Join us in a 2-day intensive seminar with Australian soil microbiologist and climate scientist Walter Jehne to explore how we can restore the living, water-holding, cooling, soil carbon sponge that used to cover most of the land around us.

Walter Jehne –founder of Healthy Soils Australia, and one of the early researchers on glomalin, myccorhizal fungi, and root ecology– will be the main presenter each day, coming to Yellow Springs as part of his US teaching tour on The Soil Carbon Sponge.

He’ll be joined by Permaculture Activist Peter Bane in a participatory discussion about how we can work with other species to regenerate the underground infrastructure that drives our climates and makes life on land possible. Peter is the author of The Permaculture Handbook: Garden Farming for Town and Country, and a frequent contributor to Permaculture Design magazine (formerly Permaculture Activist). He currently serves on the board of the Permaculture Institute of North America and is at work on a book about biological approaches to climate cooling.

In this workshop, we will explore the application of the new soil and water paradigm to farming practices, suburban homesteads, and urban design. We are welcoming farmers, researchers, climate activists, gardeners, students and teachers, and community members enthralled by soil. Seating is limited, so register early!

Friday, May 4, 9:00-5:00

The history, formation, and function of the soil carbon sponge--an overview of the living matrix that soaks up rain, filters water, cools and hydrates landscapes, influences weather patterns, and provides the structural and functional foundation for all of life on land.

Saturday, May 5, 9:00-5:00

Opportunities for systemic change: How regenerating the soil carbon sponge can help:

• Prevent flooding, drought, wildfires, and erosion
• Reduce runoff and clean up of algae blooms
• Rehydrate desertifying landscapes
• Improve air quality
• Improve the health of people, plants, and animals

We’ll be spending time outside in Agraria to see how practices can be applied on the ground. Registration includes lunches.

Also join us for a public discussion on the Soil Carbon Sponge on Wednesday evening, May 3rd at 7 pm at Agraria!

In addition to Community Solutions, the Soil Carbon Sponge Workshop is also sponsored by the Great Rivers and Lakes Permaculture Institute, and by the Permaculture Institute of North America. We're very grateful for our co-sponsors.