Great Lakes Bioneers Detroit

02/21/2026

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Michigan is currently experiencing a massive surge in data center development, with over 16 new projects proposed as of early 2026. Join us for a free webinar for local advocates wanting to organize as data centers arrive in their communities.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024 - CLOSING
FOR US: Karen Prall and Friends
Karen Prall and Friends presented a closing celebration by breathing in harmony and rhythm while offering words of healing, hope and joy and gently using movement and rhythm in answer to words spoken. They emphasized togetherness while participating in African (Kongo, Brazzaville) based call and response and movement with a persistent feeling of being a part of the whole. The ensemble shared rhythms on the Ngoma and Conga drums, bell and stick, nsakala, Kashishi and more.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 17 &18, 2024
Many Vendors were present both days of the conference.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
TOUR #6
Urban Food Forests: Cultivating Equity, One Harvest at a Time
The mission of Asibara Forest is to cultivate an urban food forest that serves as a living laboratory for the local community, particularly the youth. Their activities primarily revolve around sustainable farming with a secondary emphasis on nature exploration and place-based learning.
TOUR Host:
Derrienne Reese sees a future where urban farming is a powerful tool for community empowerment, particularly in BIPOC neighborhoods that have been historically marginalized.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth and Adult Learnshop: Recycle is Not The Only Way
The message of this learnshop:
Reduce and re-use is what's needed in Detroit to make a big impact on reducing waste from events, venues and meetings where food is being served. Reusable foodware will reduce harmful forever chemicals in our food. Using stainless steel foodware products is good for health, our homes, businesses and communities. Many other reusable initiatives are happening across the country.
PRESENTER:
Connie Lilley is the executive director for the Detroit 2030 District and the founder of Detroit ReUse. In July 2024, she will also be the territory director for Michigan for We ReUse, LLC, a veteran-owned and woman-owned business focusing on healthy reusable foodware.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18 & 19, 2024
Many Exhibitors were present both days of the conference.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth and Adult Learnshop: How Climate Change and Central American Migration to the U.S. are Connected

In this presentation, attendees learned how recent migration from Central America to the United States has spiked because climate conditions are worsening and they were shown how a grassroots movement is planting fruit trees in public spaces to mitigate drought and food insecurity at the same time.
PRESENTER:
Gail Presbey is a professor of Philosophy at University of Detroit Mercy. She is affiliated faculty with the History Department and with Women's and Gender Studies. She most recently served as GLBD co-chair (2018-2023)

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth and Adult Learnshop: No Silence for Gun Violence (NS4GV)
Two presentations in song addressed the relationship between environmental issues and social justice as well as empowering youth to become environmental stewards, change makers and leaders in their communities. The speaker was joined by one student vocalist.
Presenter:
Corey Pritchett is a clinical spiritual care provider who has consistently served youth and families ranging from the educational system to mental health professions, both vocationally and voluntarily. His passion is serving those who are impacted by gun violence through the power of music.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth Learnshop: Pollution Education 101
This presentation educated participants on pollution sources and its impacts on the environment and health of communities. The presentation included a brief background on one of the most polluted zip codes in Michigan, as well as the film, Pollution Has No Boundaries.
PRESENTER:
Theresa Landrum is the president of the Original United Citizens of Southwest Detroit. She serves on two boards under Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Michigan PFAS Action Response Team Citizens' Advisory Work Group and the Michigan Advisory Council on Environmental Justice. She lives in Detroit 48217, deemed the most polluted zip code in Michigan.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth Learnshop: I Spy: Exploring the World Around You
Monica DeGarmo

This presentation was completely led by high school students, who were talking about the history of the Detroit River and the local community's dependence and connection to the water source. They did some interactive mapping of where the river starts and ends, explored its indigenous cultural significance, pointed out "ribbon farms" that tie to present-day street names and highlighted positive changes in the fauna and wildlife that are in the river.
PRESENTER:
Monica DeGarmo is an ELA educator for Detroit Public Schools Community District with a passion for cross-curricular learning and empowering youth to be active members in their communities.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
Youth and Adult Learnshop: Climate Change and Health - Poster Session
Associate Professor Zigmond Kozicki and University of Detroit Mercy Health Services Administration students

Posters about climate change and health, created by University of Detroit Mercy Health Services Administration 3450 students with direction from Zigmond Kozicki, were up for viewing. Attendees were invited to review the posters and leave a comment on an index card.

02/05/2025

GLBD Oct 18, 2024
TOUR #8
We joined Bhavana Sarah Addae for a walking meditation through the grounds of the Field Temple. In this area, trees and plants were left alone, which means life was reclaiming these spaces with trees and birdsong through acts of tenderness.

Bhavana Sarah Addae was ordained as a dharma teacher in 2003 from Stillpoint Zen Buddhist Temple. After many years of practice, she started her own community: Field Temple. 2024