(Costa Mesa, CA)— Chuck Leavell, one of the country's most talented keyboardists and an award-winning tree farmer, recently gave the keynote speech at the National Agriculture in the Classroom conference. Referring to today's youth as having "nature-deficit disorder," Leavell spoke to a group of more than 500 educators from around the country about the importance of educating children about agriculture and the outdoors.
Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) is a grassroots program coordinated by the Agriculture Department. Through presentations and teacher resources, the program aims to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society.
Leavell, whose presence was made possible by outdoor power equipment manufacturer STIHL, said that teaching kids about nature and agriculture doesn't have to be separate from teaching subjects like math and reading.
"Programs like Ag in the Classroom help educators make outdoor experiences part of their everyday lesson plans," said Leavell.
"Chuck is an outstanding spokesperson for the environment," said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. "His work as a board member of the American Forest Foundation, National Arbor Day Foundation and the Georgia Conservancy, fits well with STIHL's belief in socially responsible environmental stewardship."
Leavell has made similar presentations at the National FFA and the American Farm Bureau, organizations that STIHL actively sponsors and supports.
"The support of Chuck and STIHL is so important to us. They both have long been committed to environmental education initiatives, and we were extremely pleased to have their partnership for this event," said Judy Culbertson, executive director of the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom. "Chuck has inspired many of the educators here to look for more ways to incorporate agriculture and the environment into everyday classroom learning."
Leavell runs Charlane Plantation, a Macon, Ga. tree farm, with his wife Rose Lane Leavell. He is the author of three books: "Between Rock and a Home Place," "Forever Green" and the children's book "The Tree Farmer," which was awarded the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture's Book of the Year award.
About Chuck Leavell
Leavell is an inductee to both the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, and has won both the National and Georgia Outstanding Tree Farmer Awards. In addition to the Rolling Stones, Leavell has played with Eric Clapton, George Harrison, The Allman Brothers Band and The Black Crowes. His most recent solo CD, the double-disc "Live From Germany: The Green Leaves and Blue Notes Tour" is available now in stores.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world's largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at http://www.stihlusa.com/index.html.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to http://www.stihlcareers.com/. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
