Go Bioneers!

Imagine your dream college:

A green campus with a swan-filled lake to dream by and shady spots to sit and contemplate, classrooms with state of the art sound, dynamic classmates, organic and delicious food, shade-grown coffee, vibrant music and festive gatherings, small classes led by industry experts and large lectures led by industry heroes who create rapt, teary and inspired students. Now imagine that everything is focused on your favorite subject matter (and mine): nature and the environment. Wake up! It isn't a dream, Friends. It is Bioneers, a conference happening this October 17-19 at The Marin Civic Center.

Always ahead of the curve, Bioneers presents cutting edge and ingenious ideas and concepts in a field that is blasting off, even in the mainstream. It focuses on creative solutions to social and environmental challenges that honor natural systems and explore beyond what we all thought was possible.

Founded in 1990 by Kenny Ausubel, the Bioneers is not only live in San Rafael, but beamed to 18 communities across the country simultaneously, exposing a national community to the innovation and excitement of the event.

Over the past 8 years of being a Bioneer, I have learned that mushrooms might save the world and that Biomimicry was in action when a man who found a cocklebur stuck to his sock invented Velcro. I have witnessed Oakland Zoo youth in state of awe while attending Bioneers Youth Initiative programs, and have stood shaking in a clapping ovation, more thunderous and elated than any rock concert. I have delved deep into watersheds, woman's leadership and the wonders of the web of life. I have been schooled in green building, green food systems, green arts and green, global challenges that push humans to use their imaginations to their full capacity.

I am missing Bioneers this year (not complaining, I will be with Gorillas in Rwanda) and missing it inspired me to encourage others to attend in my place.

My favorite thing about attending Bioneers is that I leave with more than information. I leave the conference armed with a notebook full of my own ideas and the empowerment and confidence to see some of them through. And after spending three days with hundreds of super kind, wicked smart, amazingly dedicated Do-ers, I leave my dream campus with a degree in hope. Just go!

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