En español

Embark on a captivating exploration of soil biology in our Biological Diversity workshop. Journey into the dynamic world of soil microbes, organic matter, and decomposition as we unravel the essential role of biological processes in soil health. Through hands-on activities and insightful demonstrations, participants will gain a deeper understanding of microbial communities and their impact on soil fertility and resilience. This workshop will cover microbial collections techniques that the NOFA/Mass soil technical team employs  to assess and enhance biological diversity in their agricultural systems. Whether you’re a farmer, gardener, or environmental enthusiast, this workshop offers invaluable knowledge and practical skills to cultivate thriving soils and sustainable landscapes.

NOFA/Mass is happy to provide travel stipends to all BIPOC and/or beginning farmer participants in this workshop. 

Schedule/Agenda:

10:00 – 10:15 AM | Welcome & Introductions

10:15 – 10:45 AM | Soil as a Living System

10:45 – 11:30 AM | Hands-On Discovery Stations 

11:30 – 12:15 PM | DIY Microbial Collection & Cultivation Techniques

12:15 – 12:45 PM | Lunch Break

12:45 – 1:50 PM | Assessing Soil Biology – Tools & Techniques from the NOFA/Mass Soil Team

1:50 – 2:00 PM | Closing Circle & Wrap-Up

About:

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project’s incubator farm in Beverly, MA hosts 12 beginning farm businesses growing diversified vegetables using sustainable practices. By hosting soil health events at New Entry this year, we hope to make an exciting environment for beginning and newer farmers.  New Entry is a place to meet up and discuss foundational practices for optimal growing conditions, and how to be not only well equipped but also a leader in your on-farm soil health journey.  All farmers are welcome, regardless of their farming experience.

The incubator provides access to land, irrigation, equipment, and shared infrastructure, along with training and technical support to help new farmers launch and grow their operations. In addition to the incubator plots, New Entry also runs its own production areas that include both reduced-till hand-scale beds and tractor-scale fields. The farm is part of New Entry’s mission to build a more resilient local food system by supporting the next generation of farmers.

About the Instructors:

Rubén Parilla, Soil Technical Coordinator, NOFA/Mass 

Rubén is a Certified Lab Tech with 15 years of experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. He leads and performs all components of NOFA/Mass soil technical services and has extensive experience farming and working with growers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education for NOFA/Mass through monthly farmer learning calls, hands-on workshops and instructional events, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. Finalmente, Rubén es bilingüe y quiere saber de usted.

More Information:

Portions of our farm tour will cover uneven terrain.  We want to make sure your accessibility needs are met during the event. Please share with us your needs regarding (but not limited to): physical accessibility, allergies, noise, scent, gender, intellectual accessibility, and any instructions or tips to help you fully participate. 

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy:

For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here. 

Questions?

Contact Ruben at [email protected]

About the Project:

These projects are made possible by the support of:

The USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides grants to organizations for education, mentoring and technical assistance initiatives for beginning farmers and ranchers. NOFA/Mass is providing this programming through a partnership with the Pocasset Pokanoket Land Trust.