NOFA/Mass Event
2025 Gardeners Gathering — Keynote by NOFA/Mass Food Access & Youth Agricultural Scientists
Northeastern University, Shillman Hall 115 Forsyth St., Boston, United StatesThe conference will kick off with a keynote panel of [...]
Easy Homemade Adobo and Herb bundles – What can I do with all of this food?
OnlineSpringtime is upon us which means the first harvest isn’t so far away! Get ready to use your SNAP/HIP to purchase fresh produce from farm stands, farmer’s markets and farm shares with this webinar, kicking off with a “House Made Adobo” recipe. We’ll also be introducing the event series for this year, where you’ll find inspiration to use all the bounty - whether it’s keeping produce from spoiling, or getting ready to preserve the harvest from the garden and from a farm share. Get ready!
Go Nuts Bi-Monthly Community Call: Field & Fertility Plans
OnlineJoin us for our Go Nuts springtime discussion where the group will be sharing plans and ideas for the upcoming growing season, as well as how to keep them alive and thriving. Fertility plans for agroforestry settings can be challenging due to a variety of factors, including: conditions for successful establishment, large pieces of land that may require different approaches in fertility, or how to keep costs down for organic-minded growers. We love to hear about the different goals and arrangements of agroforestry sites in our region! Share your story, and listen in. What are you planting, or what have you planted? How’s your soil? Are you purchasing or making amendments? What about those foliar sprays? If you are seeking feedback from others, looking to discuss your successes or improve your methods, or learn from your agroforestry peers, this call is for you!
pXRF Soil Lead Screening and Microscopy Workshop: From Microscopes to Metals // Taller de Microscopía y Detección de Plomo en el Suelo Mediante pXRF: De los Microscopios a los Metales
Springfield Public Library’s Central Library’s Community Room 220 State St, Springfield, MA, United StatesJoin us for a FREE Soil Screening with interpretation for the results from American Farmland Trust’s Massachusetts Coordinated Soil Health Program team and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. Along with the test results, you’ll be given a brochure for information on the pXRF tool, guidance based on your result and there will be soil health and urban agriculture staff to discuss and collect resources along with potential next steps for your growing practice. Bring a dry soil sample. For collection information, use this guide.
Soil Analysis, Carbon Sampling and Designing for Resilience / Análisis de Suelos, Muestreo de Carbono y Diseño para la Resiliencia
Tapley Court Garden 221 Bay Street, Springfield, MA, United StatesIn this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to accurately sample soils for comprehensive chemical analysis, including soil organic carbon (SOC) and nutrient profiles. We will analyze in situ the biological, physical and chemical properties of soils, including compaction, infiltration rate, soil texture and structure, surface biology, soil aggregate stability, root behavior, soil temperature and bulk density. This integrated approach provides a thorough understanding of soil health by combining quantitative data with qualitative observations. Participants will also have an opportunity to learn about Landscape Interactions’ collaboration with NOFA/Mass Food Access to transform a portion of their community garden at Tapley Court Apartments into a refugia for at-risk native bees, butterflies and moths through the incorporation of biodiverse, perennial and productive native plant communities.
Physical Vitality: Building Robust Foundations for Crop Success – iSe ofrece en español!
New Entry Sustainable Farming Project 733 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA, United StatesJoin us for an immersive journey into the fundamentals of soil health with our Physical Vitality workshop. Delve into the intricate world beneath our feet as we explore the essential components that shape soil structure and vitality. Through hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities, participants will gain a deep understanding of soil physical properties, including structure, porosity, and compaction. Equipped with tools such as penetrometers, shovels, and infiltration rings, attendees will learn how to assess and evaluate these critical aspects of soil health directly on the farm.
Soil Health Bi-Monthly Community Call
OnlineWe are excited to invite you to our bimonthly Soil Health Calls! These calls are designed to provide a platform for farmers, researchers, and experts to share their knowledge, experiences, and insights on soil health. Our aim is to create a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about improving soil health. Our calls will cover a range of topics related to soil health, including soil biology, organic matter, nutrient management, and any topic of relevance to the NOFA community and beyond. We will also have guest speakers who will share their expertise and insights on the latest developments in the field.
Resilient Farms Discussion & Luncheon
Old Frog Pond Farm 38 Eldridge Rd, Harvard, United StatesOld Frog Pond Farm has been seasonably inspired by the [...]
Growing Organically Together Monthly Calls: How to Get Certified in Massachusetts
OnlineJoin us for an informative session aimed at aspiring organic farmers and enthusiasts! In this community call, we will move through some of the processes to become a certified organic farm in Massachusetts. Looking to make the shift to or improve your organic growing, but don’t know where to start? Join our Growing Organic Together monthly calls! This is a supportive, welcoming space where people of all backgrounds come together to learn, share, and grow. Each month, we explore new ways to incorporate organic and sustainable practices into our growing spaces, with guidance from a variety of experts and a community that encourages growth and connection. Whether you're small or large scale farming, looking to improve your Organic Systems Plan or simply interested in the organic movement, you’ll find inspiration and support here. We will be centering topics of transition to Organic.
Building Soil for Agroforestry with IMOs (Indigenous Microorganisms)
197 Summit St. Plainfield MA 197 Summit St., Plainfield, United StatesIn this workshop, we’ll work backward through the IMO process, focusing on IMO4, a core practice of Korean Natural Farming (KNF). Rather than making IMOs from scratch, we’ll use fully prepared IMO4 to build soil fertility. You’ll see how to apply IMO4 in the field alongside a terminated cover crop, which will provide green biomass to feed soil microbes and jumpstart nutrient cycling.