Following Nature's Design 

Monmouth, Oregon U.S.A.
July 1-8, 2017 Oregon Chapter of the U.S.A Branch of CEI

Coordinators:  Dan Hoynacki, Ryan Kinnett, and Tony Currier

The 31st Caretakers of the Environment International Conference “Following Nature’s Design” took place at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon from 1st to 8th July 2017.  Oregon State University Extension Service - Marion County hosted the conference with additional support from Caretakers of the Environment International - U.S.A. Branch, Oregon Chapter. 

The conference accommodated 200 individuals from 16 countries, 146 of which were students delegates and 54 educators, adult guests, Board Members, and volunteers.  There were 35 delegate projects presented, 4 CEI Alumni projects, and 7 workshop presenters during the conference on the sub-themes of food systems, natural resource management, and sustainable design.  In addition, select representative from several countries worked in Design Teams which identified for each sub-theme major problems and challenges, while offering take home solutions to each of the Caretaker participants.  The Design Team work was presented at the Closing Ceremony.

The conference venue was Western Oregon University with the main dormitory venue being LEED Platinum certified.  Throughout the week, delegates experienced an authentic American 4th of July parade and celebration event, had field trips to Oregon State University’s Center for Urban Horticulture, Hinsdale Wave Lab, energy Center and Dunn Intensive Management Forest, Mt. Hood, Veolia Water treatment in Wilsonville, an urban Youth Farm, Agri-Plas, and EZ Orchards.

Other highlights of the week included a Cultural Marketplace, a contemporary cultural evening, a traditional cultural evening, and a variety of team building activities to forge new friendships and share cultural experiences. 

Official Website:  http://www.cei2017.org

Countries:  16
Austria, Denmark, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Sweden, USA, Taiwan, Turkey, Vietnam, and Zimbabwe.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/107076376396876/

Photo Link:  Coming Soon

Video Link:  Coming Soon

Youtube:  Station10dk (waiting for videos from Video Vikings)

Conference feedback: 
Katherine Tu, Taiwan
Pearl Chen, Taiwan

 Photos a courtesy of Ali Chou Li Lin