Monday, April 17, 7:00 PM, Boyd Hall Room 144, Plymouth State University “New Hampshire’s Changing Landscape 2005” Speaker: Dan Sundquist, Director of Research at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. Mr. Sundquist’s presentation will concern an analysis of changes in population growth, development and land use, and the impacts on natural resource values. Sponsored by the Center for the Environment and the Office of the President at Plymouth State University.
Tuesday, April 18, 4:00 PM, Boyd Hall Room 144, Plymouth State University “Escape from Affluenza” Film and discussion. The film “Escape from Affluenza” is a sequel to the film “Affluenza”, which diagnosed the “disease” of materialism and its effects. “Escape from Affluenza” is a thoughtful and humorous film that shows audiences how to declare their independence from the “epidemic of rampant consumerism and materialism ailing Americans and our environment by adopting practices of simple living.” Professor Len Reitsma (Biological Sciences, PSU) will introduce the film and lead a discussion of the issues raised. Sponsored by Common Ground.
Wednesday, April 19, 7:00 PM, Pease Public Library, Plymouth “Energy Alternatives for Our Lives” Speaker: Peter Adams, a founding member of Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative. Part three of a three-part series on “Present Day Pioneers: Steps Toward Preserving New England Communities.” Sponsored by the Young Ladies Library Association Endowment as a public service to the greater Plymouth community.
Thursday, April 20, 10 AM – 2 PM, Alumni Green (outside HUB), PSU”Environmental Fair”Information tables and displays from a variety of environmental and social justice organizations. Invited organizations include: Common Ground, PSU Science Society; D Acres of New Hampshire Organic Farm & Educational Homestead; New Hampshire Public Interest Research Group; New Hampshire Sierra Club; New Hampshire Sustainable Energy Association; Plymouth Area Renewable Energy Initiative; Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests; Squam Lakes Natural Science Center; United Campus Ministries. In addition, examples of vehicles that are powered by biodiesel will be on display.
Thursday, April 20, 12-1 PM, Memorial Rock, Alumni Green (outside HUB), PSU”Sacred Earth Celebration: A Spiritual Connection with Nature” Including Native American, Earth-based and Inter-Faith ceremonies. An opportunity for followers of Earth-based faiths and religions to express their love for the planet and give voice to the goal of living in a manner that is sustainable for all living things. Sponsored by United and Catholic Campus Ministries. Thursday, April 20, 7:00 PM, Boyd Hall Room 144, Plymouth State University “Global Warming” Speaker: Scott Maxner (PSU Adjunct Professor, Social Science Department). Professor Maxner will discuss the threat of global warming and what societies can do to slow or moderate the negative consequences of climate change. Sponsored by Common Ground.
Saturday, April 22, EARTH DAY, 8:00 AM – 2 PM, Plymouth Town Common (and other areas) “Earth Day Spring Clean-Up”Main Street Plymouth, Inc. invites organizations and individuals to join them in freshening up the downtown area by cleaning up the trash and debris that has accumulated over the fall and winter. Registration will be held on the Common from 8:00 – 9:00 AM for area assignment and to pick up trash bags. They are asking for at least a two-hour commitment (or longer if people wish). The clean-up will be held rain or shine (so hope for nice weather!). They are trying to make insure all areas are covered, so interested groups are encouraged to notify them by e-mailing lisa@truecolorsprint.com
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 PM, Boyd Hall Room 144, Plymouth State University “Living Lightly: Eustace Conway and the Story of the Turtle Island Preserve” Speaker: Eustace Conway, founder of Turtle Island Preserve in the mountains of North Carolina, an environmental education center and wilderness preserve that Conway carved out of 1,000 acres of forest near Boone, North Carolina. Eustace Conway’s life is the subject of a book-length biography by Elizabeth Gilbert, entitled Last American Man. He has spent much of his life living like a 19th-century man. Teaching people how to live with less is one of his most powerful messages. In Eustace’s words: “We created a place where people can get in touch with the roots of humanity and connected with the resources and abilities that sustain our existence. We simplify our day to food, shelter, water, and clothing which enables us to see more clearly the picture of how we fit into the bigger circles of life; our food chain, water cycle, ecosystem, and environmental economics.” For further information, see the Web site of Turtle Island Preserve, http://www.turtleislandpreserve.com