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Canary Homes Initiative Presents: Natural Building & Healthy Home Symposium

  • Commongrounds Cooperative 414 E 8th Street Traverse City, MI 49684 (map)

Join us to discuss the impacts of toxic built environments on human health & chronic illness. Panelists will offer methods to create homes that are more healthy, affordable, & harmonious with nature

8:30 - 11:30 am Morning Panelists (Healthy Homes):

  • Dr. Leonard Jason - Director of the Center for Community Research, DePaul University. Former Vice President, International Association of CFS/ME

  • Jessie DeDecker - CFS/ME Community Speaker

  • Laurie DeDecker, RN, MHIA - Nurse / Consultant. Owner, Woodsedge Healing Retreat Center

  • Lori Kroger, RN - President & CEO of Pandora (Patient Alliance for Neuro-endocrine-immune Diseases Organization for Research and Advocacy, Inc.)

12:00 - 4:00 pm Afternoon Panel (Natural Building) :

  • Thomas Hirsch - Bungalow Builders

  • Suzannah Tobin - Architect

  • Deanne Bednar - Strawbale Studio

  • Ellis Wills-Begley - Bale Craft

  • Gary Cook - Architect, Builder

  • Cody Ley - Hemp for Humanity

4:00 - 6:00 pm FREE Live Demonstrations of: -

  • Hempcrete

  • Straw clay

  • Earthen + Lime Plaster

  • Pre-fab Strawbale Sips

We welcome individuals and organizations with all levels of experience and interest in natural building and healthy materials. Our learning and discussion format is intended to engage a broad diversity of perspectives including, but not limited to, builders, health and design professionals, community members, homeowners, and anyone interested in learning more about the relationship between health and the built environment.

This event is co-hosted by The Crosshatch Green Building Guild and The Canary Homes Initiative (a group of Michigan-based designers, builders, and healthcare professionals).