(OPENPRESS) July 22, 2009 -- 21 Acres Center for Local Food and Sustainable Living recently broke ground for a cutting edge facility in western Washington that will demonstrate advanced new technologies for energy and water conservation among other agriculturally related important issues. The Center is pleased to announce the inclusion of some outstanding professional citizens who will provide advocacy and support for this milestone endeavor.
"21 Acres is pointing the way to the future of how to feed western Washington," said David Montgomery, author of Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations and recipient of the 2008 MacArthur Foundation "genius" award. "We should all support their education mission and demonstration of new technologies for bringing sustainable agriculture to the region." According to Jens Molbak, owner of horticultural center, Molbak's, "I am excited about 21 Acres. Fresh, local food is sustainable and healthy and 21 Acres is making a difference for individuals and families."
Aligning themselves as members of the new Advisory Committee are these stalwart professionals:
Eric Campbell, founder CamWest, a premier new home builder in the Northwest since 1989. Campbell's company features "Built Green" homes and was honored with the 2005 King County Earth Hero Award for creative and effective environmental stewardship.
Gerri Haynes, a board member and past president of the Washington Physicians for Social Responsibility; board member of the United Nations Association; past national board member of Physicians for Social Responsibility; past national board member of The Peace Alliance Foundation; past chair of the 2006 Veterans For Peace National Convention and the 2009 conference chair for the Veterans For Peace Regional Conference.
Jens Molbak, owner of Molbak's in Woodinville, recognized nationally and internationally as a leader and award winner in the horticultural industry. The Woodinville location encompasses 15 acres and has evolved into a tourist destination, attracting over one million visitors each year.
David Montgomery, Professor of Earth and Space Sciences at the University of Washington in Seattle, where he leads the Geomorphological Research Group and is a member of the Quaternary Research Center. Montgomery is also the author of "Dirt: The Erosion of Civilizations".
Judy Neldam, food business operator for 18 years and the owner of Grateful Bread in Seattle and The Grange Café in Duvall, WA. The Grange Café supports dozens of local farms, ranches, dairies, vintners and brewers.
Brian Scheehser, Executive Chef at the Trellis Restaurant in the Heathman Hotel, Kirkland, WA. An avid gardener, Chef Scheehser lays a table of food and drink that reflects a true appreciation for fresh regional ingredients at the height of their seasonality.
Don Stuart directs American Farmland Trust's Pacific Northwest States Office. Stuart is past Executive Director for the Washington Association of Conservation Districts and past Executive Director for the Washington Commercial Fisheries trade association.
The Advisory Committee will work in tandem with the 21 Acres Board of Directors:
Gretchen Garth, Board President, is a community activist, philanthropist and 21 Acres visionary. Garth also serves as Board Chairperson of HumanLinks Foundation, which focuses on sustainable agriculture, health care and education reform.
Kathy Kill, Board Treasurer, serves as a financial advisor. She is Branch Manager at Banner Bank of Woodinville and also on the Board of the Woodinville Chamber of Commerce.
Dale Nelson brings 25 years experience in the food industry and a true passion to the artisan food environment. Nelson is owner and founder of Food Concepts, Inc. and Woodring Northwest.
Claire Thomas is General Manager of The Root Connection CSA farm, feeding over 600 families with 8.5 acres under cultivation. Thomas is also on the Board of Directors of the Sammamish Valley Alliance, and the Management Committee of FARM, LLC which owns and farms The South 47 Farm.
Ron Wheadon is Dean for Student Learning at Cascadia Community College and as such is responsible for all professional, technical and distance education including Environmental Technologies and Sustainable Practices program and Business Information Technology.
For more information log on to 21Acres.org, call 206-442-2061 or e-mail generalinfo@21acres.org.
