Get down and dirty and explore the secret world of soil microbes. This 2-day, interactive workshop is perfect for formal and informal educators who love good dirt – school & community garden coordinators, science & museum center staff, traditional & non-traditional teachers - anyone who is serious about soil. Join us for a series of hands-on, expert-led sessions to learn about science of soil and how to apply microbe-friendly practices to improve the hidden life that gives health to our soils.

Meet the scientists from the Fierer Lab Group who are doing cutting-edge microbial research. Learn about their research work as they seek to answer questions about the hidden life on our planet:

•What are these mysterious microorganisms that make up the greatest amount of biodiversity on our planet?

•How do we explore the microbial diversity found on us, in us, and all around us?

•How do microbes impact our lives and the world we live in?

Workshop topics with hands-on sessions include:

•Introduction to microbial diversity

•Soil analyses investigations

•Explore the diversity of soil organisms

•Assess the microbial activity of soil

•Compost tea home-brewing & use

•Tours of microbial research lab & organic grounds management facility