Gary Kleppel does more than raise sheep on his Knox farm.

As the director of the Biodiversity, Conservation and Policy Program at the University at Albany, he has researched and developed wildlife-friendly farming practices.

On Nov. 19, he will speak at the annual meeting of the Friends of Five Rivers.

“Everyone should come to this talk,” Kleppel told The Enterprise. “Farmers, conservationists, Five Rivers land managers, and people who are just downright passionate about local agriculture.”

The model that Kleppel practices and advocates is an alternative to the dominant industrial food production system.

Research on sustainable grazing practices is being used to determine how to manage vegetation without damaging ecosystem, to control the spread of invasive plants, to clarify how grazing affects ecosystems in the Northeast, and to create opportunities for young people considering careers in agriculture.

“Come and hear what we have to say,” said Kleppel. “We will reveal for the near future a chance for public lands to be used for grazing.”

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The Friends of Five Rivers will meet at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at the Education Center at 56 Game Farm Road in Delmar. A short business meeting will precede Gary Kleppel’s talk. The program is open to the public and free of charge. For more information, call the Friends of Five Rivers at 475-0295.

— Adam Shelmerdine