Central Coast Bioneers Conference

The popular Central Coast Bioneers Conference, a Bioneers Pollinator event hosted by Ecologistics, Inc., is returning to San Luis Obispo on Friday, October 3rd (9a - 6:30p) and Saturday, October 4th (9a - 4:30p) at the Octagon Barn. 

The two-day event, the conference will focus on inspiring environmental and climate-related topics on Friday and on social justice topics on Saturday.  “There is so much negative news in the media about the environment,” said conference organizer and Ecologistics CEO Stacey Hunt.  “If you are ready for some exciting and upbeat stories, come check us out.”

Selected keynote talks from the 2025 National Bioneers Conference will be shown, featuring Bill McKibben on Sun Day 2025, a national day of action, Jenine Benyus on biomimicry and the art of generous design, Native American activist and attorney Amy Bowers Cordalis on the removal of four dams on the Klamath River and the return of salmon after 100 years and many more.

Local speakers include author Tom Bowman on his book “What if Solving the Climate Crisis is Simple?”, Don Chartrand of Creek Lands Conservation on conservation efforts on the Central Coast, and environmental lawyer and Lieutenant Governor candidate Janelle Kellman on the connection between California’s economy and climate resilience.  Panels on the importance of the Chumash National Marine Sanctuary and immigration, community and grassroots organizing on the Central Coast will also be featured. 

A pre-conference field trip on October 2nd will offer a tour of the beaver dam analogs created by Nature’s Engineers on Dry Creek in the City of San Luis Obispo’s Johnson Ranch Open Space.  “Beaver aam analogs are human-made structures meant to mimic beaver dams,” explained tour leader Cooper Lienhart.  “Healthy creeks were once full of beaver dams, so Nature’s Engineers mimics the beavers to restore the natural processes that are needed for a creek to be at its healthiest state.”

New this year are a post-conference mixer with 805 Bartenders and a performance by Improv for Good on Friday evening, and a presentation by Rhizome Theater entitled “The Nipomo Plot” on Saturday afternoon.

The Green Marketplace and the free Repair Café will return.  Breakfast will be provided by Coastal Peaks Coffee and lunch will be provided by Wandering Eats.  Thanks to dishes, cups, and cutlery provided by Tableware Share, the conference will be no-waste.  

One day or two-day tickets can be purchased at adult and student rates.  The pre-conference field trip is $25.  Go to https://ecologistics.org/ccb-conference-2025/ for more information and to purchase tickets.