PALESTINE – East Texans will have the chance to learn about new environmental-friendly techniques around the home and ranch during a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Earth-Kind Living conference Dec. 2 in Palestine.
The event begins with registration at 8 a.m. and ends at 4 p.m. inside Ben E. Keith Beverages, 2019 W. Oak St.
The conference will introduce consumers, producers and volunteers to Earth-Kind Living, a balanced system using university research-proven techniques for quality living, environmental stewardship and overall well being, said Larry Pierce, AgriLife Extension regional program leader for Districts 4 and 5, Overton.
Experts will share information on agricultural production, land stewardship, health and wellness, and Earth-Kind friendly homes. Cost is $25 if attendees preregister by Nov. 10 and $35 the day of the event. For more information and to register, go to http://agrilife.org/earthkindliving. “The lineup of speakers is diverse and very knowledgeable about ways to be good stewards of our environment as producers, ranchers and homeowners,” Pierce said. “By implementing Earth-Kind methods, we have the ability to improve the quality of life on our farms and in our homes and eventually our communities.”
Speakers and topics include:
–Dr. Ron Gill, AgriLife Extension livestock specialist, and Dr. Susan Ballabina, AgriLife Extension executive associate director, College Station – Research-based Truth in Agricultural Production, Land Stewardship, Health and Wellness.
–Steve Nelle, freelance conservation and wildlife management consultant, San Angelo – Environmental Stewardship.
–Dr. Jenna Anding, AgriLife Extension associate department head for the department of Nutrition and Food Science – Managing for the Next Generation and Food Waste.
Concurrent sessions include:
–Clint Perkins, AgriLife Extension agent, Wood County – Earth-Kind Pasture Management.
–Tim Hartmann, Earth-Kind program specialist, College Station – Vegetables and Herbs.
–Dr. Steve George, AgriLife Extension horticulturist, Dallas – Earth-Kind Landscapes.
–Jheri-Lynn McSwain, AgriLife Extension agent, Shelby County – Earth-Kind Kitchen and Denita Young, AgriLife Extension agent, Rains County – Kitchen Composting, Pantry Pests, Vermiculture.
–Janet Rowe, Master Gardener, Rockwall – Earth-Kind Beekeeping.
–Mandy Patrick, AgriLife Extension agent, Houston County – Earth-Kind Home Air Quality/Energy Efficiency/Water.
Speakers will follow with a panel discussion and question and answer session, Pierce said.
From urban apartment dwellers to rural farmers and ranchers, Texans will find this exciting new program to be of great value, said Pierce.
Benefits of the Earth-Kind living include environmental stewardship and long-term productivity for agriculture enterprises, water conservation and natural protection and enrichment of the soil, according to the Earth-Kind website. It also utilizes plants and animals with the best adapted genetics which encourages and protects wildlife diversity, including pollinators and beneficial insects by reducing the use of fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals. For general information about the event, contact Pierce at 903-834-6191 or lpierce@ag.tamu.edu.
