Project Purpose
The Regenerating Soil & Community 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 article about this project:
Newly Awarded Grant Spurs a Collaborative Soilution to a Wicked Problem
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?
This project and its funding are designed to support farmers who have been historically underserved by federal programs and policies. Landowners, co-owners, and operators within project boundaries who identify as a member of one of the following groups can participate:
- Women (sole owner, co-owner, or operator)
- Beginning farmers
- Tribal members
- People of color
- Veterans
- Individuals meeting socioeconomic requirements
Reach out with Questions or Interest
Megan Giorgenti
Watershed Coordinator
Trout Run
563-929-6979
megan.giorgenti@dnr.iowa.gov
Jodi Enos-Berlage
Team Lead
Regenerating Soil & Community
563-387-1554 (Voicemail)
regensoilcommunity@gmail.com
Sophia Campbell
Watershed Coordinator
Yellow River Headwaters
563-419-0091
sophia.campbell@ia.nacdnet.net