September 25 & 26, 2026
College of Saint Benedict's and Saint John's University |
2026 CONFERENCE SCHEDULEFRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2026 @ Saint John's University 9:00 am - 1:00 pm: Conference Registration 10:00 am - 12:00 pm: Optional Activities (details below!) 12:00-1:00 pm: Exhibit Hall 2:00-2:10 pm: Welcome to College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University 2:10-3:30 pm: Interactive Networking Sessions
4:45-5:45 pm: Breakout Session #1 5:45-7:00 pm: Dinner with picnic option SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2026 @ Saint Benedict 8:00 - 9:00 am: Community of Practice 8:00 - 9:00 am: Campus Sustainability Tour 8:00 - 9:00 am: Coffee/Tea at Exhibit Hall 9:00 - 10:00 am: Breakout Session #2 10:00 - 10:15 am: Break 10:15 - 11:15 am Breakout Session #3 11:15 - 11:30 am Break 11:30 am - 12:30 pm: Lunch and Awards Ceremony in Upper Gorecki 12:45 - 1:45 pm Breakout Session #4 2:00 - 3:00 pm Closing Celebration |
Pre-Conference Activities on Friday, September 25
Off Grid Goat Earthship Tour 10:00–12:45
25 minute drive from campus (guided sustainable living experience)
$24.95/per person, sack lunch on site
Join us for a guided tour of Off Grid Goat, an innovative earthship created by a Saint Benedict’s alumni and her husband. Experience off-grid, sustainable living firsthand and learn how regenerative design principles come to life in central Minnesota.
Chapel Trail Guided Nature Hike 10:00–12:00
2 hours (2-mile guided trail experience)
Walk alongside a Saint John’s Outdoor University Guide on the beautiful, beginner-friendly Chapel Trail along the shores of Lake Sagatagan. Enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and an opportunity to connect with the natural landscape.
Oak Nursery + Regeneration Tour 10:30–12:00
1.5–2 hours (wagon-led restoration tour)
Climb aboard for a wagon ride through the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum as we explore a century-long effort to rehabilitate and restore native oak habitat. Discover the history, challenges, and future of this long-term ecological restoration project.
Off Grid Goat Earthship Tour 10:00–12:45
25 minute drive from campus (guided sustainable living experience)
$24.95/per person, sack lunch on site
Join us for a guided tour of Off Grid Goat, an innovative earthship created by a Saint Benedict’s alumni and her husband. Experience off-grid, sustainable living firsthand and learn how regenerative design principles come to life in central Minnesota.
Chapel Trail Guided Nature Hike 10:00–12:00
2 hours (2-mile guided trail experience)
Walk alongside a Saint John’s Outdoor University Guide on the beautiful, beginner-friendly Chapel Trail along the shores of Lake Sagatagan. Enjoy fresh air, scenic views, and an opportunity to connect with the natural landscape.
Oak Nursery + Regeneration Tour 10:30–12:00
1.5–2 hours (wagon-led restoration tour)
Climb aboard for a wagon ride through the Saint John’s Abbey Arboretum as we explore a century-long effort to rehabilitate and restore native oak habitat. Discover the history, challenges, and future of this long-term ecological restoration project.