Annual Community Read for the Environment (ACRE)
The Center for Energy and Environmental Education (CEEE) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) received a $17,800 Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program (REAP CEP) grant to help three Iowa communities develop and implement month-long “Reading and the Environment” Celebrations. The project is patterned after a successful “Community Reading Month” program in Iowa City that has been in existence for 20 years.
UNI’s project differs slightly from the Iowa City program because the celebration will involve a variety of local group partnerships, and it will incorporate environmental issues.
Cedar Falls ACRE
Building community through food, laughter and literature
This summer and fall, the Cedar Falls Annual Read for the Environment (ACRE) partners have planned several community events for all ages. This year, the partnership shares with you the joys of local foods from community gardens to apple cider. Community members will be encouraged to savor slow foods, make new friends, and experience the benefits of laughter yoga as a prescription for lifelong health. Books about growing food, the environment and sustainability will be featured at each event.
ACRE Potluck Picnics
5:30-8 pm—October 29
Share good food and conversation… be inspired and humored by guest speakers…laugh and stretch along with registered nurse and certified laughter yoga facilitator Marie Stigliani…and learn about food, environment and gardening books. Activities for children will be available at each event.
All events feature potluck picnics. Bring a hearty appetite, a dish to share (local or regional food encouraged), and tableware for your use.
Savoring Slow Foods, Due to July storm, rescheduled to October 29
Iowa City Chef and Author Kurt Friese will explore and explain the Slow Food movement throughout the American Midwest. Friese’s talk and his book A Cook’s Journey: Slow Food in the Heartland are eye-openers. With more than 25 years of professional food service experience, Kurt is chef and co-owner of the Iowa City restaurant Devotay, a national leader in sustainable cuisine, and supports local farmers and food artisans. Friese’s book will be available at the event, through University Book & Supply, an ACRE partner. Following his presentation, Friese will sign books.
Where: Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Contact: Sheri Melby--University Book & Supply @ 266-2530, ext. 1044 or Hartman Reserve Nature Center @ 277-2187 for more information
Related Event...
Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership All Iowa Dinner
On November 13, the Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership will host a dinner celebrating our region’s accomplishments in the world of locally grown food. The evening, which features a deliciously prepared meal of local foods, includes a keynote presentation and great conversation with fellow diners. For more information, Call Andrea Geary at (319) 273-7883 or email andrea.geary@uni.edu. Fee charged for this event.
Buy Fresh Buy Local!
You may purchase local foods directly from growers at Farmers Markets, farm stands, at grocers, and through purchasing farm shares. In addition, local foods are served at several area restaurants in or near the Cedar Valley. Click here for details.
ACRE Partners
Cedar Falls Public Library
Hartman Reserve Nature Center
Silos and Smokestacks
University Book & Supply
University of Northern Iowa
· Center for Energy and Environmental Education
· Department of English
· Northern Iowa Food & Farm Partnership
· Rod Library
· University Museum
Muscatine ACRE
The Story in My Backyard
Muscatine's events were held from February through May, 2009. ACRE's 2010 events will be scheduled in late 2009. Watch here for information.
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Funded in part by the Resource Enhancement and Protection Conservation Education Program
Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP): Invest in Iowa, our outdoors, our heritage, our people. REAP is supported by the state of Iowa, providing funding to public and private partners for natural and cultural resource projects, including water quality, wildlife habitat, soil conservation, parks, trails, historic preservation and more.