Connecting Families to the Environment Virtual Conference

 

Waterloo -- Sustainable living encompasses all aspects of our lives.  “Children and adults who have a connection with the natural environment are more able to adjust to stress and are more likely to take care of the environment as a result,” says Kristi Cooper, Family Life Field Specialist for Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

 

Beginning Thursday, January 5, a virtual conference for families will be held once a month through June.  The Eco Family Conference will help families make attitude and behavior changes that will ultimately improve the environment, human health and family finances. 

 

The Keynote address will begin at 7 PM on Thursday, Jan. 5 and will feature Brenda Ranum, the Regional Director for ISU Extension and driving force behind the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Imitative.  Once registered, participants will receive directions as to how to log into the virtual class room.  Participants will need high speed internet, a headset with a microphone to participate or can use a chat box.  Registration fee is $15.

 

The first Thursday of each month, January through June, a 90 minute program will feature a different speaker addressing a different topic as follows:

 

January will share successes and possibilities that can happen when a family, community, county or region works together to improve lives. 

 

February will feature Kristi Cooper, ISU Extension Family Life Specialist who will speak to the topic of Connecting to Nature.

 

March will feature Pat Higby, a UNI Energy Educator. 

 

April will feature Water, Our Precious Resource.

 

May will feature Edible Landscaping.

 

June will feature Transforming Trash to Treasures – Composting.

 

For registration information, contact Kristi Cooper at 319-377-9839 (kcoop@iastate.edu) or Brenda Schmitt at 641-512-0650 (schmitt@iastate.edu)

J. Jennings 3/14/2012