Savory Naturalist Series: Holistic Management and Soil Ecology

Dig in the dirt and bring up some deep knowledge on soil health with UNCA’s Asst. Professor Jake Hagedorn. Start off by learning about our holistic management from Farm Director Virginia, and how our regenerative practices depend on a deep connection with soil and an understanding of its indicators. Curious about holistic management but unsure where to start? This will be a great chance to learn about creating a context, defining a future resource base, and planned grazing in an applied setting!

We will be getting down in the ground to look at the soil profile and see how the roots of our pastures’ plants create an entire ecosystem underneath our feet. Jake will talk about the history of our mountain soils, soil formation, soil ecology, and the ecosystem processes that allow us to grow food.

Attendees will break for an included biscuit brunch from butcher Brian’s kitchen. When attending classes, you will receive a 5% discount in the Farm Store & Butchery! Tickets can be purchased at the link provided.

About Jake:

Jake is an assistant professor of Environmental Studies at UNC Asheville. He received his BS in Environmental Studies from UNC Asheville, MS in Geosciences from Pennsylvania State University and PhD in Environmental Science from University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. He teaches soil science, agriculture and energy courses at UNC Asheville. His research focuses on assessing how farm management decisions and best management practices impact water, soil, and air quality. Understanding the complex role soil has in the biogeochemical nutrient cycling is essential for examining environmental concepts like pollution tradeoffs or soil carbon sequestration potential. He also loves chatting about tiny houses.