Oh, Say Can You S.E.E.

The 10th Annual Southern Energy and Environment Expo hits a milestone this month when the South's largest sustainable technology and green building event returns to the WNC Ag Center.

Ned Doyle organized the first S.E.E. Expo with the hope of educating people about clean energy, green building and efficient transportation. Doyle says this year's expo, planned for August 20-22 at the Ag Center, will be a "party for the planet."

"It's very rewarding from the standpoint of all the work that's gone into it," Doyle says of the expo's milestone year. "I think it's a testament to the overall Western North Carolina region that they have the interest and the stick-to-itivnenss to expand a green path as well as recognize all the economic benefits and the environmental benefits."

Doyle predicts this year's expo will attract 8,000 people and be the biggest one yet. Fifty-six new one-hour presentations are included with the paid admission. Presentations will cover everything from solar energy and wind power to green building techniques and tax incentives.

People interested in clean waterways should attend the Muddy Waters Watch training program on Saturday to learn how to keep an eye on sedimentation and water quality issues. Scheduled for Sunday is the Western North Carolina Regional Wind Summit sponsored by Appalachian State University's Renewable Energy Initiative. "That's going to be bringing in a couple of national speakers," Doyle says. "It's a look at, not just at the technical aspect of it, but the policy and development of wind power from a small scale to a community scale as well as the potential for commercial. That should be really interesting."

After seeing all the exhibits and the presentations, expo guests can unwind at a new music stage. For the kids, there will be special activities just for them. "We're going to have a little fun as well as provide a little education," he says. "It's 10 years. It's a celebration."

To learn more about the S.E.E. Expo, call Doyle at 828-696-3877. A complete presentation and event schedule can be found at www.seeexpo.com.