FARMINGTON – Charlie Woodcock will talk about her recent visit to Peru with her daughter at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 13, in Ricker Addition, Room 217, University of Maine at Farmington.

Woodcock and her daughter went on an eco-tour that focused on the rainforest, the Sacred Valley of the Incas and their lost city, Machu Picchu.

The trip was sponsored by the ACEER Foundation of West Chester, Pa. Woodcock will describe the efforts of Peruvians to retain their culture and preserve their environment while trying to modernize their society.

Some examples Woodcock will discuss include efforts being made to retain the many medicinal herbs that are still used by community residents.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are available year round due to Peru’s location near the equator. Farmers are preserving the many varieties of crops growing there.

Woodcock observed traditional agricultural methods that were adapted to the environment as well as newer techniques less environmentally sensitive. In addition, there are many conservation efforts in place to protect the environment. An example is using old car tires to make shoes.

Woodcock is executive director of Franklin Health Access, an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network.

She and her daughter went on the tour as part of her daughter’s course work toward her master’s in public health from West Chester University.

The ACEER Foundation partners with National Geographic to promote conservation of the Peruvian Amazon by fostering awareness, understanding, action and transformation. It is achieved by initiating environmental education programs, supporting basic and applied research and protecting unique tracts of land.

The free talk is sponsored by Western Mountains Peace Action Workshop. For more information, call 645-4755 and leave a message.

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