It is impossible to attend a Bioneers conference and then walk away untouched, uninspired, or unmotivated to act.
October 2014 marked the 25th anniversary of the annual Bioneers conference, a gathering of people intent on creating an equitable, compassionate, and democratic society living in harmony with the natural world. This year’s program theme was Growing The Movement: The World We Want & How to Get There.
Bioneers brings together people of every ethnicity, culture, and creed, from teenagers to elders, indigenous people, scientists, activists, faith leaders, entrepreneurs, artists, farmers, social justice advocates, business people, environmentalists, health professionals, designers, government officials, educators, storytellers, and grassroots organizers.
The multi-day Bioneers conference agenda is jam-packed with speakers, performers, films, hands-on workshops, and field trips.
In addition to the national event held in northern California, at least a dozen groups spread across the country host local conferences in their communities. These groups make up the Resilient Communities Network, previously called Beaming Bioneers. Attendees have an opportunity to view the national keynote speakers and performers via video and participate in local workshops and field trips.
Central Coast Bioneers – Resilient Communities Network Partner
One of the Bioneers Resilient Communities Network partners, Central Coast Bioneers, is conveniently located where I live in San Luis Obispo County, CA.
Ecologistics, Inc., a nonprofit organization based in San Luis Obispo orchestrates the Central Coast Bioneers conference, which draws participants from Monterey, San Luis Obispo, and Santa Barbara counties.
I discovered the Central Coast Bioneers conference in 2012 when an announcement in the Sierra Club Santa Lucia Chapter newspaper caught my eye. The event seemed interesting so I bought tickets for my spouse and me.
It was a joyous and thought-provoking three days and spurred us to action. I recounted the experience in two posts, Bioneers – Revolution from the Heart of Nature and Central Coast Bioneers – Breakthrough Solutions for People and Planet.
We attended again in 2013 and came away informed and inspired, with an even longer to-do list. I commemorated the occasion by writing Bioneers 2013 Conference – Turning Vision into Action.
Central Coast Bioneers Conference – 2014
October 2014 marked the fifth anniversary of the Central Coast Bioneers conference and our third time attending.
National Keynote Speakers and Performers
We watched the national keynote speakers and performers on a big screen in the main auditorium. A few of my favorites are noted below:
Paul Stamets hefting a huge mushroom, showing the audience how mycelium networks communicate and transport water and nutrients through vast interconnected underground webs, and describing how fungi can help heal the earth.
Severine von Tcharner Fleming, a young agrarian, engaging the audience with her enlightening and sometimes humorous talk about the challenges faced by young farmers trying to gain a foothold in today’s agriculture industry.
Xiuhtezcotl Martinez, the 14-year-old director of Youth Guardians, standing in front of a crowd of thousands and delivering his presentation with poise and passion.
Robin Kimmerer quietly and eloquently speaking of plants and the lessons we might learn from them if we listen.
Alixa Garcia and Naima Penniman, the Climbing PoeTree duo, embodying beauty and power while captivating the audience with their spoken-word poetry performance.
Note: click on each presenter’s name to watch a video of their presentation.
Local Keynote Speakers
Our local keynote speakers from the University of California, Santa Barbara, John Foran, Corrie Ellis, and Summer Gray shared their work with The Climate Justice Project.
Local Field Trips
One field trip took us to Kukkula Winery, an 80-acre farm growing wine grapes, walnuts, and olives mostly without irrigation (dry farming) and no pesticides. The winery buildings and owner’s home were built with green building materials and passive solar techniques.
We also visited Tierra Nueva, a cohousing community of 27 homes built among an existing 5-acre avocado orchard. Members of the community share a common house with dining and recreational facilities, a fully equipped workshop, and a food and flower garden. Residents care for common areas, get together for group meals and activities, and run the community in a collaborative manner.
Entertainment, Food, and Books
Afia Walking Tree and Michaelle Georlitz energized us in the mornings with their amazing drumming on a fascinating collection of percussion instruments.
The Centrally Grown food truck arrived just in time to feed the hungry lunchtime crowd. We enjoyed delicious grilled chicken and veggie tacos.
Volumes of Pleasure Bookshoppe was back again with their onsite bookstall offering a selection of books relevant to the conference topics. I purchased several books to add to my collection.
Thank You Central Coast Bioneers Volunteers
The Central Coast Bioneers conference is made possible by a small group of volunteers who undertake the herculean task of planning and putting on the event all while fulfilling their day-to-day responsibilities and working at their day jobs.
Imagine the myriad of tasks, large and small, the volunteers accomplish throughout the year culminating in several hectic days during the conference. They do everything from searching for potential sponsors and asking them for money to providing a water station for filling up reusable water bottles at the venue.
I feel deeply grateful and indebted to Stacey Hunt, Michael Jencks, Celia Zaentz, Amanda Smith, and Nadia Brenner of Ecologistics, Inc. and all the volunteers who give of their time and expertise to bring the magical experience of Bioneers to the California Central Coast.
Have you been to a Bioneers conference yet? If not, mark your calendar for next October and check out the Bioneers website to learn more about the national conference or to find a Resilient Communities Network partner near you.
Help grow the Bioneers movement and Resilient Communities Network by volunteering, making a donation, or better yet both.
See you next year!
Related Posts
- Bioneers 2013 Conference – Turning Vision into Action
- Bioneers – Revolution from the Heart of Nature (2012)
- Central Coast Bioneers – Breakthrough Solutions for People and Planet (2012)
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