The Gaia Theory is a scientific way to view the Earth as a single living system. It is taught as Earth System Science in many universities, but sometimes still dismissed as New Age religion by some.

Join Martin Ogle to learn about this tantalizing idea as he explains, in layman's terms, the science, history and societal implications of Gaia Theory. 

How do oxygen and methane persist in stable concentrations in the atmosphere of the Earth?  How have Carl Sagan, William Golding (author of "Lord of the Flies") and Vaclav Havel all contributed to the theory's development and use? How does Gaia Theory speak to global challenges ranging from climate change to energy use? 

And WHAT does it have to do with Prince William County?? 

Do you know what you are putting in your mouth? Where did it come from and what’s in it? How far did it have to travel before reaching your table? Is it possible to have agriculture in DC’s densely populated suburbs?

Join Hiu Newcomb, owner of Potomac Vegetable Farms, as she tackles these questions and talks about the benefits of locally grown food and sustainable agriculture.

Hiu Newcomb and her late husband, Tony, began farming in Fairfax County in the early 1960s. They farmed rented land around the county, and finally bought five acres in Vienna in 1966. By 1970 the Newcombs gave up their careers and Washington house and became full time farmers. They sold their vegetables from a roadside stand along Route 7 in Vienna which is still in operation.

The farm grew over the years as more land was added, equipment purchased, and employees hired. At Tony’s passing in 1984, Hui and her daughters Hana and Lani ran the farm with help from many loyal employees. In addition to the roadside stand, the Potomac Vegetable Farm grows crops for sale at farmers markets and through an extensive Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Today Hui still lives on the farm and works to provide healthy, locally grown produce to the community.