Discover more about a sustainable lifestyle at the Sustainable Living Fair on Orcas Island, Saturday, May 1 at the Village Green in Eastsound, followed by field trips the next day.
Admission to the fair is free; field trip fees vary from free to affordable. The weekend’s events are presentations in the Sustainable San Juans series, planned annually by the Stewardship Network of the San Juans.
See displays and informational booths from a wide variety of organizations and businesses committed to creating a more environmentally and economically sustainable San Juan Islands. There are still a few booth spaces left, so if anyone wants to exhibit at the fair, download an application at www.stewardshipsjc.org or sign up at the Orcas Island Library.
In addition to the booths, to include WSU San Juan County Beachwatchers, the Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce, Wolf Hollow and many others, there will be speakers including Russel Barsh of the Lopez Island-based research and educational organization Kwiaht. Barsh will speak on the fascinating creatures of Eastsound’s Fishing Bay and Indian Island. Lincoln Borman, Executive Director of the Land Bank, will talk about the opportunities for agriculture on pastoral Land Bank properties.
A highlight of the Fair will be honoring this year’s recipients of the “Finnies,” the Good Steward Awards. These awards recognize individuals, families, and businesses that have made a significant impact on the conservation, preservation, and protection of the San Juan Archipelago.
All of this is set to coincide with the first Orcas Farmer’s Market of the year, with some early season vegetables, garden starts and a multitude of local crafts. Lunch will be available from a variety of local farmers. There will also be live music to enjoy throughout the day, courtesy of talented local musicians and vocalists.
Sunday’s field trips will be a chance to see sustainable techniques in action and a time to get out and experience Orcas Island and surrounding waters. Field trips include a kayaking expedition to Yellow Island, a tour of the Bullock’s permaculture homestead, an interpretive walk around Indian Island, a hike on Turtleback Mountain and a boating and hiking trip to explore the geology of Sucia Island.
The Sustainable Living Fair weekend is a cooperative effort of the Stewardship Network of the San Juans and Sustainable Orcas Island.
For more information, visit the Stewardship Network website at www.stewardshipsjc.org
