Soil Health Workshop Series - Fall 2025

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:

• Understanding soil as a living ecosystem
• Identifying common soil health issues (drainage, compaction, drought stress)
• Exploring the 5 soil health principles
• Hands-on soil demo (slake or infiltration)
• Participant Q&A and photo examples

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:

• How invasive species relate to soil health
• Strategies for managing vegetation to support soil function
• Solutions for soggy spots and dry zones
• Interactive weed ID or site problem mapping
• Preparing for next steps like grazing and no-till

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:

Part 1: JSWCD

• No-till farming basics and transitioning tips
• Benefits and selection of cover crops
• Principles of managed/rotational grazing

Part 2: Field Site Demo

• Live drill seeder demonstration
• Cover crop ID and benefits in the field
• Pasture management discussion
• Group discussion and Q&A

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER