Nestled along the west side of Pomona Hill, is Angie's Farm, a small-scale sustainable farm owned and operated by the Kuehl Family. Angie, her brother, Colin, and their father, Larry, are passionate about sustainability and see themselves as good stewards of the land. Larry began experimenting with biochar creation several years ago as a way to enrich their soil for their family garden.
During the field day, they demonstrated how to make biochar in a backyard setting, with items you may have on the farm or that are readily available to farmers. Field ecologist Alex Barnes, who researched biochar at SIU, was also on hand to answer questions of the benefits of biochar and how it can be used on the farm. Barnes studied biochar's potential as an organic pest control method and established a biochar creation program. She currently works as a project supervisor with Urban Habitat Chicago, supporting community gardens and creating biochar from local waste. Representatives from American Farmland Trust were also there to discuss Perennial Bioenergy Cropping Systems.
Thank you to all who attended our first Field Day of the season at Angie's Farm.
Below you will find the contacts for each of our speakers as well as links to their affiliated websites.
Shrub Willow Growing Guide.pdf
Angie's Farm
[email protected]
Alex Barnes [email protected]
Bio Char
American Farmland Trust
Marlee Giacometi [email protected]
Project website https://farmland.org/project/illinois-perennial-bioenergy-crop-diversification-project/