Officials from Penn State University and Dauphin County will join with experts from GreenWorks Development and Property Management Services, a division of Corporate Office Properties Trust, for a free seminar on Sustainability Planning at Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts in Harrisburg as part of their Expedition Chesapeake project from 9:00 to 11:45 a.m. October 10.

Speakers for the seminar bring decades of experience in sustainable planning, development and construction. Whitaker Center is hosting the seminar in collaboration with Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment and with support from the Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC. The seminar will include presentations from:

-- Denise Heller Wardrop, Senior Scientist and Professor of Geography and Ecology at Penn State University and Interim Director, Penn State Institutes of Energy and the Environment. She co-chaired the team that developed PSU’s Sustainability Strategic Plan.

-- Doug Neidich, Chief Executive Officer of GreenWorks Development, LLC. GreenWorks focuses on enhancing the quality of life in the region by creating new communities in previously developed urban areas and is a leader in LEED certified buildings and has implemented sustainable practices their internal business operations.

-- Elaine Mottilla, LEED AP, RPA, FMA, who serves as a property manager for Corporate Office Properties Trust, a Real Estate Investment Trust and leader in sustainable real estate development and management of existing buildings.

-- J. Scott Burford, Deputy Chief Clerk for Dauphin County, a leader in public sector sustainability initiatives.

The seminar will be moderated by Tom Richard, Ph.D., Director of Penn State Institutes for Energy and the Environment. It is Expedition Chesapeake’s fourth seminar in a series dedicated to exploring challenges that confront the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Expedition Chesapeake is a $12 million project anchored by a giant screen film that will star Jeff Corwin, an Emmy winner who has hosted shows on Animal Planet and ABC. The initiative includes an online curriculum, a travelling, 4D science exhibit, and a made-for-television documentary designed to educate and engage the 17 million residents of the watershed.

“We’re thrilled to have this type of participation from the community. We are in the heart of this watershed and Expedition Chesapeake reflects our mission to serve as an educational resource for the greater community,” said Dr. Michael Hanes, President and CEO of Whitaker Center.

Seating is limited and advanced registration is required. Register now by contacting Shelly Communications at 717-724-1681 or by email to: lstiles@shellycommunications.com.

For more information, visit the Expedition Chesapeake website.

10/1/2012