Sustainable Soil Practices:
Managing Soil Health on Your Site

AGENDA (PDF)

Learn all about best practices for soil management, from analysis to action!

Through a combination of lecture, hands-on activities, and teamwork, attendees will learn about soil texture, chemistry, and biology, and how to interpret soil test results. We’ll introduce new testing approaches that offer insights into overall soil health and discuss innovative applications to address soil problems, meet stormwater requirements, restore construction-impacted soils, and develop a soil management plan. The day will end with a discussion of best practices for disturbed-soil remediation, techniques to promote long-term soil health, and the science behind why mulch matters even more than you may know! Content will be relevant to those working in both traditional landscape settings and natural area restoration.

Professional Credits: APLD-3, CERP-5, CPH-5, ecoPRO-5, ISA-5.5, LA CES-5.75, NALP/WALP-5
ISA Credit Breakdown: Cert. Arb.-5.5, Mun. Sp.-5.5, BCMA-Sci-2.25, BCMA-Prac.-2.25, BCMA-Man.-1, TW Climb.-5.5, TW Aerial-5.5

RESOURCE LIST (PDF)

Speakers:

• David McDonald, Resource Conservation Planner, Seattle Public Utilities  (david.mcdonald@seattle.gov)
  • How to Read Your Soil (Presentation PDF)
  • Stormwater Requirements and Protecting & Restoring Construction-Impacted Soils (Presentation PDF)
• Roy Farrow, Grounds Supervisor, UW Botanic Gardens (farrow@uw.edu)
  • Demystifying Soil Chemistry (Presentation PDF)
• Christina Pfeiffer, Horticulture Consultant & Educator and Consulting Associate at Urban Forestry Services, Inc. (capfeiffer@comcast.net)
  • Mulch Matters Handout (PDF)

Contact: urbhort@uw.edu / 206-685-8033