Visionary and Practical Solutions for Restoring the Earth and People

Leading national and local scientific innovators and environmental visionaries offer practical solutions to the most pressing environmental and social issues of today

Minneapolis, MN - Sept. 6, 2006: - The first-ever Northland Bioneers Conference, Oct. 20-22, will be the epicenter of a movement of people and organizations in the Midwest learning how to protect and sustain their ecosystem by connecting the dots between the environment, health, science, social justice and spirit at the Minneapolis Community and Technical College. Horst M. Rechelbacher, Ann Bancroft and Dr. David Wallinga will be among the local presenters.

In its first year, The Northland Bioneers Conference, is one of 18 regional satellite conferences happening simultaneously across the country serving as a companion event to the 17th annual Bioneers Conference, www.bioneers.org, out of San Rafael, Calif. Bioneers is the preeminent gathering of leading scientific innovators and environmental visionaries who explore how to heal nature by working with nature. The community-based nature of regional conferences facilitates a vibrant exchange among participants and allows for workshops designed to support individuals and organizations in learning about their own ecosystems, including urban environments, and empowers them to take action locally.

The Northland Bioneers Conference, www.nbconference.org, offers a weekend of sharing, learning and action. It is a unique and affordable community event that brings together people from all walks of life creating community and working for social change. The conference will feature a live simulcast of the main Bioneers plenaries, enriched with locally produced programs on regional issues, solutions, community dialogue, networking, entertainment, and a green living marketplace.

"We are honored to be organizing this timely event in the Twin Cities," said Vonda Vaden, Northland Bioneers Conference spokesperson. "Our goal for participants is to leave with updated environmental knowledge and a renewed sense of optimism, challenging themselves to adopt new behaviors to restore the Earth and the health of the community."

Ann Bancroft will serve as the conference emcee. Local keynote presenters include Horst M. Rechelbacher, founder of Aveda Corporation and Intelligent Nutrients, Dr. David Wallinga, director of the Antibiotic Resistance Project at the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy (IATP); Ronnie Cummins, national director of the Organic Consumers Association; J. Drake Hamilton, science policy director for the private, nonprofit Fresh Energy (formerly Minnesotans for an Energy-Efficient Economy) and Constance Grauds, R.Ph., president of the Association of Natural Medicine Pharmacists. National speakers via satellite include Paul Hawken, Lois Gibbs and Amy Goodman of Democracy Now!

Keynote sessions will explore:

• Global Warming Solutions
• Our Children's Bio-based Future: Innovating Beyond Petro, Plastic and Processed Foods
• Alivelihood: The Art of Sustainable Success
• Positive Signs That Point to a Second American Revolution; One That Will Unite World Citizens Toward Planetary Health
• Ecological Medicine

The Northland Bioneers Conference is sponsored by many organizations practicing sustainability including Horst Rechelbacher Foundation, Intelligent Nutrients, Northern Sun Merchandising, Earthfusion, and Utne magazine. The event is designed for anyone committed to solving environmental and social problems through a reciprocal partnership with nature.

Cost for this year's three-day conference is $150 before October 1. For the full program or to register, visit www.nbconference.org.

For further information, contact:
Media and interviews: Sarah Bell Haberman
612-338-3900, sarah@modernstorytellers.com
Northland Bioneers Conference Spokesperson: Vonda Vaden
612-247-1448, vcreative@visi.com