By By CHRIST PROKOS
Staff Writer
The green movement will be growing for people who visit the North Carolina Estuarium the second weekend in September.
On Sept. 11 and Sept. 12, the Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuary Program is sponsoring “Growing Greener: Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability.” The program highlights ways in which new farming practices are reducing agriculture’s environmental impact in the Albemarle-Pamlico region.
“(APNEP) has contracted with us to put on an event that highlights things the agricultural community is doing to reduce their environmental footprint and cut down on runoff from fields and work more in harmony with the environment,” said Tom Stroud, deputy director with Partnership for the Sounds, which operates the Estuarium. “There are a lot of programs out there that growers can take advantage of. We also have representatives from local organic growers and smaller-scale local food movements that have a lot less impact on the environment as well.”
To sow the seeds of encouragement, the Estuarium will be free to the public both days. Visitors will encounter new information, free samples of locally grown produce, River Roving tours and music by local musical artists.
The “Growing Green” issue also will be a critical topic for several state agricultural leaders planning to attend the event. Regional high-school students who participate in Future Farmers of America or take environmental classes will hear from Pat Harris, director of the N.C. Division of Soil and Water Conservation; John Huisman, director of the Tar-Pamlico Nutrient Reduction Program; and Charles Davenport, 2007 North Carolina Conservation Farmer of the Year.
Local gardeners will have opportunities to unearth a lot of information about local farmers markets and the Cooperative Extension Service.
“You may hear something about nutrients and sediment problems and what is being done to reduce those problems and very specific actions and steps and real world on-the-ground achievements and reductions,” Stroud said.
The Estuarium is part of a network of environmental education centers operated by Partnership for the Sounds.
Just the Facts
WHAT: Growing Greener: Agriculture and Environmental Sustainability.
WHERE: North Carolina Estuarium, 223 E. Water St., Washington.
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 10; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
WHAT TO EXPECT: Displays and information highlighting farming techniques, markets and equipment which minimize environmental impact while maintaining strong production; Free samples of organic produce from local growers; River Roving rides; Traditional music by local artists.
COST: Free.
MORE DETAILS: Visit http://www.partnershipforthesounds.org or call 252-948-0000.