NOTE: The conference venue and the Hilton Garden Inn hotel are SEPARATE. The conference venue is The Department at Hudson’s (1000 Nick Gilbert Way, Detroit, MI 48226). The Hilton Garden Inn Hotel (351 Gratiot Ave, Detroit, MI 48226) where many attendees are staying is about a 7 minute walk.

We look forward to spending two days with you in Detroit! Plenaries and breakout sessions will cover both days and the first day will also include optional field trips and an evening reception. We can't wait to see you!

About the Conference

The conference draws non-profit advocates, scientists, government officials, students, policy analysts, and environmental justice leaders from across the region. This year’s conference will run for two days, including plenaries, breakout sessions, field trips, and a reception for attendees to connect and collaborate. 

Thank you to the local host committee for this year's conference!

Tricia Blicharski, Friends of the Detroit River

Zjalyn Carter, Zero Waste Detroit

Elayne Coleman, Sierra Club Michigan

Ashley Flintoff, Friends of the Rouge

Jennifer Hill, Clinton River Watershed Council

Bentley Johnson, Michigan League of Conservation Voters

Tiffany Jones, National Wildlife Federation

Erin Kanzig, River Network

Erma Leaphart, Community Advocate

Monica Lewis-Patrick, We The People Of Detroit

Nat Lichten, Erb Family Foundation

Andy McDowell, Detroit Zoo

Raquel Garcia, Southwest Detroit Environmental Vision

Deborah Stewart Anderson, Zero Waste Detroit

Agenda at a Glance

Here's an overview of what's happening at the conference!

Thursday, September 24
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration/Exhibitors/Breakfast
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
    Welcome
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
    Opening Plenary
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
    Break
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Breakout Sessions
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
    Lunch
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
    Breakout Sessions
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 2:00 PM - 5:30 PM
    Field Trips
    Offsite
  • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Conference Reception
    Waterview Loft
Friday, September 25
  • 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
    Registration/Exhibitors/Breakfast
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
    Welcome
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
    Plenary
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 10:30 AM - 10:45 AM
    Break
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 10:45 AM - 11:45 AM
    Breakout Sessions
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
    Lunch
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
    Breakout Sessions
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
    Break
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Closing Plenary
    The Department at Hudson's
  • 3:00 PM
    Conference Ends