Detroit Mercy to host annual environmental conference

The interaction between people and the world we live in is the theme of the 19th annual Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit (GLBD) Conference at University of Detroit Mercy's McNichols Campus Oct. 17-18.

For 19 years the GLBD conference has been a networking event for community members to highlight innovative approaches to environmental and social changes. It includes programming for students in grades seven to 12 and for adults who have an interest in the work being done in the fields of racial and environmental justice, resource protection and sustainability.

"There are so many interesting things happening in terms of addressing environmental challenges in our communities that people don't know about," said Co-Chair Theroi Riggins. "The work is being done in large and small ways by scientists and those with no background in science who see an issue and want to fix it. Together they are making major changes and it's inspiring to hear about."

The theme of this year's event is "Revolution from the Heart of Nature: Celebrating Our Interdependence" and brings together experts from across the country.

In addition to presentations, the Bioneers conference includes tours of environmentally conscious institutions in Detroit including mushroom growers BeShroomed Farms, urban food forests and a Buddhist temple.

Individuals can attend one or both days of the conference with a "pay as you are able" policy, thanks to generous grants from the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas, the Kellogg Foundation and the Fund for Equal Justice. For more information and to register, visit udmercy.edu/glbd.