WEC presentations

The following are workshops and panels with participation by Woodbine Ecology Center staff and volunteers. For a list of complete presentations go to http://ecenter.colorado.edu/bioneers09/program.html

Stop by the WEC table at the exhibitor area for the locations of all workshops and any last minute changes.

Friday October 16

3:20 pm - 5:30 pm
Local Agriculture

Shanan Olsen from Abbondanza Farm, Cindy Torres manager of the Longmont Farmers' Market and co-founder of the Boulder County Food and Agriculture Policy Council, Shannon Francis of Woodbine Ecology Center and Zia Parker from Willow Way Wellness will speak about the future of food in Boulder County. Michael Brownlee will moderate.

Saturday October 17

3:20 pm - 5:30 pm
Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Robert Chanate, Shannon Francis, Glenn Morris, and Pavlos Stavropoulos

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) can be defined as a “cumulative body of knowledge and beliefs, handed down through generations by cultural transmission, about the relationship of living beings (including humans) with one and another and their environment.” Since the beginning of time, indigenous peoples on this continent used traditional ecological knowledge to fundamentally shape their environment and thrive alongside it. This knowledge holds many of the secrets of how to live sustainably on this land but it is as endangered today as many species. In the last 500 years, indigenous cultures, nations, and lands have been under continuous attacks that go on to this day. If we are to truly learn “to live together in this place” we must stop the processes of ecological and cultural destruction, reclaim and restore TEK, and become, again, part of the natural rhythms of life. This panel of indigenous and non indigenous members of Woodbine Ecology Center will explore the historical and contemporary processes of cultural and ecological destruction as well as viable frameworks to work together to create a better future for the next seven generations.

3:20 pm - 4:20 pm
Fungi On Purpose: Mushrooms for People and the Planet
Jim Gibson, Wendy Monroe, and Brooks Kelly, Ph.D

This breakout session focuses on mycology, the study of mushrooms, and how the fungi can address current global issues of food production, soil building, remediation and medicine. Mycophile Jim Gibson opens this forum with an overview of the kingdom Fungi and practical applications for mushrooms as local food and soil builders. Ecologist Wendy Monroe from Dr. Fungi discusses mushrooms from a cultural perspective and talks about fungi and remediation of the mountain pine beetle epidemic. Brooks Kelly, Ph.D. finishes out the session with a focus on mushrooms as medicine for the people and the planet.

Sunday October 18

3:20 pm - 5:30 pm
Exploring Oppression
Cheryl Clark, Shannon Francis, and others

“There is no hierarchy of oppression…I know that people cannot profit from the oppression of any other group…I know that I cannot afford the luxury of fighting one form of oppression only. I cannot afford to believe that freedom from intolerance is the right of only one particular group. And I cannot afford to choose between the fronts upon which I must battle these forces of discrimination, wherever they appear to destroy me. And when they appear to destroy me, it will not be long before they appear to destroy you.” -Audre Lorde, Lesbian/African-American activist.
Indeed, within any interconnected system, each element is necessarily affected by the relationships it has with, and the conditions of, every other element in the system. Everyone’s liberation, rights, and justice is entwined with that of every other member of our society—and world. Utilizing experiential activities, film, and dialogue, we will attempt to define oppression as a group, explore the multi-faceted manifestations of oppression and, perhaps most importantly, share our stories and hear the stories of others so that we might further develop the skills of empathy and compassion that are so needed in order to heal and become allies for each other.

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm
Water As Resource, Water As Relative: Rethinking Our Relationship to Our Watersheds
Pavlos Stavropoulos

Understanding and reawakening our relationships to our watersheds can reconnect us to the places we inhabit and which nourish us, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. No matter where we live or what our work is, water permeates our lives, our actions, our hopes, and our dreams. Learning to read the flow of water through our bodies, communities, and landscapes can teach us much about how to live sustainably and respectfully with the land and each other. Together, we will rediscover our connection to place, and examine collective practical strategies on how to expand upon watershed moments and promote greater water literacy in our communities.