The Man Who Planted Trees: Free community movie, potluck and presentation

In the spirit of the holidays, Transition Sonoma Valley, along with the Sonoma Valley Grange and Sonoma Ecology Center, will host a spirited evening complete with a community potluck, an Academy Award-winning animated short and an interactive presentation about a local tree-planting project. The evening begins at 6:30 on Thursday December 15; it’s at the Sonoma Grange Hall, 18627 Sonoma Highway (across from Mary’s Pizza in the Springs). Admission is free and participants are encouraged to bring their favorite dish to share and a favorite tree story to tell.
 
The exquisitely illustrated short film, The Man Who Planted Trees, tells the inspiring story of a French shepherd’s desire to bring life and song back to the desolate region where he grazes his flock. It’s an enchanting meditation on the power of one—one acorn, one person. The shepherd's remarkable feat offers a look at both the awe-inspiring power of nature and the shining hope that can emerge from the most unlikely of places. A magical tale, perfect for the holidays and for all ages!

After the film, Mark Newhouser, Sonoma Ecology Center's Restoration Program Manager, will discuss an exciting tree-planting project on the Overlook Trail that features the Groasis Waterboxx. Its inventor claims the tree-watering device will “green the world,” and it was named Popular Science’s 2010 Invention of the Year. Approximately 150 of the boxes were installed near the Overlook Trail over the course of several workdays last month.

The film screening marks Transition Sonoma Valley’s 17th free community movie night. Launched in October 2010, the well received series has included two beyond-capacity showings of Home at the Sebastiani Theatre. The films cover a variety of topics and explore how communities like ours can respond to current economic and environmental challenges, suggesting pathways to building local and global resiliency.

Transition Sonoma Valley (TSV) is a grassroots movement calling upon local citizens, groups and businesses to create a resilient, self-reliant community in the Sonoma Valley in response to the challenges of climate change, peak oil, and economic instability. The Sonoma Valley Grange promotes healthy, food, farms and community. The Sonoma Ecology Center’s mission is to work with our community to enhance and sustain ecological health in Sonoma Valley. For more information about the worldwide Transition Movement and to learn about TSV’s upcoming films and activities visit www.transitionsonomavalley.org, find them on Facebook or contact Melinda Kelley at melbelkel@aol.com.