Friday, July 139 am- 5 pm

As part of  "The Year of Soil," Great River Greening is hosting a Soil Tour, with partners, Gustavus Adolphus College and the Nicollet Farm Bureau. Join us as we tour multiple farms and geologic sites within the Seven Mile Creek Watershed of Nicollet County, with stops for participants to discuss the ecological, economic, and ethical challenges of working with soil.Who is this event for?All are welcome! Experienced farmers and soil newcomers interested in the soil. Our conversations will draw on, and be enriched by, the wisdom of the members of the group, as we explore questions like: What is soil health? What do soil conservation practices do?Specific subjects include:

• Drainage control: just what is drain tile, anyway, and what does it do?

• Nutrient management: what’s the big deal with nitrogen? What’s so great about manure?

• Soil loss management: why do riverbanks erode? What’s a cover crop, and what does it do?

• Precision agriculture: how do farmers use technology to figure out what their soil needs, acre by acre? Do they all have a drone now?

Meet at the Information Desk, Jackson Campus Center, Gustavus Adolphus College. We will travel by air-conditioned bus. The day will involve considerable travel by foot over rough ground.

Registration Opens at  8:30, with a 9:00 departure.  The bus will return by 5:00. Registration is managed by Gustavus Adolphus College.

Cost

• $20, for the day, inclusive of lunch, snacks and transportation

• $10 for seniors and students

Register OnlineThe Year Of Soil is aimed at generating community interest and conversation about soil health throughout Nicollet County.  Events and activities are planned throughout the year. This tour is paired with a Linnaeus Symposium, July 12,  titled, Soil Stewardship: The Ground We Stand On. It will feature a series of presentations about soil, including the role of individuals, industry, and agriculture to care for the Earth, and conclude with the Taste of the Minnesota River Valley dinner.