Watching stormwater rushing down the gutters makes us all think that perhaps we could engineer our cities and suburbs better. Water is our most precious resource but what runs off the roads and rapidly flows out to sea contains many pollutants that damage the marine environment.
The City of Mitcham has partnered with TREENET , the National Urban Forest Organisation based at Adelaide University’s Waite Arboretum to change all that.
Visit the display or go along to hear how the application of their research will save not only Gulf St Vincent but our street trees and urban wild life as well.
“A City without trees isn’t fit for a dog” and the threat to human life posed by the urban heat island effect in a global warming scenario will be reduced by putting this wasted water into the landscape.

SPEAKERS – Tim Johnson (Arborist, City of Mitcham); Michael Picton (Mayor, City of Mitcham); David Lawry (Director, TREENET)

The future belongs to our young, so how do we give them the skills and the belief that they can tackle the environmental challenges ahead. Whilst many baby boomers worried about the nuclear threat for the current generation global warming looms as an all encompassing and un assailable problem.

Come and find out how young people are meeting this challenge head on! Hear from articulate and passionate young people who are taking action in their schools and local communities to create a more sustainable future.

A talk by the young for both the young and old. Be inspired and reassured that the future is in good hands.

Timothy Horton, Commissioner for Integrated Design, South Australia (IDC SA) will talk about the role of the Integrated Design Commission SA (IDC SA) in contributing towards an innovative and sustainable new urban form.

Established in 2010, the IDC SA advocates for intelligent investment and a design-led, people centered approach.

Environmental leadership is one of the IDC SA’s guiding principles. Working with and across Government, universities and industry it seeks to create a new model for best planning, design and development practice in Australia.

SPEAKER: Timothy Horton (Commissioner for Integrated Design SA, Integrated Design Commission)

As the suburbs continue to sprawl over good farmland, it’s time to transform our urban spaces into productive, sustainable places. This workshop offers a whirlwind tour of established and emerging urban food production initiatives from Australia and the world, from community gardens to rooftop farms, and offers a practical opportunity to re-imagine iconic Australian locations as urban food gardens.

SPEAKERS: Joel Catchlove (Sustainable Food and Farming Campaigner, Friends of the Earth); Claire Nettle (Australian City Farms and community Gardens Network); Nat Wiseman (Secretary, Permaculture Association of South Australia)

The Art of Nature Fashion Parade showcases the winning designs from the 2011 Art of Nature T-shirt Design Competition, inspired by the National Parks of South Australia. Nick Savaidis of Etiko clothing will talk about the sustainable and fair trade t-shirts on display.

SPEAKER: Nick Savaidis (Director, Etiko)

Three experts, each with a different take on the art of sustainable gardening, provide insights and tips on how you can get your hands dirty and contribute to a sustainable landscape. Learn about what plants are right for your garden – its location, climate and friendliness to the local wildlife.

SPEAKERS: Nick Dinan (Million Trees Program, DENR); Sheryn Pitman (Project Officer Sustainable Landscapes, Botanic Gardens of Adelaide); Mark Thomas (State Flora, Belair National Park)

Farmers’ markets around the world have been instrumental in breathing new life into the areas in which they operate. Products are sold directly from the grower or producer to the customer, with no re-selling, low food miles, and a short route from the paddock to the plate.
During this session we will hear from a range of different producers who will share their stories and explain the benefits of shopping at the farmers’ market, for both the grower and the local community.
Meet the farmers, hear their stories and sample their products.

SPEAKERS: Willa Wouchope (Willabrand); Tim Steele (Logisolar); Humphrey Howie (Fat Goose Fruits); Helen Dawson (Cottonville Farms)

Sustainability is about having enough for now and for the future! With that in mind it’s vital that young people are encouraged to understand the importance of the natural environment – and their place in it.
Schools and preschools are tackling an array of sustainability themes from waste management, water conservation through to biodiversity and food gardens.
NRM Education’s works with schools and their communities to become more sustainable through mapping, planning and taking action. Find out what’s going on in schools today and how they are showcasing an exciting vision for the future.

