Urban Agriculture & Environmental Health In Detroit

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 3, 2010
Contact: Leeann Drees
Phone: 313.316.1411
email: leeann@detroitevolution.com

DETROIT GATHERING FOCUSES ON URBAN AGRICULTURE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Detroit Abides screens Big River, A King Corn Companion & HealthyTown on Wednesday, May 19th, 7-9p in Eastern Market's Shed 5

Detroit, Michigan - May 3, 2010 - This month's Detroit Abides is a double feature focused on environmental health. Detroit Evolution, Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit, and Eastern Market Corporation are pleased to host director Bill Couzens and screen his film HealthyTown, as well as to look more deeply at the environmental impacts of large-scale agriculture with a screening of Big River: A King Corn Companion.

Detroit has been alight with discussions of and proposals for large-scale urban agriculture projects. “In addition to land use, local economic and community engagement concerns, large-scale agriculture in an urban setting provides us an opportunity to look into the environmental impact of farming” explained Gregg Newsom, one of the event organizers. After the screenings there will be an opportunity for discussion of the films and information on local groups working in environmental health will be shared.

The evening will begin with a showing of HealthyTown, a film exploring efforts to bridge Detroit's gaps in environmental health through prevention. The film features such influential local organizations as Earthworks at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Local Motion Green, Children's Hospital of Michigan, the Kresge Foundation, and Kids Kicking Cancer. Bill Couzens, the film's director, will be present to share his work.

HealthyTown will be followed by Big River, a short follow-up to the Peabody-winning documentary King Corn. Viewers will follow Ian Cheney and Curt Ellis as they investigate the environmental impacts of the acre of corn they planted in Iowa. Traveling from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico, the two friends will learn about the effects of pesticide and herbicide use on everything from the distant ocean to cancer patients in their own community.

After the screenings attendees will have an opportunity to discuss the films and their local relevance with event organizers, activists, and HealthyTown director Bill Couzens. Considering all of the recent interest in large-scale urban agriculture in the city, this promises to be a timely and lively conversation.

Since 2008, Eastern Market Corporation, Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit and Detroit Evolution have been partnering to present this FREE Movie Night in Eastern Market. On the third Wednesday of every month, Detroit Abides screens a movie on a sustainable topic, explores the topic at the local level through discussion and support from regional groups and businesses, and creates a space to meet like-minded people from all walks of life & grow an active, healthy community. For this casual event, attendees should bring a comfortable seat. Shed 5 is located at the corner of Russell and Alfred St. Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Shed. For more information or to get involved call Detroit Evolution at 313.316.1411

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About Detroit Evolution - Detroit Evolution is dedicated to the health, joy and liberation of all beings. We're dedicated to sustainable practices and presents workshops on these and other topics to assist in and inspire resilient and relocalized Detroit. http://detroitevolution.com

About Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit - Bioneers comprise a network of visionary innovators working to build a sustainable, positive and creative future for the web of life. This year's Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit Conference, held October 15-17 and Marygrove College, will combine local sessions, solutions and events with international innovations. http://www.sustainabledetroit.org/bioneers/

About Eastern Market Corporation - Eastern Market is open on Saturdays from 6:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. For more information, contact 313-833-9300 http://www.detroiteasternmarket.com