Sustainable Living Series
The Sustainable Living Series is a series of events, workshops, talks and gatherings that are free and open to the public. The events focus on the different facets of sustainable living and are designed to give people a sense of the work we do. It is part of our commitment to this work and to making these experiences accessible to a wide range of people. Donations are appreciated and help us to cover costs.
This will be an on-going series, so please check back frequently to see what we are up to.
May 15th - What a Way to Go: Life at the End of Empire
A film screening about a middle class white guy coming to grips with Peak Oil, Climate Change, Mass Extinction, Population Overshoot and the demise of the American Lifestyle. A poignant, provocative and highly needed movie. Join us for the movie and discussion afterwards.
Location: The Town Hall, Petersham, MA
Time: 7:30pm
June 21st: The Headwaters Hike
Join us for a beautiful hike that will follow the Swift River from the Headwaters to the Quabbin. The hike will visit many cultural and ecological sites along the way. This is a great way to get to know the local watershed and connect more deeply with the flow of the bio-region.
Location: Meet at the Town Hall in Petersham, MA
Time: 9am, Saturday, June 21st
July 10th: Public Sweat Lodge
The Sweat Lodge is an ancient cleansing ritual, allowing our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual elements to be re-balanced. We symbolically re-enter the womb of Mother Earth to pray, heal and connect.
Pourer: Jim Farnham
Location: Earthlands
Time: 6pm for those who are unable to help with preparations, and 3pm for those who are able.
September 11th: Food Storage Systems
Join us for a hands-on workshop on food storage. With a bountiful harvest coming in, this workshop will look at different ways to store food for the winter, from root cellaring to canning. This event will include a hands-on afternoon portion focused on building a root cellar, and an evening discussion of storage options.
Location: Earthlands, Petersham, MA
Time: 2pm - 5pm, Root Cellar, 7pm-9pm Evening Discussion
Past Events
March 5th: 'Growing a New and Sustainable Culture'
What does a sustainable culture look like? What role can education play in fostering this kind of personal and social transformation? How can those of us who are passionate about sustainability be involved in a way that is empowering, effective and fun?
A presentation and discussion on how education is related to creating and remembering a sustainable culture. Education here is broadly defined and is discussed as a much more holistic experience than is practiced in mainstream institutions. Join University of the Wild directors, Nika Fotopolus and Patrick Draper for an engaging discussion that draws on their experience with UofW.
Time: 12:00-1:00pm
Location: Greenfield Community College, East Building, Room 153
March 23rd: Despair & Empowerment Ritual
This ritual provides a simple, respectful, whole group structure for owning and honoring our pain for the world, and for recognizing its authority and the solidarity it can bring. A safe container is created for people to express the feelings the have about what is going on in the world. This can be a very healing experience and result in finding a place of deep connection among the participants. See this link for a sample of what a Despair & Empowerment Ritual may look like.
Location: Earthlands, 39 Glasheen Rd, Petersham, MA
Time: 2:00-5:00pm, with optional potluck dinner after. People are welcome to walk the land before or after.
Note: Because of the sacred nature of this ritual, we request a commitment to attend the whole 3 hours because it can disrupt the group to have people coming and going. Please RSVP if you are interested in attending.
Contact: Patrick Draper, patrick@universityofthewild.org (978) 724-3448
