Soil Health + Agroforestry Field Day at Victory Garden

Join the Milwaukee Urban Agriculture Network (MUAN), Michael Fields Agricultural Institute (MFAI), and Victory Garden Initiative (VGI) for an interactive soil health field day event focused on building and maintaining healthy soils.

Sessions will cover practical strategies for improving soil health, including the use of cover crops. Learn how to collect soil samples and where to send them for analysis. Participants will also learn how to read soil test results and make informed decisions based on those findings.

This field day at VGI's Urban Farm will highlight agroforestry installations in urban gardens and explore how they contribute to healthier soils, stronger food systems, and more resilient communities.

“Healthy soil is the foundation of thriving gardens, resilient food systems, and stronger communities. By learning how to care for the soil and build it up, we invest not only in the soil but also in the future of our land and our food."

-Dr. Esther Durairaj, MFAI Education Director, presenter

What to Expect:

10 - 10:30 am: Introductions

10:30 - 11:15 am: Cover Crops - Dr. Esther Durairaj, MFAI, and LaDonna Green, VGI

11:15 - 11:45 pm: Soil Sampling & Reading Your Results - Christine Johnson and Dr. Esther Durairaj, MFAI

11:45 - 12:30 pm: Lunch

12:30 - 1 pm: Agroforestry Basics - Tim Magner and Nolan Burkard, MFAI

Presenters:

Dr. Esther Durairaj, Education Director and Research Agronomist at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

LaDonna Green, Farm Manager at Victory Garden Inititative

Christine Johnson, Farmer Education Coordinator at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Tim Magner, Agroforestry Associate with Michael Fields Agricultural Insitute

Nolan Burkard, Research Technician at Michael Fields Agricultural Institute

Please bring a chair, a bottle of water, and sun protection. Bug Spray will be provided. Event is free but registration is required for the lunch order.

Sponsors:

We are grateful to USDA-SHARE and to the Herb Kohl Foundation for making this event possible.

Questions? Reach out to Dr. Esther Durairaj, MFAI Education Director, at eshekinah@michaelfields.org.