FARMINGTON – The University of Maine at Farmington will host the sixth annual Maine Climate Summit on Saturday and Sunday, April 4 and 5. The event is designed to create a forum for Maine college, high school and middle school students to learn about and discuss issues relating to climate change and sustainable environmental practice.

“UMF is committed to leading the way in promoting good environmental stewardship,” said Theodora J. Kalikow, UMF president. “This summit will give our students, and students across the state, an opportunity to learn, network and express themselves on local, national and global environmental issues.”

The event will kick off with a keynote address by Mitchell Thomashow, author, educator, environmentalist and president of Unity College.

Additional presentations will occur at various venues around campus and will include discussions on the importance of the local foods industry, how to create a budget-friendly campus sustainability organization, how to move toward a more sustainable lifestyle, a joint presentation by the Food and Water Watch and Take Back the Tap campaign on the rising issue of Maine’s role in the global water crisis.

The agenda will include expert speakers from around the state and offer multiple opportunities for student discussion and participation. Walking tours of the LEED silver-certified UMF Education Center and the sustainable features of Aramark’s campus dining services will be featured. Meals will be provided by campus dining services and Saturday evening entertainment will feature the Julia Marie Band.

Registration is $18 a person, including the cost of food, entertainment and overnight stay. The event is free for UMF students when registering with ID.

Preregistration is encouraged, but walk-ins will be accepted, depending on availability. People may preregister by e-mail at [email protected], or by visiting http://sustainablecampus.umf.maine.edu/. Overnight accommodations are only available for college student participants who have registered for both days.