SPEAKERS: Matt Cattanach, (NRM Education Coordinator), Hugh Kneebone (NRM Education Manager), Marinanne White, (NRM Education Officer)

This presentation will provide information about the importance of preserving and managing woodlands in South Australia. Grassy woodlands are now poorly represented in our National Parks systems, so conservation activities need to take place on private properties.
Actions that individuals can take that really make a difference will be suggested. A number of examples will be provided of what individuals have achieved, either in managing one area of bushland, or in influencing others to manage bushland.
A list of contacts for people to gain further advice/information will be available for the audience.

SPEAKER: Andrew Allanson (Proprietor, Irongrass Environmental Rehabilitation Services)

Thousands of years ago, ancient philosophy inspired buildings which are revered today. Can the connection between humanity and the elements together with architectural principles guide us towards an equilibrium?

Technology will continue to advance and sustainable building solutions will develop. Only when we as a society are brave enough to adopt an appropriate philosophy will this development unfold in a meaningful way.

The art of architecture, tempered by nature, holds the key to passive solutions. This makes for better buildings, healthier people and stronger communities.

SPEAKERS: Jacinta and Alexander Hill (Architects, Architecture in the Wild)

Ecocities provide an environment for their residents to live a good quality of life while using minimal natural resources.

Christie Walk Ecocity is a small, vibrant community in Sturt Street, Adelaide. Paul Downton was the architect of the development.

There are two aspects to this presentation, namely the reasons why it is an ecologically sustainable urban community and the interactive life of the community.

SPEAKER: Wayne Anthoney (Board Member, Urban Ecology Australia)

Magic Harvest is a community project inviting residents to dig up one square metre of their yard and grow a productive food garden. The idea was inspired by Lolo Houbein’s book One Magic Square.
The stunningly straightforward idea of creating backyard food production one meter at a time has resonated with the community. The power is in starting small and keeping it simple.
Magic Harvest creates confident food gardeners and cooks by providing on-going support around a central Hub, with workshops run by specialists in simple gardening and cooking techniques – ‘themed plots’ and ‘cooking with instinct’.

Brought to you by the Organic Federation of Australia (SA Branch)
We all need to eat! So how do we do that without wrecking the environment? The answer is organic agriculture.
It is the most ecologically sustainable, non-polluting form of food production and involves carbon sequestration (via compost and mulching, retention of native bush, planting trees).
It also sustains and supports small farmers and farming communities.

The Organic Standard includes benchmarks to honour Fair Trade to overseas growers and respect for animal welfare.

· Come along for a quick update on what’s happening in organics in SA.
· Where to find more info.
· Bring any questions you have – helpful to bring a copy, already written down.
· Simple, PRACTICAL things you can do – at home, work and in your community.
· What is WWOOF?
· How can I try it out?

SPEAKERS: Sarae Adamopoulos, Naturopath (Divine Organics), Geoff Page, WWOOF Host, (Goosebury Hill Organic Seedlings) & Nick Atherton, WOOFer

Farmers’ markets around the world have been instrumental in breathing new life into the areas in which they operate. Products are sold directly from the grower or producer to the customer, with no re-selling, low food miles, and a short route from the paddock to the plate.
During this session we will hear from a range of different producers who will share their stories and explain the benefits of shopping at the farmers’ market, for both the grower and the local community.
Meet the farmers, hear their stories and sample their products.

SPEAKERS: Rebekah McCaul (Alexandrina Cheese); Andrew Boag (Ashbourne Valley Orchards)

Permaculture is a design system for sustainable living. The principles and ethics of Permaculture can be applied to many aspects of your life – from how you set up your kitchen bench to how you build a vibrant community.
They lay a firm foundation from which you can create and express yourself in ways that work with nature not against it. Growing your own food is just a part of that.

This session will explore examples of permaculture in the home, garden and in the community.

SPEAKER: Jacqui Hunter (Representative, Permaculture Association of South Australia)

Bokashi composting is an alternative way of dealing with food scraps by fermenting the scraps in a conveniently sized bucket that’s perfect for your kitchen, classroom or office.

The process is similar to pickling onions in a jar. There are no putrid smells and it won’t attract flies. Once the bucket is full, the contents can be dug straight into the garden or mixed with your outside compost. Within two weeks, it will break down into highly fertile soil. The whole cycle can take around six to eight weeks, from scraps to nutrient-rich plant food.

SPEAKER: Deanna Rohrshei (Supervisor, Jaki Bokashi)