Project Purpose
The Regenerating Soil & Community (RSC) team is working to build partnerships between local landowners, co-owners, and operators who wish to expand their knowledge of soil health and regenerative farming practices. Through tailored explorations of soil health, collaborative educational sessions, and community building, this project will help participants to engage with conservation practices and connect with area resources and expertise.
Read articles about this project:
- Successful debut for Regenerating Soil and Community Project!
- Newly Awarded Grant Spurs a Collaborative Soilution to a Wicked Problem
- Growing Hope: Innovative Local Partnership Secures Major Soil Health Grant
Watch the Soul of Soil Performance: A Tapestry of Origin and Return, directed by RSC members Jane Hawley and Jodi Enos-Berlage.
Regenerative Agriculture Travel Bingo Cards (developed by RSC team):
Project Overview
Who
Our team includes Luther College student researchers and mentors, local watershed coordinators, the Winneshiek County SWCD, and NE Iowa RC&D.
What
Opportunities to learn, network, and have increased access to human and financial resources in a small cohort of landowners and operators.
When
Project activities will take place over the summer and fall of 2024, with additional opportunities for new participants in 2025 and 2026.
Where
Within 25 miles of Decorah, encompassing portions of six counties and five active watershed projects. The project area and priority watersheds are outlined at right/below.
What does this program offer?
- Free soil health and water quality testing
- Opportunity to confidentially express perspectives through individual interviews and a $100 honorarium for each project interview
- Connection with a small cohort of project participants and broader network of soil health professionals
- Strengths-based leadership workshops
- Technical expertise and financial support to develop and implement a conservation plan
- Collaborative engagement with students to learn about soil health and contribute to their education
What is expected of participants?
- Commit to one season of project involvement (estimated total time commitment: 10-15 hours)
- Provide land access for soil health analysis and optional water testing
- Share known land management history
- Participate in two interviews with project partners regarding experiences, needs, and perspectives as a landowner, co-owner, or operator
- Engage in at least two project events (networking events, workshops, laboratory visits)
Eligibility: Who can participate?
Farms must be within 25 miles of Decorah, an area encompassing portions of six counties and five active watershed projects. Eligible participants include landowners, co-owners, and operators that identify as women, beginning farmers, those with limited resources, veterans, and socially disadvantaged. Farms within active watersheds will be prioritized, but any farm within the designated radius will be considered.
Reach out with Questions or Interest
Jodi Enos-Berlage
Team Lead
Regenerating Soil & Community
563-387-1554 (Voicemail)
enosbejo@luther.edu
Sophia Campbell
Watershed Coordinator
Trout Run / Siewers Spring Watershed
563-929-6979
sophia.campbell@dnr.iowa.gov