In 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 Red Fire Farm to transform a portion of their working landscape into a refugia for at-risk native bees, butterflies and moths through the incorporation of biodiverse, perennial and productive native plant communities.

About:

Red Fire Farm is a diversified produce farm that grows over 50 different vegetable and fruit crops, with a 200-acre farm yard in Montague that is half forested, and a farm yard in Granby consisting of 100 acres of farmland, 30 acres of rough former pasture, and some associated swamp and forest land. The two properties allow more effective soil building and crop rotation than could be achieved on either piece individually. Red Fire Farm uses certified organic farming practices on all of their vegetable and berry crops with goals of maintaining soil health, improving the overall farm ecosystem, and producing food that is safe and nutritious to eat. Their tree fruit orchards use a low spray IPM approach for managing insect and fungal pests, but are herbicide-free and use only organic approved fertilizers. Many of the crops they grow are heavily reliant on insects for successful pollination. This includes cucumbers, melons, squashes, apples, peaches, pears, strawberries and blueberries, which, due to their long tubular blossoms, need the long tongues of bumblebees in particular. With this in mind, Red Fire Farm is interested in projects that will help enhance the success of pollinators and beneficial insects in and around their crop fields.

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.

Evan Abramson, Founder and Principal, Landscape Interactions Evan Abramson grew up amongst the museums and parks of New York City, where early exposure to ancient art, cultures, animals and plants left lasting impressions upon his abilities to create and organize images, color, light and form. Drawing on his diverse experience as a regional planner, landscape designer, farmer, community organizer, filmmaker and photojournalist, Evan designs landscapes and corridors that build biodiversity and resilience to a changing climate at the ecosystems level. As Founder and Principal of Landscape Interactions, he works closely with project partners along every step of the process, from conception through design, implementation and maintenance. Under his leadership, Landscape Interactions has been responsible for over 380 acres of habitat installed in the Northeast United States, specifically targeting at-risk bee, butterfly and moth species for each project location.

Ryan Voiland, Owner and Manager, Red Fire Farm Ryan began his farming career when he was a middle school student in Montague. With the encouragement and support of his father and mother, he opened a small stand where he sold wild berries that he picked. Over the course of high school Ryan took over and expanded the family garden with plans to grow more vegetables for his farm stand. By the time he reached college, Ryan was renting additional farm land and selling his produce at farmer’s markets and to wholesale customers in addition to the Montague farm stand. After graduating from Cornell University with a degree in Fruit and Vegetable horticulture in 2000, Ryan pursued his goal of securing a permanent property for his farm business. With financing assistance from the Farm Service Agency and Farm Credit East, Ryan purchased the Granby farmstead. Ryan has now been farming in Granby for 15 years, and it has been over 30 years since he took over his parent’s garden and became an organic farmer. Ryan is delighted that his passion for growing organic food continues to make a positive impact on the local food supply.

About the Project: Join Landscape Interactions and NOFA/Mass for an array of hands-on workshops this season, as they partner with farmers and community gardeners across Western Massachusetts to implement a series of scalable, replicable designs and land management practices that incorporate biodiverse, native pollinator-supporting vegetation. Funded by a Healthy Soils Action Grant from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA),

Healthy Soil through Maximum Biodiversity aims to demonstrate that enhancing plant diversity and supporting at-risk pollinators leads to healthier soils, increased soil organic carbon sequestration and improved ecosystem function. Whether your farm is urban or rural, large or small-scale, your production livestock or vegetable-based, there are gleanings to take home from this project. Workshops offered in the 2025 season include soil analysis and on-site data collection, site preparation, native pollinator life cycle requirements, native plant and seed installation as well as short and long-term maintenance.  

Accessibility: Participants will have to walk a short distance and wade through about 12 inches of water to access the project site. It is recommended to wear waders or other waterproof footwear.

More Information: Portions of our workshop will cover uneven terrain, and a small stream will have to be crossed to access the project location. Please wear waders or other waterproof footwear, and be prepared to stand outside in the sun. Participants are encouraged to bring water, sunblock and repellant. For those that have trouble standing for extended periods of time, it is recommended to bring portable seating.

Refund/Inclement Weather Policy: Rain date: Sunday, April 20 at the same time. For information on our refund and inclement weather policy, click here. 

Capacity: Capacity for this event is limited to 50 people. Please register ahead of time to secure your space.

Questions? Contact 646-244-8380 or [email protected]