Galaxy IV Conference: Items of Interest

Sonja Koukel, PhD, (NM), VP for Professional Development

So, you’ve registered and made travel arrangements to attend the Galaxy IV Conference in Pittsburgh, PA, September 16-20. Great! We look forward to seeing you there. If you haven’t taken the time to visit some of the JCEP online links to acquaint yourself with the Convention Center and the downtown district, this article may prove helpful.

The David L. Lawrence Convention Center, located along the Allegheny River, is the site for the conference. The Center offers outdoor spaces rich in native plants:

North Terrace Roof Gardens – Levy Restaurants, the convention center’s exclusive food provider, maintains vegetable and herb gardens covering 1,200 square feet.  Organically-grown heirloom vegetables such as squash, peppers, and tomatoes overflow the roof-top planters.

Monarch Waystation – September through November, the monarch butterfly migrates from the U. S. to winter in Central Mexico. This butterfly population has declined over the last decade. Therefore, waystations are created with key sources of food to help the monarchs on their journey. Take time to visit the Convention Center Monarch Waystation (#6071) on the North Terrace rooftop gardens.

For outdoor activities, spend some time on the Three Rivers Heritage Trail. The pedestrian trail runs 24 miles along both sides of the Alegheny, Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. Follow this link to download a map, http://map.friendsoftheriverfront.org/

The Galaxy days will be busy - filled with pre-conference, indepth, and concurrent sessions; reuniting with friends and colleagues from across the nation; and establishing new relationships.  Take some time to enjoy this beautiful city.  Create memorable moments and return home refreshed. See you in Pittsburg!