Sustainable Tuesdays, a weekly presentation on topics related to environmental and sustainability issues presented by the Bemidji State University Sustainability Office, kicks off its 2014 schedule with a Jan. 14 presentation on selecting trees and shrubs that will thrive in the Bemidji region.

Most Sustainable Tuesdays events are held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Rail River Folk School, located at 303 Railroad St. SW in Bemidji. They are open free to the public unless otherwise noted.

Jan. 14 — Permaculture series: ‘Planning Spaces’
Participants in this workshop will join Jerry Stensing, founder of Trees Minnesota, will provide guidance for plans to install regionally appropriate trees and shrubs as part of a larger effort to plan for the future of the Rail River Folk School. Stensing’s presentation will include tips on planning and setting goals for outdoor spaces and how to consider specific site conditions and climate change when installing trees. A three-dimensional map of the school also will help simulate how tree choices will impact light conditions at the school and help envision the placement of features such as natural food and fiber landscaping, social areas, energy harvesting and other elements discussed at previous permaculture sessions.

Sustainable Tuesdays are a partnership between Bemidji State’s Sustainability Office, the Indigenous Environmental Network, Minnesota GreenCorps and the Rail River Folk School. The Sustainable Tuesdays presentations aim to draw upon the strengths of the region’s diversity to create a sustainable Bemidji.

Contact
• Sara Dennison, Minnesota GreenCorps Living Green representative , BSU Sustainability Office; (218) 755-3765
• Simone Senogles, Indigenous Environmental Network; (218) 751-4967, simone@ienearth.org

Links
• BSU Sustainability Office
• Green Living Bemidji