Pyrethrum daisy

Learn the principles of organic landscapes at a seminar Thursday, July 16 at the WSU Tree Fruit Research Center in Wenatchee and the Chelan County Compost Facility at the Dryden Transfer Station.

Organic landscapes rely on ecological principles and natural processes and do not automatically mean pesticide- or chemical-free. Organic means pesticides must be derived from natural sources rather than synthetically manufactured. A wide range of chemical sprays and powders technically are organic.

Organic landscapes use a holistic approach that involves soil management and integrated pest management. The goal is to increase beneficial organisms in the landscape and to turn waste materials into valuable composts and fertilizers.

The seminar will begin at 9 a.m. in the conference room at the Tree Fruit Research Center, 1100 N. Western Ave.  After a break for lunch, participants will carpool to the Dryden Transfer Station’s compost facility.

The seminar is presented by Paula Dinius, urban horticulturist, WSU Chelan County Extension; Julie Sauve, pesticide specialist with Wilbur-Ellis; and Brenda Harn, Chelan County Solid Waste coordinator. The seminar is sponsored by Chelan County PUD.

Pre-registration is required. The fee is $10. Call the extension office to register, 667-6540, or download a brochure and registration form.

Paul Steinbroner, left, and Malcolm Keithley at the controls of their Web-based EnergyRush TV.

Talking to film producer Paul Steinbroner, you get the impression he’s in a hurry. So much to say, so much to do, so little time to save the planet.

Steinbroner is the mastermind behind the aptly named EnergyRush TV based in Wenatchee. He and fellow producer Malcolm Keithley have been traveling around the country, developing Web-based programming on renewable energy and transportation. Their work and that of others is available on EnergyRush TV as both pre-programmed and on-demand pieces. 

Steinbroner’s goal is to popularize the renewable energy movement. “This is a transformational moment when we’re going away from the fossil-fuel world because it’s not sustainable,” he said.

He cares. He really cares. He wants you to care, too.

“Why should you care?” he asks, then answers the question. “Well, there’s the environment. There’s the  economy.  And then there’s national security.”

Steinbroner believes once the plug-in car is in full production, electric “fuel” will cost the equivalent of 15-70 cents per gallon. Displaced auto workers will find new jobs building  new hybrid cars. The economy will grow as the plug-in and related renewable industries are developed. While we’re at it, we’ll reduce our dependence on foreign oil and foreign governments.

Paul Steinbroner

“People ask about cost, but the cost is incalculable. What would it take to fix the environment? I don’t know, but what other planet do we have to go to?”

While EnergyRush TV is all about a sustainable future, it’s hard to tell whether the programming  has one. EnergyRush TV has been bankrolled by private investors  and are soliciting sponsors: “Getting intelligent renewable energy short films made is our first goal,” their Web site states, “but deploying them is our specialty.” 

Steinbroner and Keithley take on outside film jobs to support themselves. Steinbroner is originally from Southern California and remains a partner in CNS Productions based in Medford, Ore. The company produces educational materials including films and textbooks. He’s been in Wenatchee six years. Keithley grew up in Stehekin, worked briefly in LA, then moved to Wenatchee in the 1980s and formed M and M Productions. His studio, which doubles as EnergyRush TV’s base, is at Olds Station.

The pair recently turned their lenses toward producing a feature-length documentary they hope will be “not a movie, but an event.”  The film will pose a future where jobs, technology and the environment are in sync.  It will be about “hope, change, possibilities,” Steinbroner said.

Much of the film will be devoted to Dr. Andrew Frank, engineering professor at the University of California-Davis, also known as “Professor Plug-In” for his work with hybrid electric vehicles.

Steinbroner points to the Port of Chelan County’s hybrid vehicle project, Chelan County PUD’s SNAP program, and the region’s abundant hydropower as reasons Wenatchee is a good base for launching EnergyRush TV. “We’re the herald of what will be a renaissance,” he said. “We’re ahead of the curve.

“It’s a small piece of a big picture and we’re happy to play a role.”

Paul Steinbroner is entering a contest sponsored by singer/songwriter Neil Young to create your own video using the song “Johnny Magic” from Young’s CD “Fork in the Road.” Watch Steinbroner’s video about the evolution of the electric car here. 

Land Trust publishes handbook
A handbook to help residents do their part to preserve the natural attributes of Chelan County is now available through the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust.

The 40-page book covers such backyard basics as living in harmony with wildlife, protecting homes from wildfire, landscaping using xeric and native plants, and composting. Protecting water supplies, co-existing with orchards, and residential and controlled burning is discussed. There is a section on commuting, and extensive information on local recycling options.

A county map is included, along with a guide to recreation opportunities and seasonal outings. There are extensive references to additional sources as well as Web links and phone numbers for parks information.

The handbook features full-color photographs by well-known local contributors including John Marshall, Andy Dappen and Gretchen Rohde.

The Chelan-Douglas Land Trust had newcomers in mind when it designed the handbook, but long-time residents will also find it very useful, said Sharon Lunz, communications and outreach director. The Land Trust will distribute the book to new home buyers, and anyone else who is interested in a copy.

The free handbook is available by contacting the Chelan-Douglas Land Trust at (509) 667-9708 or by e-mail. It’s also available on the Land Trust Web site.

The Chelan County Natural Resources Department, the Community Foundation of North Central Washington, the Rotary Club of Wenatchee and Chelan County PUD provided support for the project.