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Unlock the mysteries of soil chemistry in our Chemical Harmony Workshop. Dive into the fascinating realm of nutrient management and soil analysis as we explore the intricate balance of elements essential for healthy plant growth. Through engaging activities and hands-on demonstrations, participants will learn how to collect soil samples effectively and analyze chemical properties using refractometers and soil probes. From understanding nutrient chelation to the basics of fermentation techniques, this workshop offers valuable insights into optimizing soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture. Join us to discover the secrets hidden within the soil and harness the power of chemistry to nurture thriving ecosystems and bountiful harvests.

Cost: Free

NOFA/Mass is happy to provide travel stipends to all BIPOC and/or beginning farmer participants in this workshop. To submit a request for a travel stipend, please email Sara Riegler at [email protected] and include: 1) the event you attended (date, time, location) 2) your starting location 3) total mileage and 4) the name and address you’d like us to send a check to.

Schedule/Agenda:

9:30 am – 10:00 am – Arrival and mingling

10:00 am – 10:15am – Introductions

10:15 am – 10:45 am – Soil Sampling Demonstration

10:45 am – 12:00 pm – Refractometer Demonstration

12:00 pm – 12:30 pm – Break

12:30 pm – 1:00 pm – Multimeter Demonstration

1:00 pm – 1:45 pm – Chelation and Fermentation demonstration

1:45 pm – 2:00 pm – Wrap Up & Thank You

Light refreshments will be provided. Consider bringing your own lunch.

About the Farm: 

Woven Roots Farm is a traditional, hand-scale vegetable farm, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and education center located on unceded Mohican land in the present-day southern Berkshire hills of western Massachusetts. Through a deep relationship with the land and one another, we commit to feeding, educating, and empowering our community members by co-creating equitable pathways to become healthier individuals, ethical growers, and caretakers of the earth and one another.

 

About the Instructors:

Rubén Parilla (he/him) is the Soil Technical Coordinator for NOFA/Mass and trained in microscopic soil microbial identification through the Soil Food Web School. He is a Certified Lab Tech and studied Environmental Design at the University of Puerto Rico. Rubén has 15 years’ experience working at different capacities in the environmental laboratory industry. He has been performing soil carbon proxy testing, soil health assessments, soil chemical analysis, and soil microbiological evaluations for NOFA/Mass over the past year and has extensive experience farming and working with farmers, including beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers. Rubén performs soil health-related outreach and education events for NOFA/Mass by leading monthly farmer learning calls, providing hands-on workshops and instruction at soil health education events, and networking with farmers and individuals in the agricultural industry. He is a fluent and native Spanish speaker and fully English/Spanish bilingual.

 

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.

Accessibility:

Cushioned folding chairs available on site. Composting toilet with one step-up is currently available.

Greyhound has a bus depot in the neighboring town of Lee. A rideshare can be arranged from that site. 

This site has uneven terrain and inclines in varying areas. Accessibility parking is available as well as a golf cart that a farm member can escort an individual with.

More Information:

Masks are not currently required at this location but are welcomed. If you don’t feel fully healthy, we ask you to stay at home.

Parking

Parking area is to the left of the driveway and is one-way. Please note entrance and exit signs upon arrival. Two accessibility spots are located closer to the barn. To access them, make a right once in the driveway and drive up in front of the barn. Look for blue signs on the right.

Google Map:

Woven Roots Farm

Capacity:

Capacity for this event is limited to 25 people. Register ahead of time to secure your space and please notify us if you cannot attend. 

Questions?

Contact Ruben at [email protected]