Media Advisory

Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Sara Thorne-Briechle
Director of Programs and Volunteers
(216) 321-5935 x 237
thorne@shakerlakes.org

Tom Mendenhall
Public Relations Assistant
(216) 321-5935 x 221
mendenhall@shakerlakes.org

Experience the Journey to a Strawbale Home
at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes
Community Forum offers First-Hand Insight into Sustainable Building Practices

Who:                   
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

What:   
Join the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes as we welcome the Kious family of Cleveland Heights for an evening of conversation about their vision to build a new home from clay, straw and other natural building materials.  The community forum will take guests through their journey from start to finish. With videos and stories, the Kious' will illustrate the remarkable development of the first straw bale-insulated building in Cuyahoga County.

This forum will also be an opportunity for the community to contribute ideas for the Center's own cob structure, the Nancy King Smith Stewardship Center, which will be built this fall with volunteer help. Upon its completion, the stewardship center will serve as home for land steward volunteers, a visitor gathering spot and an outdoor sustainability exhibit.

When:
Wednesday, Aug. 15, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where:  
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 South Park Blvd.

Fees:      
Admission is Free for Nature Center members and $7 for nonmembers.

Why:     
The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving a natural area, connecting people with nature, and inspiring environmental stewardship. The Nature Center and the Kious family share a common vision to encourage building with natural construction materials in Northeast Ohio. This forum will offer Greater Cleveland first-hand insight into alternative and sustainable building practices taking place right in its own back yard.

To find out more about the Nancy King Smith Stewardship Center or for additional information on the Nature Center's programs, services, offerings or events, call (216) 321-5935 or visit www.ShakerLakes.org.

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