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.

Class 1: Soil Health 101

🗓 Saturday, October 25
🕙 10:00 – 11:00 AM
📍 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
📍 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
📍 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.