Soil Ecology Workshops

June 25, 2022 10:00am - 4pm: SOLD OUT

Saturday October 1, 2022 10:00am - 4pm SOLD OUT

This comprehensive and inspiring workshop will provide participants an opportunity to further their understanding of the vast world of soil biology. Come see first hand how rethinking your soil management practices reduces weed, disease, and pest pressure, resulting in less labor, increased soil moisture retention, as well as healthier and better tasting crops.

Curriculum: 

  • Extensive farm tour demonstrating the Holistic Farming methods we utilize. (Note: we have 1.5 acres in production which include 3/4 acre in intensive vegetable production and 3/4 acre in laying hens and an orchard. The no till methods we use can be used in systems up to 4 acres).

  • Soil Basics- parent material, soil texture and soil structure- what you need to understand about how these elements relate to microbial life and the health of your plants.

  • The role of microorganisms in the soil

  • Nutrient cycling and microbial communication in the soil.

  • How to support soil ecology on the farm.

  • Compaction- causes and no-till solutions

  • The Four Principals of Soil Health: you will have the opportunity to see first hand how we incorporate each of them on the farm.

  • No-till tools and techniques and how to transition your existing soil management practices into a minimal soil disturbance operation. 

  • Multi cropping and cover cropping without tillage.

  • How we utilize occultation (tarping) in the winter and early spring months.

Instructor: Jen Aron

I've spent the past twelve years as a farmer and educator in the Pacific Northwest. I learned how to farm from a "conventional organic" farming lens, but after about six years, I realized these methods were not working for me. My pest and disease pressure were absurd and my yields suffered as a result. Something needed to change in the way I managed my farm.

I have spent hundreds of hours studying the complexities of soil microbial life, doing on farm trials, and creating an approachable and inspiring curriculum specifically for growers.

Please fill out the form below to register for the October Workshop.

Cost: $75.

*Free Admission for the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) community.

Location:  Workshop will be held at Blue Raven Farm in Corbett, OR

Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm

What to Bring: Workshop will take place outdoors and will be rain or shine.

  • Please be ready for inclement weather

  • For spring workshops, rain gear is a must.

  • Lunch and snacks to get you through a day of learning.

  • Water bottle

  • Closed toe shoes

  • Pen/pencil and notebook for taking notes- handout will also be provided.

  • Anything else you may need to be comfortable for the day (Summer workshops- sunscreen, hat, etc.) 

Refund policy 

  • Cancellations made at least 10 days prior to the event will be refunded at 100%.

  • Cancellations made within 5-9 days of the event will be refunded at 75%.

  • Cancellations made within 1-4 days of the event will be refunded at 50%.

  • Refunds will not be made available for cancellations the day of the event.