Keynote & Presentations Schedule

Time Presenter Details
11:00 AM Reverend Kyle Meyaard-Schaap

Keynote Speaker

Author of Following Jesus in a Warming World
We are honored to have the Rev. Kyle Meyaard-Schaap as our keynote speaker this year. He wrote “Following Jesus in a Warming World,” a book that makes a strong argument from a Christian perspective about why taking care of the environment is not just important but a key part of our faith.

In his book, Rev. Meyaard-Schaap mixes personal stories, religious insights, and scientific facts to discuss how climate change and caring for the earth tie into the teachings of Jesus. He encourages Christians to move beyond the usual political debates and focus on what the Bible says about nature—God’s creation story, humanity’s mistakes, and our hope for renewal and healing. He reminds us that God loves the natural world and that we have a responsibility to protect it.

His talk is a great chance to see how Christian faith can motivate us to tackle environmental issues with love and commitment. His insights on faith-based environmental activism are truly inspiring and something we all need to hear. See our book review.
Noon RE317 Composting At noon, RE317 Composting will be making a special presentation, to explain how composting food scraps can make a significant positive impact on the environment. A lot of people don’t realize how important composting is. They may think that throwing food away is no big deal since it will just decompose. However, the truth is rather shocking. Food waste doesn’t harmlessly turn back into soil in landfills. Instead, it can take decades to break down, during which it releases harmful gases and pollutes our air and water. Food waste is one of the main sources of methane emissions, a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming.

With landfills nearing capacity and traditional recycling methods falling short, composting offers a great solution. It effectively recycles 100% of food waste, enriches the soil, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and plays a crucial role in fighting climate change. So, catch this session to learn how easy and impactful composting can be.
1:00 PM Wild Ones: Native Plants Pesentation At 1 pm, the local chapter of Wild Ones will be presenting. Wild Ones promotes the planting of native plants across the U.S. Their goal is to rebuild ecosystems, increase biodiversity, and to reconnect people with nature. To do this, Wild Ones operates through local chapters—community groups where people learn about and practice sustainable landscaping. Today our local chapter will share tips on using native plants in local gardens.

Native plants are key because they’re suited to local conditions. They need less water, fewer chemicals, and require minimal upkeep. They’re crucial for local wildlife, providing habitats for pollinators and birds. If you’re interested in native plants, you’ll want to join them at one o’clock.

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