Another reason to walk!

This morning I saw a young woman walking her dog with her little son (no school, President's Day) while I was biking into work along the Leslie Middle School walking/bike path. I stopped and said, "Hi, did you know, there is a really great place to walk just over there?" (pointing to Pringle Creek). She said, "Actually, that's one of my favorite places to walk!!" She was headed that way.

It reminded me of when Julia McFerron told the Statesman Journal that Pringle Creek was her "Favorite Salem Secret." 
It also reminded me of another reason why, I think, we are naturally drawn to going for walks -- not only because it makes us feel good, it's healthy, it helps us get centered, but it also improves brain function...

http://nyti.ms/i4eQJt

From the New York Times

February 7, 2011

Fitness: A Walk to Remember? Study Says Yes

By PAULA SPAN

In healthy adults, the hippocampus — a part of the brain important to the formation of memories — begins to atrophy around 55 or 60. Now psychologists are suggesting that the hippocampus can be modestly expanded, and memory improved, by nothing more than regular walking.

Urban Farmer on Living Culture TV

Check out this episode of Living Culture TV devoted to our Urban Farmer Certification!

Thanks to Nate Rafn for featuring us on his wonderful tv series focusing on agriculture and food in the Pacific Northwest.

Salem-Keizer Sustainability Summit

You might be interested in this.... looks like a good lineup of topics and presenters.

We are presenting Pringle Creek in the 9am slot!

Salem-Keizer Sustainability Summit - Greening Our Communities

Date: March 8, 2011

Time: 07:30 AM - 01:30 PM

http://www.keizerchamber.com/community_events.asp

Event Description

Presented by: Portland General Electric


Sponsored by: Oregon Department of Energy, Marion County, City of Keizer, City of Salem, and Energy Trust of Oregon



Who Should Attend: 
Commercial Property Owners & Business Operators
Home Owners
Government / Public Works / School Maintenance
, Energy Industry Allies.



Join us, March 8th at the Keizer Civic Center, on a journey to incorporate sustainable practices in your business, home and community. Find out how you can minimize your impact on our environment. Meet local, State and regional experts on the trends, resources and opportunities available to help you "green" your business, home, and community. 


AGENDA:
7:30-8:00am: Registration and Continental Breakfast and Trade Show.

8:00am: Welcome Remarks by:

• Keizer Mayor Lore Christopher

• Salem Mayor Anna Peterson

8:15am: Keynote - 
JIM PIRO, Portland General Electric, CEO



9:00-10:00am: Breakout Session Choices:

• Sustainable Development - Building Green

• Going Green -Good for the Environment; Good for Business

• Innovative Technology: Vehicle Electrification

• Foods that Sustain - Growing Green

10:00-10:30am: Trade Show & Break
10:30-11:30am Second Breakout Session choices:

• Sustainable Development - Low impact practices

• Going Green -Show me the Money

• Foods that Sustain - Serving Green

• Innovative Technology: Renewable Energy Generation

11:30-11:45amTrade Show & Break, Lunch check-in/Registration


11:45-1:00pm Chamber Luncheon Keynote Speaker 

JACK GRAVE Chief Cultural Officer Burgerville



1:00-1:30pm Trade Show & Green Tours