Soil Health Workshop Series
Soil Health Workshop Series
Hosted by Jackson Soil and Water Conservation District
Free & open to the public
All Classes located at our district office: 89 Alder St. Central Point, OR 97502
Designed for landowners, gardeners, and small-acreage managers. Take the full series or drop in for a single session.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Class 1: Soil Health 101
🗓 Saturday, October 25
🕙 10:00 – 11:00 AM
🎤Presenters: Josh Bilbao, JSWCD and Nan Xu, OSU Extension
📍 JSWCD District Office, 89 Alder St. Central Point, OR 97502
Soil is more than just dirt—it’s a living, breathing system full of microbes, fungi, and organic matter. This foundational class covers how healthy soil supports plant growth, stores water, resists erosion, and cycles nutrients.
You’ll learn:
- What makes soil “healthy” (structure, texture, biology, organic matter)
- How to recognize early signs of soil problems like compaction, poor drainage, or bare ground
- How simple changes—like keeping soil covered and reducing disturbance—can make a big impact
- Tools and tests you can use at home to assess your own soil
Includes a hands-on soil demonstration to visualize soil function and water movement.
Class 2: Managing Weeds, Water & Vegetation
🗓 Saturday, November 1
🕙 10:00 – 11:00 AM
🎤Presenter: Josh Bilbao, JSWCD
📍 JSWCD District Office, 89 Alder St. Central Point, OR 97502
Do invasive species seem to take over every year? Are parts of your land too wet, too dry, or constantly bare? This class explores how thoughtful vegetation management can improve both plant health and soil function.
You’ll learn:
- Why weeds and invasives thrive in degraded or disturbed soils
- Strategies for restoring ground cover using native or deep-rooted plants
- How to manage drainage and water flow using low-tech, soil-friendly practices
- Tips for stabilizing bare soil and preventing erosion in both wet and dry conditions
Includes a simple weed ID and site mapping activity—bring photos or examples of your trouble spots if you’d like input!
Class 3: No-Till, Cover Crops & Sustainable Grazing
🗓 Saturday, November 8
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🎤Presenters: Josh Bilbao, JSWCD and Rhianna Simes, Cultivate Oregon
📍 Starts at JSWCD office (89 Alder St. Central Point, OR 97502), then moves to an outdoor site
Note: Includes a field portion—please wear appropriate footwear and clothing for the weather.
This hands-on session brings soil health practices to life. We’ll start with a brief indoor overview, then head outside to see how to implement these strategies on your own land.
You’ll learn:
- How no-till and reduced-till practices protect soil structure and microbial life
- The role of cover crops in improving water retention, suppressing weeds, and building organic matter
- How grazing (when done right!) can regenerate soil, increase plant diversity, and reduce bare ground
- How to avoid compaction, overgrazing, and poor recovery with thoughtful livestock management
We’ll tour a local site using regenerative techniques so you can see the principles in action.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
