A couple of very interesting, and thought-provoking events are coming up next week in Kimberley and Cranbrook, dealing with subjects that are both timely and topical.
Wildsight's One Planet Film Series will present 'Mad City Chicken's on October 25 in Cranbrook at the College of the Rockies Lecture Theatre and on October 26 in Kimberley at Centre 64. Both start at Centre 64.
"We're passionate about our ongoing food sustainability projects, and feel that the backyard chicken issue is one worth exploring in our communities." said Jessica Windle of Wildsight Kimberley Cranbrook. "Keeping a flock of hens in the backyard is appealing to many households — chickens provide a source of fertilizer, pest control, and of course, fresh eggs. There are also concerns about backyard chickens, primarily that chickens and their feed could become attractants for bears and other wildlife."
The film is full of information on raising backyard chickens and Wildsight hopes it provokes discussion. A panel discussion will be held right after each screening with local experts available to answer your questions.
"It is our hope that the film and discussion will stimulate the formation of a group that will look carefully into the potential of keeping backyard chickens in our communities," Windle said.
Storm Warning
Wildsight is also involved, along with Citizens for a Liveable Cranbrook, Mainstreams and COTR, in bringing in two notable experts on water and climate change in for a series of events, 'Storm Warning'.
Bob Sandford and Deborah Harford will speak at a public lecture at McKim Auditorium on Wednesday, October 24 (7:30 p.m.) at Mount Baker High School and COTR on Thursday, October 25 (1 p.m. to 2 p.m.) and at Selkirk Secondary on Friday, October 26, 2012 (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
Sandford and Harford are internationally known experts on climate change and its implications. Sandford is the EPCOR Chair of the Canadian Partnership Initiative in support of United Nations "Water for Life" Decade. Bob also sits on the Advisory Committee for the prestigious Rosenberg International Forum on Water Policy. Deborah Harford is executive director with Simon Fraser's Adaptation to Climate Change team. Deborah's work with ACT has gained her national recognition as a resource for those seeking information on climate change adaptation and practical coping strategies.
Their focus this week will be Storm Warning - Assuring Water and Climate Security in a Changing West.
With the looming renegotiation of the Columbia River Treaty, the topic of that treaty and water treaties in general will be included as well.