Our purpose is to undertake educational and community cultivation projects in areas such as horticulture and design, the environment and conservation. Our goals are to organize, educate, and mobilize our community members to create real and lasting change, with a focus on zero waste and environmental stewardship. We are working on a phased long-term plan; our Green Plan Steering Committee members have a commitment to implementation as well as planning. In contrast to the common municipal practice of hiring external consultant firms who have no ongoing commitment to what they recommend or stake in the results or implementation, we are building networks in our community and growing community engagement. Many of those plans and reports from external parties are filed without action; we are building community action teams invested in long-term positive community growth and solutions through the various subcommittees we have set in motion. Our programming normally takes place in Ellsworth, the largest community in the region, with approximately 7,843 residents.