Every grower knows that successful cultivation is more than just planting a seed and waiting. It’s a dynamic blend of art, science, and deep connection with the living ecosystem beneath our feet. NOFA/Mass invites you to explore one of the most powerful — and often overlooked — tools for creating thriving gardens and farms: the microbial life in your soil.

In this interactive workshop, we’ll dive into the fascinating world of the Soil Food Web — the bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and other microscopic allies that form the foundation of soil health. You’ll learn how to assess and establish a healthy baseline of microbial life, and discover practices that bring soil biology into balance to support long-term organic fertility. This workshop is for growers of any experience who wish to learn more about soil microbes.

About:

Our Microbes event series is designed to engage growers with the importance of microbial life in the soil. Together, we venture to various farms to look at their growing practices and their microbial life. We learn about the different tools used to assess microbial populations and various practices to enhance its conditions. This year, we’re venturing to Groundwork Lawrence to look at urban soils.

Groundwork Lawrence (GWL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit working to improve environmental, economic, and social well-being in Lawrence, MA through community-driven initiatives. Programs include youth and adult education, employment initiatives, open space improvements, and community events. As part of their food program, GWL operates the Costello Urban Farm, 11 community gardens, and a year-round Farmers Market. These initiatives provide hands-on education in sustainable agriculture, increase access to fresh and culturally relevant food—especially for low-income residents—and promote community health. GWL integrates a Food is Medicine approach, offering cooking education and supporting SNAP, EBT, and HIP benefits to reduce diet-related health disparities and food insecurity.

About the Instructors:

Rubén Parrilla, 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.

Accessibility:

This site has bathroom facilities, access to public transportation, and there are seats available onsite.

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.  Rain date is September 10th at 4 PM.

Registration opens July 28. Sign up for the events newsletter for updates!

Questions?

Contact Hannah at [email protected]

This event is supported by Specialty Crop Block Grant Program funds from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR).