Sustainable Future Festival

annual environmental gathering has new location, focus

V1 Staff, photos by Andrea Paulseth |

Forest Street Community Gardens
Forest Street Community Gardens

Now in its third year, the sustainability festival has found a new location and a renewed focus. This year’s fest, sponsored by UW-Extension-Eau Claire County and others, will be held in the beautiful pavilion at the Forest Street Community Garden, and many of the presentations involve practical wisdom about treading lightly on the Earth while still filling our bellies with the good things that grow there. Topics range from edible yard plantings and nutritious weeds to canning and composting. Attendees can also learn about protecting the region’s groundwater, harnessing solar energy, and reducing reliance on plastic bags. Workshops, speakers, and exhibitors are chosen with the festival’s mission in mind, namely that “citizens will learn how to infuse sustainable practices into their lives, basic tenets of sustainability, and learn how other groups in the area are conducting sustainability activities.” Considering efforts like this festival and the city’s new Advisory Commission on Sustainability, it’s clear that our community is beginning to head down a more stable and Earth-friendly path.

Chippewa Valley Sustainable Future Festival • Sat., Sept. 13, 9am-3pm • Forest Street Community Gardens, two blocks north of the downtown farmers market • FREE • www.sustainablefuturefest.com