JACKSON, Wyo. — Join Central Wyoming College (CWC) for a discussion on what makes up a regional food system, how these components work together and where in the system Jacksonites can best participate.
Speakers at this Teton Talks event will include:
- University of Idaho Extension’s Jennifer Werlin
- CWC Lander’s Instructor of Local Food and Agriculture Ethan Page
- Land resources specialist Robb Sgroi
- Slow Food in the Tetons Executive Director Scott Steen
Werlin has more than 20 years of nonprofit experience and currently works as an Extension Associate Professor in Community Food Systems at the University of Idaho Extension in Teton County. As a woman forging a career path in agriculture, Jennifer brings a unique perspective to her work. She loves to teach and facilitate community-based education to improve the Teton area food system, enhance local agriculture and 4-H youth development. Werlin is the directing member of the Teton Food and Farm Coalition, which seeks to build a strong local food system supporting a vibrant, healthy and resilient community. Her interests range from healthy seasonal cooking, gardening, season extension, food security and permaculture design.
Page has worked on small farms, in backyard gardening and education, and controlled environment hydroponics. He currently manages the CWC Beginning Farmer Training Program and leads the AAS in Regenerative Food Systems, with the goal of training and supporting more specialty crop producers and local food advocates to enhance the regional food system. He enjoys cooking, growing food and spending time outdoors with his family and dogs.
Sgroi’s work is centered on working with the community in identifying best management practices to improve natural resources on public and private lands. His program areas include range management and monitoring, irrigation improvements, wildfire risk reduction, air quality, and providing support in soils and erosion control. Sgroi holds a Master’s Certificate in Natural Resources Management from Virginia Polytechnic and State University, and a B.S. in Biology from the University of Richmond. He is a Certified Wildfire Mitigation Specialist, and a Certified Arborist. In his spare time, Sgroi enjoys time with family, skiing, cycling, hunting and volunteering with Teton County Search and Rescue.
Steen is the Executive Director of Slow Food in the Tetons and has been involved in this organization for the last 12 years. He has cultivated a lifelong passion for creating a stronger and more resilient food system. Steen first moved to Jackson in 1999 and lives in town with his wife and son. He is passionate about local food as both a celebration of community and culture and as a solution to larger social and environmental issues. He loves music, laughter, good friends, gardens and dressing up like a yeti. Steen has a BA in Environmental Science and Spanish from Willamette University and is a graduate of the University of Colorado at Boulder’s Sustainable Practices Program. He is a certified Zero Waste Business Associate through the US Zero Waste Business Council.
The event will be held at the Teton County Library from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Learn more here.
This event is supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
