As the quiet rumblings of the idea of the Shakori Hills GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance were becoming a reality, it was decided that the festival would happen over Earth Day weekend (April 20-22) - quite fitting for an event designed to celebrate so many of the good things that the planet provides and its people enjoy.

Here are some of the many Earth- and nature-themed activities happening at Shakori Hills GrassRoots this spring:

n Sustainability Forum/Earth Day Fair (more info and times at http://shakori hillsgrassroots.org/happenings/sustainability-fair).

The Sustainability Forum serves as the festival's hub for community development and environmental education. Centrally located in the Sustainability Pavilion - built by festival volunteers as a live example of sustainable living techniques - this "nonagon" will host multiple technical forums and demonstrations dedicated to creating more sustainable and economically resilient communities.

This season, there is a full schedule of speakers with sessions involving open forum discussions and nature walks.

n Green Building Round Table with Michael Chandler, Chandler Design-Build, Inc.

"Bring your green building thoughts and dreams for a reality check with Michael Chandler, local green builder, teacher and writer, two-time finalist for NAHB Green Custom home of the year, DOE Energy Value Housing Award Winner and NAHB Green Building Professional of the Year," says a spokesman. "This is not a talk, it's a question-and-answer session, so bring your questions and get informed answers.

n Composting and Zero Waste with Bob and Camille Armantrout.

The Armantrouts are zero waste advocates who have been composting for more than a decade. They will present waste reduction strategies and basic composting techniques using low-tech, inexpensive methods that almost anyone can follow. This interactive discussion is intended to help those new to home composting as well as seasoned composters improve their personal organic waste management practices.

n Making and Using Biodiesel Fuel with Lyle Estill, Piedmont Biofuels.

Estill will lead a down-and-dirty detailed presentation on this clean and renewable alternative fuel. Learn from the experts how to make one's car, tractor, or home heating an Earth-friendly machine; and a primer on what biodiesel is, how to use it, and even see a hands-on biodiesel production in action. Piedmont will also be on hand for fuel sales in the parking lot (by appointment). Estill has been vice-president at Piedmont since its inception and has been designing and building biodiesel reactors for more than a decade.

n Green Jobs with Laura Lauffer, Sustainable Technologies program leader, Central Carolina Community College.

Green jobs are all the rage, but what does that mean? What are local, state, and national trends in green jobs? What certifications are needed? How can you make any business or technology more sustainable? Lauffer will lead this informative interactive discussion.

n Nature Walk on the Farm with Pierre Lauffer.

Pierre Lauffer will be leading a nature walk and an informative and philosophical group discussion on the historical natural heritage of the Shakori Hills farm. With more than 20 years' experience in environmental management and planning, Lauffer is seeking to change the way regions and communities understand resource usage within the communal context. Open dialogue will touch upon the idea that a community's public welfare directly relates to the amount of open space maintained as a communal asset.

For details on the many kid-focused Earth Day activities, visit http://shakorihills grassroots.org/happenings/ kids-family.

There are many more activities going on during the weekend than are listed here. More information on other Earth-centered activities is available at http://shakori hillsgrassroots.org/happenings/more-happenings.

There are musical acts, some of which include Leftover Salmon; Donna the Buffalo; Blitz the Ambassador; the Red Clay Ramblers; and BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet.

Festival tickets are available by phone and at http:// shakorihillsgrassroots.org/ festival/tickets-info. Four-day passes are $95 in advance and $100 at the gate. Kids 12 and under are free.

Day passes are $35 (Friday), $45 (Saturday), and $35 (Sunday). Youth prices (13-15) are $12, $17, $20, and $12. Tent camping is $10 per tent and vehicle camping is $50 in advance and $60 at the gate.

Shakori Hills is located at 1439 Henderson Tanyard Road, Pittsboro, NC 27312.