ROCKPORT — On Wednesday, July 17, at 6 p.m., Pat Harpwell will give a talk about the Maine Fibershed and soil conservation at the Rockport Public Library. A fibershed is a geographic region where natural fibers are produced, processed, made into textiles and finally composted.

Harpwell will talk about how Maine Fibershed is building a local soil-to-soil network that ensures income equity across the fiber lifecycle, naturally contributes to soil and water conservation, manages carbon sequestration, and ignores fast fashion.

From fiber farmers, mills and natural dyers to designers, manufacturers and composters, Harpwell will talk about the power of our fiber choices to rebuild Maine's textile industry. The program will also cover the health benefits of using natural fibers on the skin and in the home.

Pat Harpwell ran a technology marketing company for over 25 years. After retiring from the technology industry, she ran two yoga teacher training schools with a focus on underserved populations and founded the South Carolina Herbal Society.

Harpwell moved to Maine in 2019 and is currently a lecturer at the Earthwalk School of Traditional Medicine in Rockport and is committed to environmental activism.