Learn about hydroponics, vermiponics at McHenry County Green Drinks meeting
Learn about alternative vertical farming utilizing hydroponics and vermiponics - producing local food using organic methods and alternative energies - at the next meeting of the McHenry County Green Drinks from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.
On the first Wednesday of each month, environmentally-minded people gather to network and talk about "greening" the future at Duke's Alehouse & Kitchen, upstairs, 110 N. Main St. in Crystal Lake. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Kirk Cashmore, owner of Cashmore's Produce and Ponics, has been described as a self-taught MacGyver of the hydroponic world. Using adventure, ingenuity and self-sustainability, he built an automated vertical hydroponics pole barn that produces 3,200 heads of lettuce and 180 tomato plants year round. The facility is heated by his homemade solar and biomass heaters. Cashmore's six-year journey will amaze you.
On April 5, Scott Henning and Ben Redding of the McHenry County Division of Transportation will speak. On May 3, Brad Woodson, natural resource manager at the McHenry County Conservation District, will speak about the district's agricultural programs that use best management practices and encourage the protection of the flora, fauna and soils of the publicly held lands.
Additional parking is available at the train station. To be added to the Green Drinks email list, send a note to GreenDrinksMC@gmail.com or "like" the group on facebook.com/GreenDrinksMcHenryCounty.
The Green Drinks network was founded in North London, England in 1989 and now is active in over 600 cities worldwide. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the monthly meeting. Each month there is a short presentation on a different eco-topic plus displays and demonstrations. Also, information about upcoming eco-events and green products and services is made available. Nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are available plus a featured "green drink".
Green Drinks McHenry County is sponsored by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County and Duke's Alehouse and Kitchen.