That’s a Wrap! Highlights from the 2025 Central Coast Bioneers Conference
The 13th Annual Central Coast Bioneers Conference was held on October 2-4 at the Historic Octagon Barn in San Luis Obispo, and what a weekend it was!
Here’s what our attendees are saying:
“I liked the mix of national and local speakers. Clearly, always good to gather and share our experiences and perspectives.”
It was such a beautiful event filled with warmth and excitement about helping our ecosystems! Thank you for putting this on, we’ll absolutely be there next year.”
“Great conference! Loved Bill McKibben. What a great guy. AND I thought the local speakers were truly good speakers with great information.”
All had a great weekend at this year’s Central Coast Bioneers Conference. Events kicked off on Thursday morning, October 2nd, with a guided tour led by Cooper Lienhart of Nature’s Engineers, the Beaver Dam Analogs that he and his crew implemented on Dry Creek in the City of San Luis Obispo’s Johnson Ranch Open Space. Cooper informs us that governmental agencies are recognizing the need to restore creeks that are no longer inhabited by beavers and are willing to hire his company to create the analogs. It is great to hear that the authorities are recognizing the need for this type of work. Now if only the beavers could return and do it for them!
Environmental and climate day took place on Friday, October 3rd, at the Octagon Barn, with speakers on biomimicry, river and creek restoration, the Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary, wildlands conservation, and climate solutions. Wandering Eats provided a delicious lunch. After the conference, a mixer took place at the next-door Milking Parlor with creative cocktails created by Sal, the 805 Bartender. Following the mixer, attendees were treated to a performance by Improv for Good.
Social and environmental justice day followed on Saturday, October 4th. Speakers addressed issues such as oligarchy, community empowerment, the global fight for indigenous science, the rights of nature, and Native American land back efforts. The conference concluded with a fascinating performance by Rhizome Theater of their original work “The Nipomo Plot.” Concurrently, on Saturday, Five Cities Repair Café held a repair café next door at the Milking Parlor. One hundred three items were brought in for repair with an 89% success rate.
Mark your calendars for next year: the 2026 Central Coast Bioneers Conference will take place on October 2-3. We can’t wait to see you again for another year of community creativity and climate action initiatives.
View conference photos here: 2025 Central Coast Bioneers Conference.
Sponsored Organization Spotlight: Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success (CCC-USS)
The Central Coast Coalition for Undocumented Student Success (CCC-USS) works to create social change and ensure educational equity for all students, regardless of immigration status. By collaborating with educators, advocates, and community partners, CCC-USS builds capacity and fosters belonging for undocumented students across the Central Coast region.
We were proud to welcome CCC-USS as a participant at this year’s Central Coast Bioneers Conference, where they shared their efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen community networks of support. Through outreach, policy advocacy, and campus initiatives, CCC-USS continues to advance inclusion and opportunity, helping make our communities stronger, more equitable, and more connected.
Learn more about their work here or by clicking on their logo above!
State of the SLO Creek Watershed
Celebrate three years of progress in conserving and restoring one of our region’s most treasured ecosystems, the San Luis Obispo Creek Watershed! Hosted by Creek Lands Conservation, this evening will demonstrate new insights about water in SLO, the health of local wildlife, and exciting plans for the SLO Creek Resiliency & Rewilding Action Plan. Come for the science, stay for the celebration! Enjoy live music, local beer and wine, a food truck, and a silent auction while connecting with your community.
Details:
Octagon Barn, San Luis Obispo
This Thursday, October 23 | 4:30–8:00 PM
$25 entry – includes one drink ticket!
Agenda:
4:30-5:00: Happy Half-Hour
5:00-6:00: SLO Creek R&R Presentation + Panel
6:00-8:00: PARTY!
Register here or by clicking on the image above!
That’s all, thanks for tunning in!
