Renowned permaculture advocate special guest at MMRG fund-raising luncheon

Steve Whitman while in Kenya where he worked on permaculture projects. (Courtesy photo)

Moose Mountains Regional Greenways will hold its 2017 Annual Meeting on Sunday, April 23, from 4-7 p.m. at the Governor's Inn in Rochester.

Following tradition, this festive occasion will start with a cocktail/social hour and silent auction accompanied by live music, followed by a buffet luncheon, award presentations, brief business meeting, update on MMRG conservation news, and a talk by New Hampshire's renowned permaculture specialist Steve Whitman.

Permaculture is a method of providing for human needs using earth-friendly sustainable practices. Featured speaker Steve Whitman, owner of Resilience Planning and Design, is a certified permaculture designer and teacher who creates and implements permaculture projects and develops academic permaculture programs.

He has taught sustainable planning and permaculture techniques world-wide, focusing in New Hampshire and Kenya. At MMRG's Community Visioning Session last fall, Whitman spoke about the social benefits that accrue from thoughtful conservation planning. On this occasion, he'll share photos and stories about his sustainability projects around the world.

Proceeds of the silent auction support MMRG's land conservation and educational outreach work. All auction items are generously donated by area businesses and individuals. This year's collection consists of approximately 20 themed baskets and select specialty items, including a luxury vacation week on Lovell Lake, a hand-crafted kayak paddle, a cord of firewood, a weekend vacation apartment in downtown Boston, and a guided lobster trip. During the auction, accomplished pianist Nat Cowen will play show tunes and standards and take requests.

The public is invited to join this annual community celebration of Moose Mountains Regional Greenways. The cost is $35/person; a cash bar will be offered by the Governor's Inn. The buffet dinner will feature choices of grilled chicken and vegetarian lasagna; to inquire about dietary restrictions, please call (603) 473-2020 or email info@mmrg.info. Spaces are limited and advance payment by April 14 is requested. To reserve your place, please mail your check to MMRG, PO Box 191, Union, NH 03887; Attn: Annual Meeting.

MMRG works to conserve and connect important water resources, farm and forest lands, wildlife habitats, and recreational land in Brookfield, Farmington, Middleton, Milton, New Durham, Wakefield, and Wolfeboro. Throughout the year, MMRG offers many educational opportunities to inform all ages about the benefits of our region's natural resources. For more information, visit www.mmrg.info. MMRG would like to thank Norman Vetter Poured Foundations for its generous business sponsorship of this event.

The Governor's Inn is located at 78 Wakefield St., Rochester.