ORONO – Environmental science and the performing arts will come together in a daylong event Saturday at the University of Maine.

“The University of Maine Initiative for Facing Environmental Challenges: A Day of Cultural and Environmental Awareness” will feature UM faculty and staff in musical and dance performances, poetry recitations and discussions related to environmental issues.

The day will start at 10 a.m. in Minsky Recital Hall. Clarinetist Beth Weimann, associate professor of music, and violist Anatole Wieck, professor of music, will debut an original composition, “All Crows are Equally Black.”

Speakers include Mick Peterson, associate professor of mechanical engineering, and soil science professor Ivan Fernandez.

Janet Waldron, the university’s vice president for administration and finance, will discuss UM’s environmental initiatives.

Included will be a lunch of organic and locally grown foods at 12:30 p.m. in Wells Commons.

Tours of campus facilities such as the Lord Hall art gallery and the Advanced Engineered Wood Composites Center will be offered in the afternoon.

The University of Maine and the Fulbright Association, Maine chapter are co-sponsoring the event.

The event is free to the public. For information and to register, call 581-1572 or e-mail buchanan@maine.edu.