West Chester University | West Chester Green Team

Many thanks to the 4 distinguished Dec. 7 panelists (Senator Carolyn Comitta, Representative Dianne Herrin, Commissioner Josh Maxwell, and Faith Zerbe of Delaware Riverkeeper Network), to West Chester University Office of Sustainability Director Dr. Brad Flamm for hosting and welcoming us back to our favorite LEED-certified Business and Public Management Building, to West Chester Mayor Jordan Norley for presenting beautiful citations to WCGT founders Margaret Hudgings and Nathaniel Smith, and to the 60 environment supporters who attended!

Green Team members Nathaniel Smith, left, and Margaret Hudgings are lauded by Mayor Jordan Norley during Tuesday’s panel discussion at WCU. (SUBMITTED PHOTO-ERICA THOMPSON)

And we are grateful to reporter Bill Rettew for being with us and for his Dec. 8 article of the above title in the Daily Local News, ably describing the evening’s events, which in a timely symbol of the symbiosis between residents and elected officials brought together two legislators who are both former West Chester Mayors, a County Commissioner who is the former Mayor of Downingtown, current Mayor Norley, and incoming West Chester Mayor Lillian De Baptiste (nearest to the camera below).

Sixty residents learned how to protect the environment during a Green Team panel discussion, Tuesday, at WCU. (BILL RETTEW – MEDIANEWS GROUP)

Fall Film & Forum Series panel discussion hosted by WCU Office of Sustainability and WC Green Team in Room 101, Business & Public Management Building, 50 Sharpless St, West Chester, PA 19383. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Sign up in advance at wcupa/sustainability to view the film online; the evening event will be panel discussions only. Come early for information tables, refreshments and a tour of the LEED-certified BPMG building at 6:30. Metered parking on Sharpless or Church St.

Tuesday October 12 discussion theme “Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet: Act locally to improve the dirt in your own backyard and help avert climate crisis,” based on the film “Kiss the Ground.” Panelists:

Dr. Joan Welch (moderator), professor in the WCU Department of Geography and Planning, a leader in WCU’s campus gardens, and dedicated environmentalist.

Mike Dunn, contract arborist for West Chester Borough and Sustainable Landscapes Specialist

Nur Ritter, Stewardship Manager, Robert B. Gordon Natural Area for Environmental Studies at West Chester University, botanist, biochar enthusiast, friend of fungi

From https://kissthegroundmovie.com/: “‘Kiss the Ground’ reveals that, by regenerating the world’s soils, we can completely and rapidly stabilize Earth’s climate, restore lost ecosystems and create abundant food supplies. Using compelling graphics and visuals, along with striking NASA and NOAA footage, the film artfully illustrates how, by drawing down atmospheric carbon, soil is the missing piece of the climate puzzle. This movie is positioned to catalyze a movement to accomplish the impossible – to solve humanity’s greatest challenge, to balance the climate and secure our species’ future.”

Later in this series:
November 16 film- “Invisible Hand” (this forum will include interviews of 2021 Green Award winners)
December 7 film–“Thirsty for Justice”