The soil is a complex environment, involving interactions between physical, chemical, geological, biological, and ecological forces.

How does the soil work as a whole system? In a world of specialists, this question is often not even on the radar screen.

As fossil fuels become more expensive, so will conventional fertility sources increase in cost. We need to use our time, energy, resources, and knowledge to build toward long term nutrient cycling and conservation, rather than constantly importing nutrients from far away.

This talk examines the soil as an ecosystem with an eye toward creating long-term soil health and self-renewing fertility, the way natural forest ecosystems do. This systems perspective offers practical solution-directions useful to farmers, gardeners, landscapers, and restorationists for site assessment, site preparation, plant selection, planting techniques, and ecosystem management.

Happening Tuesday, March 31st, 6:00PM - 8:00PM ET

Program Notes:

Accessing the Webinar:

Register here to receive the link for this webinar. The link will be included in a follow-up email confirming your registration.

Note that this session will not be recorded. No recording link will be sent to registered emails after the session. Please plan on attending live! 

Audience & Format: 

This program is designed for adult audiences. The presentation will begin shortly after 6PM and conclude at 7:30PM. Remaining time will be set aside for a live audience Q&A. 

To support community-building, this webinar will be hosted in Zoom's regular meeting format. While cameras may be on or off, note that other audience members will be visible in the meeting. 

Cost: 

The Horn Farm Center requests a minimum registration fee of $5 to join this program. Proceeds support the Horn Farm's mission to foster ecological learning through land stewardship, community partnership, and hands-on experiences. If you are able, we encourage you to contribute extra at registration. 

Cancellation: 

All programs are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will receive an email in the days preceding the program for any changes or cancellations. You can review our current Cancellation and Refund Policy here. 

About the Presenter:

Dave Jacke

Nationally-Acclaimed Ecological Designer & Agroforestry Expert

Dave Jacke, primary author of the award winning two-volume book Edible Forest Gardens, has studied ecology and design since the 1970s, and has run Dynamics Ecological Design since 1984. Dave has consulted on, designed, built, and planted landscapes, homes, farms, and communities in the many parts of the U.S., as well as overseas. He earned a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a minor in Land Use Planning from Simon's Rock College (1980) and a M.A. in Landscape Design from the Conway School of Landscape Design (1984). He now homesteads an eagle’s flight from the Connecticut River in Montague, MA.