Details:

We will dive into soils, including feeling, smelling, and observing different soils as we discuss how to maintain a healthy soil and soil food web. Focusing on greener lawn alternatives and conversions to include pollinator and native plant gardens as well as more natural ways to take care of your lawn/landscape.

Then we will move on to the moving story of how a popular pole bean from the 1890s fell into disuse, only to be resurrected by one of Worcester’s own growers who tracked it down at an Iowa seed savers exchange in 2021. Jen Burt will share the story of how they have brought this bean back from the past and is now sharing both the story of this bean and its seeds.

Soil health presentation led by Bethany Nichols of Worcester County Conservation District (WCCD): Bethany Nichols is a Massachusetts-born environmental educator who loves working outdoors and connecting people with nature. She has a Master’s of Science in Outdoor and Environmental Education from Alaska Pacific University.

Worcester Mammoth Bean presentation lead by Jen Burt of WCCD: Jen Burt is a farmer and seed saver living in Worcester. After years as a vegetable farmer, Jen is learning about a wider range of plants as Plant Sales Coordinator for WCCD. Outside of work, they edit the newspaper, Happiness Pony, an outlet for their love of local history, nature, and art. It was through Happiness Pony they discovered the Worcester Mammoth Horticultural Bean.