Conservation Burn and Biochar Workshop
Conservation Burn and Biochar 101 Workshop
The Sonoma Biochar Initiative and the Sonoma Ecology Center are pleased to announce a Conservation Burn and Biochar Workshop at Circle Bar Ranch from 9 A.M. to 1 P.M. on Tuesday January 19th.
These workshops feature both hands-on, in-the-field training and a classroom style component.
The morning classroom session (9 A.M. to 9:45 A.M) will focus on biochar itself, including why it works to improve soil, the benefits of using it in both animal and plant agriculture, how to properly condition it prior to use, and how to apply it. Conservation burn theory and methodology will also be covered along with safety and permitting considerations, pile construction, burn management, and maximizing production of biochar.
The second session (10 A.M. to 1 P.M.) will include hands-on field training using a pile of vines and vine trimmings.
Workshop proceeds help support programs at the Sonoma Biochar Initiative and the Sonoma Ecology Center.
By replacing conventional open burn methods with the conservation burn you can significantly reduce emissions (visible smoke and invisible chemicals and particles) from agricultural burns in your community while also producing biochar, a valuable soil amendment, in the process.
Who should attend:
Anyone with woody surplus who normally does an open burn, or who is interested in biochar, such as:
Vineyard, orchard and row crop managers
Medical marijuana farmers
Land managers
Environmental Sciences Students
Ecologists
Forestry and tree contractors
Fire Service Personnel
Attendees that wish to help should come ready to do some physical labor to help manage the burn piles. Please wear ONLY fire retardant or heavy cotton clothing (NO polyester), work gloves, eye cover, and leather work boots if you wish to participate.
The Workshop fee is $50.
REGISTER HERE!
For more information:
Contact Raymond Baltar / 707 291-3240
raymond@sonomabiocharinitiative.org