This weekend, a unique gathering will discuss ways to strengthen Southwest Colorado’s local food system. On Feb. 9 & 10, the Fort Lewis College Environmental Center hosts “Homegrown: A Conference on Local Food.” The event will present the results of a year-long assessment of community food security and generate an action plan for increasing access to local foods. Events take place in the FLC Union Ballroom

The conference will kick off with a talk entitled “Growing Democratic Communities and Sustainable Economies with Local Food” by Dave Henson, the co-founder and director of the Occidental Arts and Ecology Center, an 80-acre organic farm in California. A complete schedule follows:

Fri., Feb. 9

6 p.m. – Reception and info. fair

7 p.m. – Community food assessment

7:30 p.m. – Keynote presentation

Sat., Feb. 10

9:30 a.m. – Orientation and review

10:30 a.m. – Breakout groups

noon – Lunch, small groups

1 p.m. – Breakout groups

2:30 p.m. – Report back and closing

3 p.m. – Reception and seed swap

For more information or to register, visit http: //envcenter.fortlewis.edu or call the Env. Center at 247-7676.