2020 Wool & Fine Fiber Symposium
A Virtual Fibershed Event
Healthy Soil and Sea
The 9th annual Fibershed Symposium will focus on
how natural fiber and dye systems can positively impact soil and sea.
From the landscape to the seascape, the largest active carbon pools on planet earth are where we humans work, and where the impacts of our lives are made evident. When textiles are drawn from fossil carbon reserves and spun into plastic clothing, we see ripple effects from climate destabilization to microplastic pollution. Extractive industries undermine our value systems — from the pressures of overproduction on garment workers to the excesses of disposable clothing.
In land-based fiber and dye systems, we see living examples that restore soil health and change the course of fashion and agriculture’s impact on waterways. Reconnecting to bioregional and cultural models of production, we can contribute to our oceans’ health and well-being, our soils, our manufacturing sector, and our fiber and dye sovereignty.
Hear from scientists, community leaders, landscape managers, and designers: together, we will come to understand:
Why the modern wardrobe is damaging life in the soil and sea
How natural fiber and food systems can be managed to enhance soil and watershed health, including on-the-ground examples from Northern California and Fibershed Affiliates
Ways in which Indigenous fiber stewardship and Black-centered fiber traditions are in a relationship with ecosystems
What it would look like to meet our clothing needs and provide fair compensation to all who contribute to fiber, fabric, and finished goods
The symposium is an entirely virtual event with engaging presentations and interactive elements. Panels and presentations will be recorded and shared promptly with ticket holders.
Share Your Symposium Experience: #2020WoolSymposium
We invite you to join in on social media as we share sneak peeks and updates leading up to the Symposium. Share your reflections and connections using #2020WoolSymposium on social media throughout the events and activities.
Click here to reserve your ticket
A Virtual Gathering
November 12-14th, 2020
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM each day (Pacific Time)
We’re honored to hear from voices who hold grounded visions and experiences organizing and creating just, resilient fiber and dye systems:
Fireside Chat on Oceans & Climate Connections with Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnsonand Rebecca Burgess
Panel: Following the Plastic Flow: From the oil industry to our wardrobes to the ocean
Panel: Native Fiber Systems: How plant fibers have been and continue to be harvested to enhance ecosystem function
Spotlight Speaker: Dr. Cindy Daley on Changing Agricultural Practices to Reduce Nitrogen Pollution
Panel: Pathways of Water & Soil: How natural fibers can be produced in a way that restores watershed health, reducing nitrogen use and eutrophication
Panel: Black Fiber Systems: a discussion organized by Teju Adisa-Farrar
Spotlight speaker: the Garment Worker Center on Uplifting Our Regional Fiber System
Panel: Regionally grown, Regionally Made, Regionally Worn
Click here to see the full schedule
Ticket holders will receive quick access to video recordings of all programming
