2008 Heritage Conference: Our Legacy... It's In Our Hands

Thursday, September 25, 2008
Upland Hills Farm, Addison Township

* Earn up to 2 hours of APA-CM credits (note: pending approval)

Register online or by mail today!

View Conference Brochure 

About the Heritage Conference
Make your plans now to attend Oakland County Planning and Economic Development Services' 11^th annual Heritage Conference on Thursday, September 25^th at Upland Hills Farm in Addison Township.

... It's In Our Hands
This year's Heritage Conference will prove to be much different from past conferences.  The theme, Our Legacy... It's in Our Hands, will be more "hands-on" for those who are in the "trenches," providing them an opportunity to build diversified partnerships.  The farm lends itself to this theme... and to casual attire.   The keynote address by Dr. Bill Anderson, Director of Arts, History and Libraries for the State of Michigan, will set the tone for the rest of the conference. 

Morning Tours
Following Dr. Anderson's talk, participants will be able to choose from one of three tours: 

• Hidden Treasures Tour - combines the efforts of Downtown Commercial and Historic Preservation to help people look at the built environment differently and show you how to find those hidden gems that make each community unique and worth promoting. 
• Making Connections Tour - experience the best in Environmental Stewardship from a hay wagon tour of nature around the farm.
• Ecological Awareness Tour -see just how far energy conservation and green building has come in the last 40 years with a visit to the Ecological Awareness Center and School.

Lunch and The Midway
During the simple lunch (hamburgers, hotdogs, fried chicken, potato salad, baked beans), conference attendees can browse the "Midway" demonstrations including:

• Fly-fishing demonstration
• Window restoration
• Consumer supported agriculture
• Straw bale construction
• Energy conservation techniques
• Stain glass conservation
• And much, much more.

Afternoon Sessions
The afternoon will provide six sessions, from which the attendees can select any two of the offerings.  These sessions range from Green Burial to Façade & Conservation Easements to Local Gardens.  For a complete description of all sessions, view the conference brochure.

If you have any questions about the conference, please email the Planning Group or call Julie Skene at 248-858-5437.