRIPTION: Cattle: all they ask for is green grass and fresh water, open space for a stroll and shelter from the elements. Discover how the care and treatment of these animals who provide us with sustenance can affect their health, the health of the consumer and, in turn, the health of the environment. John combines humor and passion to educate others about humane treatment of food animals, and respect and stewardship of the land they live on. Against the Wind Ranch.
CONTACT: Sarah & John Chaney, (o) 540-396-4751 or (c) 540-908-5392, againstthewind@att.net
• 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM – VERMICOMPOSTING (WORM CULTIVATION)
DESCRIPTION: Learn an inexpensive way to setup, maintain and utilize a vermicomposting system (worm composting). View a working system first-hand.
CONTACT:Janice Mileski, 540-382-7479, janice955@gmail.com
• ** 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM – COMPOSTING 101
DESCRIPTION: (Note: This talk will be given at a 10×10 booth next to the large tent.) Participants will be encouraged to start composting at any level from leaves to table scraps. Derry’s secret recipe for well balance compost will be revealed along with other handy tips. Examples of things to compost and various bins and tumblers, will be available for viewing.
CONTACT: Derry Hutt, 540-808-5680, dhutt7@verizon.net
• 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM – LAWNS, GARDENS & LANDSCAPES DONE SUSTAINABLY
DESCRIPTION: Learn the basics of establishing and maintaining your lawns, gardens and landscapes in an eco-friendly, sustainable manner. Q & A segment included.
Contact: Barry Robinson, 540-230-1695, SustainAg@gmail.com
INFORMATION BOOTHS ON MEDIA BUILDING LAWN
Across From Farmer’s Market (In place from 9:00 AM until 2:00 PM)
BLACKSBURG’S BICYCLE & PEDESTRIAN MASTER PLAN – We represent a subcommittee to the Town’s Corridor Committee. Our group is tasked with the development and adoption of the Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan into the Town of Blacksburg’s Comprehensive Plan. The group is currently coordinating the efforts for a town wide Web GIS survey and bicycle count. The data collection will support the identification of routes and networks. Guidelines and typical sections for roadways throughout town will be provided in this document to guide area planners and developers. We are currently seeking volunteers to participate in drafting this document. Contact – Priscilla Cygielnik, 540-961-1145, pcygielnik@blacksburg.gov
BASELINE SOLAR SOLUTIONS – Baseline Solar specializes in solar hot water and photovoltaics (solar electricity) systems for businesses and homeowners throughout the New River Valley and southwestern Virginia. Our team of energy professionals includes NABCEP-certified installers and licensed electricians, and they can engineer a wide range of custom solutions for residential and commercial applications. Baseline Solar handles all permitting and utility interconnections, assists with rebate and incentive applications, and can offer financing options for large systems. Contact: Chris Roberts, 540-552-1511, chris@baselinesolar.com
** COMPOSTING 101 – (Note: Derry. Hutt will give a talk at her booth next to the Large Tent from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. OTHERWISE, she will be at her booth from 9 till 2.) Derry’s secret recipe for well balance compost, and other tips, will be revealed along with displays of various compost bins and tumblers. Contact: Derry Hutt, 540-808-5680, dhutt7@verizon.net
ENERGY CHECK – Energy Audits. Does Your House Need a Check Up? Join local company Energy Check to learn more about how a home energy audit is conducted and validated, tips for making energy efficiency improvements and discussion of common problems and solutions. A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy-efficient. Information will be available about the diagnostic testing involved with a residential energy audit and the building science behind the house as a system approach to home improvement and energy related retrofit projects. We will also share information on local initiatives to save energy, the global importance of conserving energy at home and at the office and simple ways you can work towards making a positive change in your “carbon footprint”. Contact: Caroline Bennett, Energy Check – 540-239-9966 X 28, carolineb@wecheckenergy.com
H2O AT HOME – H2O at Home is helping families and businesses to totally eliminate the need for toxic chemicals for cleaning and personal care. We have just arrived in Virginia with products that have been used and respected in France for 14 years. Our products meet the strictest European standards for Natural and Organic products. I look forward to talking with people to make them aware of the lack of proper labeling in the United States and demonstrate some new innovative smart tools for cleaning that are not only safe for them and the environment but that are also easier, faster and much less expensive. Contact: Jean Cox, 360-271-9525, myc2cbiz@gmail.com
HARMONY ORGANICS GARDEN & FARM SUPPLY – Harmony Organics is Blacksburg’s Eco-friendly resource for organic garden and farm supplies. We carry organic fertilizers, natural herbicides, micro-nutrients, soil amendments, soil life enhancers, planting mixes, compost, animal supplements, pest management, growing mixes, row covers, bird netting, and deer fencing. We’ll have some select items at the booth sized down for the small gardener, and a handout with useful tips for organic gardening. See our online catalog at: harmonyorganics.net Freda Ascot or Marino Colmano, 540-951-0345, info@harmonyorganics.net
MAKING AND USING SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND BIOENERGY – Learn how sustainable, renewable biomaterials from plants and other materials are grown, and how they can be converted into useful products ranging from plastics and glues to biofuels and energy storage devices. – Contacts: Barry Goodell, Goodell@vt.edu and Audrey Zink Sharp wss@vt.edu
NATURESCAPES, CREATING EDIBLE LANDSCAPES FOR BOUNTY, BEAUTY, AND BLISS – People will learn about permaculture principles, forest gardening, and sustainable landscapes and hardscapes. Contact: Sarah Gibbs, 540-818-1349, sarahgibbs68@verizon.net
SOLAR CONNEXION – This booth will provide information on photovoltaic systems (solar electric) and will cover: (1) Photovoltaic solar panels (type, frames, energy density, connectors, temperature coefficients, glass-to-frame ratios, and degradation factors); (2) Mounting methods (pole mounts, pipe racks, and roof mounts; (3) Inverters – grid-tie & grid-interactive types (efficiency and mounting; (4) Maintenance for grid-tie or grid-interactive systems; (5) Evaluating the factors when choosing a manufacturer for materials and contractor to install your system; (6) Photovoltaic Economics (pay-back time, renewable energy credits, federal tax credit, and VA state rebate requirements. Contact: Brian Walsh, 540-961-5120 or 540-449-4437, mailto:adam@solarconnexion.com
SUSTAINABLE BLACKSBURG – Sustainable Blacksburg is a non-profit community organization whose mission it is to facilitate environmental stewardship in the Blacksburg area and to enhance the region’s livability by reducing our impact on our local environment. We invite you to stop by and chat with us about how we might better promote sustainable living in our Town. Contact: Bill Claus, 552-3078, clausgw@verizon.net