2024 Northeast Luminary Tour

“She changed how I think! Her research and practical insights have illuminated the intricate relationship between plants and soil, like no other expert I have experienced. We are so excited to be able to bring Christine to New England. She is not to be missed”

Meghan Sheradin, VGFA Executive Director

Dr. Christine Jones is an internationally renowned and highly respected groundcover and soil ecologist. She has a wealth of experience working with landholders to implement regenerative land management practices that enhance biodiversity, increase biological activity, sequester carbon, activate soil nutrient cycles, restore water balance, improve productivity, and create new topsoil.

Christine has organized and participated in workshops, field days, seminars, and conferences throughout Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Western Europe, Central America, USA and Canada and has a strong publication and presentation record.

The New England Grazing Network is happy to bring Christine Jones to New England in our first summer luminary series. This is an event series focused on bringing new ideas and wisdom to our region and is focused on facilitating knowledge-sharing and discussion. This year’s series is collaboratively hosted by New England Grazing Network partners. Details on the 2024 Workshop series are below.

Soil as a Living System With Christine Jones Workshop – Description:

Come spend the day with renowned groundcover and soils ecologist, Christine Jones. Discover the transformative power of soil health and plant vitality in an engaging presentation by Dr. Jones herself. Christine Jones has not been to the US in many years. This is a unique opportunity to dig deep into the relationship between plants and the soil microbiomes, build your understanding of how the soil really works, and how we can use this understanding to improve our businesses.

There will be three workshops held across the region. The workshops will last six-hours and have a field visit in the afternoon. The 4th workshop focused on a deep dive and discussion will be available to participants who attended one of the first three workshops.

Workshop Details:

The same workshop is being held at three locations, driving directions provided upon registration.

Tuesday, June 4th – Conn. River Valley, VT Soil as a Living System

Thursday, June 6th – Freeport, ME Soil as a Living System

Saturday, June 8th – Johnsonville, NY Soil as a Living System

Monday, June 10th – Shelburne, VT * Deep Dive into Biological Pathways in Plants and Soils (Must attend at least one of the previous workshops to attend)

Tickets and Registration:

Registration is required.

Tickets are offered at a sliding scale, with a suggested cost of $30 for farmers and $60 for general admission and technical assistance providers.

Please note that this workshop is generously supported through grant funding to cover program content. Ticket costs reflect the cost of food which includes lunch and light refreshments. No one will be turned away for lack of funds.

COLLABORATIVELY ORGANIZED AND HOSTED BY:

The New England Grazing Network. The 2024 Workshop Partners include Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, Vermont Grass Farmers Association, University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Cornell Cooperative Extension Capital Area Ag & Hort. Program, Northeast Pasture Consortium.

GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED BY:

The Cedar Tree Foundation, USDA-NRCS Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI), National Grazing Lands Coalition.