*This event was rescheduled from its original date of February 21 due to weather-related safety concerns.*

Learn about biochar—how to make it from unwanted biomass, and about its many ecological and agricultural applications.

PVAS Host: Lori Lilly, Daniel Stern, Cybee Bloss

Free and open to the public. All ages are welcome, though youth must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required

PVMN Continuing Education and Volunteer Credit Eligible

What is biochar? In this hands-on demonstration, you’ll learn how to create biochar from unwanted organic matter (we’ll be using recently removed Autumn Olive shrubs as feedstock), how to safely operate a biochar kiln, and learn about new methods for managing non-native species and enhancing forest resiliency.
(Rain date: March 7)

• Walking Distance: 1 mile or less
• Pace/Activities: Self-paced
• Exposure: Mostly open, some canopy cover
• Terrain: Mostly mowed grass.
• Restroom: There will be restrooms available in the Great Barn (close to parking, a quarter mile walk from the burn site). There will be signs to point you in the right direction.
• Parking/Where to Meet:
  • Park here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bSdbdQqaV6sy3hw69 (or enter 39°15’47.2″”N 77°54’35.1″”W into your Maps app)
  • Then walk to burn location here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/op7ARaFy6Mx6cAax5 (or enter 39°15’56.5″”N 77°54’27.3″”W into your Maps app)
• What to Bring:  Bring water and a lunch to stay hydrated and energized! Please dress for the weather and avoid wearing nylon or other flammable materials. Sturdy boots are recommended, and bring work gloves if you have them (we’ll have some available if needed). If possible, bring loppers, a handsaw, or pruners to help with the work. Bring a bucket to take some biochar home with you!

Register Here!

About Lori: Founder and Executive Director of Howard EcoWorks, a nonprofit organization based out of Columbia, MD that engages and educates the community about environmental sustainability and restoration, while creating pathways to green jobs.

About Daniel: Daniel Stern is a land steward at Claymont, where he’s involved in projects to improve the health and biodiversity of forests and waterways on the land.

About Cybee: Cybee Bloss (they/them) is a lifelong ecology student and land steward at Claymont.