The Texas Master Naturalist, Hill Country Chapter, invites the public to a free presentation titled Managing Soil as an Ecosystem on Monday, July 28, at 7 p.m. at the Guadalupe Basin Natural Resources Center, 125 Lehmann Drive, Suite 100, in Kerrville.
The featured speaker is Jane Duke, Ph.D., a citizen scientist and expert in soil regeneration, who will discuss the Soil Food Web — a complex network of organisms in the soil that contribute to nutrient recycling, water regulation, and carbon sequestration.
“Understanding soil as a functioning ecosystem allows us to work with nature to grow healthier plants and improve environmental outcomes,” Duke said.
The presentation will explore the principles of soil succession, ways to evaluate microorganisms in the soil, and how to use compost, compost teas and extracts to enhance soil regeneration.
Duke became involved in soil health while managing a horse farm and crop fields in North and West Texas. She holds an M.A. in Environmental Philosophy from the University of North Texas and a Ph.D. in Consumer Economics and Environmental Design from Texas Tech University. She is currently a board member of the Elm Fork Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists and coordinates the NICE (Natives Improve and Conserve Environments) program for the Trinity Forks Native Plant Society of Texas. She is also active in Texas Organic Food & Growers and the Texas Beekeepers Association.
Doors open at 6 p.m. with light refreshments. A short chapter business meeting begins at 6:30 p.m., and the main presentation follows at 7 p.m. Attendees can join in person or virtually via Facebook livestream or Zoom. To attend via Zoom, pre-register at: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/84850885770.
The Hill Country Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is part of a statewide volunteer program sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. The chapter serves ten counties: Bandera, Edwards, Gillespie, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Mason, Menard, Real and San Saba. Those interested in joining or learning more can visit https:// txmn.org/hillcountry.
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