The Sonoma Biochar Initiative and the Sonoma Ecology Center are pleased to announce our second Conservation Burn and Biochar Workshop this coming Friday March 27th at Circle Bar Ranch!

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 and conserve resources, especially carbon. You will also learn how to produce biochar, a valuable soil amendment, in the process.

Go here to register:  http://biochar2.bpt.me

These workshops feature both hands-on, in-the-field training and a classroom style component.

The early morning classroom session (8 A.M. to 10 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, including the scientific theory behind the process, safety and permitting considerations, pile construction, burn management, and maximizing production of biochar.

The late morning session (10:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.) will include hands-on field training using one pile of vines and vine trimmings.

A portion of the proceeds will support programs at both the Sonoma Biochar Initiative and the Sonoma Ecology Center. Please bring a bag lunch and a water container if you are staying for the extended training. Coffee and water will be available.