From epicurean potlucks and nature deficit disorder, to social justice for migrant workers and building green roofs, the sixth annual Great Lakes Bioneers conference will address a gamut of environmental and social issues.
"We cover a little of everything, from the really practical, like home canning, to more esoteric like wind energy," said Sarna Salzman, outreach coordinator for the event.
The Bioneers conference, which will be held at Northwestern Michigan College Oct. 19-21, is cosponsored by the Neahtawanta Center and SEEDS, a local nonprofit research and education group. The conference is held in conjunction with 20 other Bioneer satellite events happening simultaneously across the country, including Detroit and Cleveland. The Great Lakes Bioneers conference features a live downlink of the Bioneers Conference in San Rafael, California, which is complemented by local speakers and workshops.
"We're really blessed around here because we have a disproportionate number of dedicated, thoughtful and passionate people across a number of disciplines," said Salzman.
Speakers include local farmers, green builders, water keepers, small business owners, teachers, healers, artists and others. Their purpose is to come together to discuss solutions to such issues as climate change and eating healthier.
Salzman said that all of the topics are ultimately connected.
"We're doing what we can to heal and restore our communities and have fun doing it," she said.
The conference kicks off Friday, Oct. 19, with a keynote address by Marty Heller, a Leelanau County organic vegetable farmer. He will discuss recreating a local food culture. Heller, who has a PhD in chemical engineering, has worked on food-system related research.
This year's conference will also have more focus on the family than ever before, said Salzman.
"This year we're offering a session on incorporating activism into family life. We've been wanting to do that for a long time," she said.
Saturday is family day and begins with keynote speaker Peter McCreedy, the 2005 recipient of an "Outdoor Classroom" grant from the Michigan Department of Education.
Throughout the weekend there will also be co-op childcare, family-friendly workshops, an infant and toddler clothing swap, a quiet space for nursing and naps, art projects and free admission to those under 12. Local food will also play a major role in the three-day event.
"We will have a huge food awareness, as usual," said Salzman.
Heller will move from behind the podium of Milliken Auditorium to the kitchens of NMC, offering a hands-on "How Can I Eat Like This Year 'Round?" lunch Friday with Bioneers Food Coordinator Todd Springer. Working in the NMC cafeteria, they'll join chefs from around the region -- including those from Trattoria Stella, Kejara's Bridge and Patisserie Amie -- in using fresh ingredients to create an Epicurean Potluck for ticket holders.
Lunch is actually being offered each day, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Saturday morning, participants can attend "Fresh Food, Good Health, Strong Communities." That discussion will cover ways to better connect communities to local farms for health reasons.
An introduction to home canning on Sunday morning will be led by Timothy Young, founder of Food for Thought.
There will also be a silent auction, a concert by Earthwork Music Friday night and a film Saturday evening, the title to be announced. To learn more about the speakers, workshops and other activities, or to register, visit www.glbconference.org or call (800) 220-1415.
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