2010 permaculture northwest conference

at the washington state permaculture convergence we had a few meetings and discussed planning for a 2010 event. many folks gave their best to create a 2009 event that left me- and I believe many others- very inspired, and feeling connected and positive about our regional alliances and work.

we talked about plans for 2010, including holding a conference for the general public which would be workshop oriented, as well as having advanced topics- our convergence has been inward focused for two years, but now, outgrowing Sahale (what a wonderful germination site!), we are looking at other options for the placement and execution of our annual washington state/pnw regional gathering.

a group of folks met at the convergence and talked about all of this, and some discussion about planning has gone on among the dedicated and very skilled crew who brought the last two events to bear.

on reflection I felt it would be useful to say these words and ask 'out loud' to those who attended and who may like to attend and even work with the planning group- what do you want to see/experience/do/realize/dance/grow/play/pray/live/be at next years?

what is your sense about location? there is not a location picked, though the south sound area seems like a very central and community-carried location where we could spend more time dealing with creativity in event design rather than basic logistics... the community in the sw puget sound is already keen on and supportive of our work, and we have many allies there who are clearly ready to step forward and enliven the event...

i would like folks who might like to attend this coming year (we had over 250 this year!) to write about what you would like to see, and questions you would like to ask of the (very patchwork and yet passionate) group who  has volunteer  to carry next years event from dream to being...

thank you!

Is this happening?

Hi, Paul, Deston and others -

We are talking about this years' upcoming permaculture gathering.  Based on the response from the Cascadia Permaculture Teachers Convergence, we are leaning towards creating another convergence (not conference), and making it an Oregon and Washington gathering.  We are currently LOOKING FOR A LOCATION in SW Washington.  It could be a campground, a summer camp, a private residence on acreage, a school site - anything that would hold up to 300 folks, has a large kitchen, has several indoor rooms with electricity, and has camping available.  We are thinking that the second half of September would be a good time frame. 

Is there anyone out there who knows of a suitable venue to scout?  We can't really do any firm planning till we have a venue and dates.  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  Thanks in advance, all -

Just from memory and brainstorming a little:

Millersylvania State Park has a gathering center of sorts, cabins and camping.  Near Tumwater.

Fort Canby State Park (near Illwaco and now called Cape Disappointment SP) has camping, yurt rentals, and an amphitheater (but the ocean would be a huge distraction).

Any thoughts of a venue in/near Portland?

eta:  Or perhaps the lodge up at Paradise?  Newly rennovated, camping nearby.  Nice view too! 

Greetings!

I just moved back to Allyn and would love to volunteer to help with the 2010 convergence. Did my PDC in Vermont last summer.

CindyB