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Families, environment virtual conference set

By Staff | Dec 16, 2011

Beginning at 7 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2012, a virtual conference, The Eco Family, will be held once each month through June.

The conference, through Iowa State University Extension, will help families make attitude and behavior changes that will ultimately improve the environment, human health and family finances.

The keynote address will feature Brenda Ranum, the regional director for ISU Extension and driving force behind the Northeast Iowa Food and Fitness Imitative.

Once registered, participants will receive directions as to how to log into the virtual class room.

Participants will need high-speed internet, a headset with a microphone to participate or they can use a chat box.

The first Thursday of each month, January through June, a 90-minute program will feature a different speaker addressing a different topic.

“Children and adults who have a connection with the natural environment are more able to adjust to stress and are more likely to take care of the environment as a result,” said Kristi Cooper, ISU Extension family life field specialist.

January will offer successes and possibilities that can happen when a family, community, county or region works together to improve lives. February will feature Cooper who will speak to the topic of connecting to nature.

Energy will be the topic Pat Higby, a University of Northern Iowa energy educator, will discuss during March.

April will address water as a precious resource.

May will focus on edible landscaping.

The June address will be on transforming trash to treasures – composting.

For registration information contact Cooper at (319) 377-9839 or email kcoop@iastate.edu; or contact Brenda Schmitt at (641) 512-0650 or email schmitt@iastate.edu.