Expert set to lead biochar workshops next month in Sisters

Published 12:30 am Tuesday, February 7, 2023

Roundhouse Foundation, School of Ranch, and High Desert Food & Farm Alliance will present “Burn with Benefits: an Intro to Biochar” workshop led by Kelpie Wilson of Wilson Biochar.

Biochar has caught the attention of farmers, ranchers, and forest management officials all over the country. This workshop series is a chance to work with and learn from an expert in the field.

First, an online discussion and informational webinar will be 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 2. Then there will be a live demonstration on Saturday, March 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pine Meadow Ranch in Sisters.

Attendees will learn how to set up and conduct burns with and without kilns, the appropriate size of kiln for each use, and how to turn charcoal into biochar at any scale.

This workshop is intended for people who want to tap into the benefits of biochar who work acreage both large and small or are responsible for forest management. Attendees will be able to ask questions from a leading expert in the field, Kelpie Wilson. Wilson has worked in the biochar industry since 2008 and was a founding board member of the U.S. Biochar Initiative.

She manages the Biochar in the Woods network to promote biochar production to benefit native ecosystems. She lives in rural Oregon, where she makes biochar compost and grows a large organic vegetable garden.

Registration for general attendance is pay-what-you-can, and cost is covered for HDFFA Partners and U.S. Forest Service employees.

A few notes about safety for the live event: Active burns will take place in a forested section of ranch. If burning ash lands on synthetics it can melt, so please wear appropriate outerwear, pants, and shoes suitable for fire safety, weather, and the woods. The live event will take place rain or shine.

In addition, snacks and coffee will be provided, but attendees are welcome and encouraged to bring their own food and beverages.

To register for this series and learn more about biochar and the participating organizations, head to https://schoolofranch.org/w-biochar.