We all want clean water and vibrant rivers. We all need food to survive, but farming practices are often blamed for the deterioration of the Chesapeake Bay. Can we have both?
Join us at 6:30 pm on Thursday, Nov. 19 for a panel discussion by farmers, environmentalists, and local residents about challenges and successes in the effort to achieve a healthier Chesapeake Bay while continuing to produce food. The event is free and open to the public. The discussion will be driven by questions from the audience.
The agricultural perspective will be represented by Sean Jones, a dairy farmer in Massey, Md., Trey Hill, a row crop farmer in Rock Hall, Md., and Mike Twining, a representative with Willard Agri-Service. The environmental perspective will be provided by Kim Coble, a Vice President of Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and Jeff Horstman, Miles-Wye Riverkeeper in Easton, Md. Judy Denver, a hydrologist with the US Geological Survey, will explain the findings of recent scientific studies of nutrient movement through our groundwater. The lively discussion, driven by audience questions, will be moderated by former US Rep. Wayne Gilchrest.
This event is co-hosted by the Sassafras River Association and the Chester River Association in coordination with the Center for Environment & Society at Washington College. The College is hosting the event and a light reception afterward in Decker Theater in the Gibson Center for the Arts.
Panelists
Kim Coble – VP Environmental Protection and Restoration, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Annapolis, Md.
Judy Denver – Hydrologist, US Geological Survey, Dover, Del.
Trey Hill – Harborview Farms, Rock Hall, Md.
Jeff Horstman – Miles-Wye RIVERKEEPER®, Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, Easton, Md.
Sean Jones – Jones Family Farm, Massey, Md.
Mike Twining – VP Sales and Marketing, Willard Agri-Service, Dover, Del.
Moderator
Hon. Wayne Gilchrest – Education Programs Director, Sassafras Environmental Education Center
Details
November 19, 2015
6:30-8:30 pm Panel discussion
8:30-9:30 pm Reception
Decker Theater, Gibson Center for the Arts, Washington College
300 Washington Ave.
Chestertown, MD
Free and open to the public
Joe Lill says
In the last year we have become interested in Aquaponics….the marriage of Aquaculture and Hydroponic gardening. This method of controlled environment agriculture uses 5-10% of the water used in normal agriculture and no mined and manufactured fertilizer. The effluent of the fish is converted to nitrates by a natural biological process and provides nutrients to a wide range of produce grown in a number of ways. Tonight I will dine on microgreens and pea tendrils grown in one of these ways supported by the effluent of Chesapeake Bay eels….which we will be raising to produce Kabayaki, the product used in sushi restaurants. Local food……less water….no artificial fertilizers…..no run off or wastes.
I have a video of our system, based on plans by the United Nations Food and Agriculture organization if anyone is interested.