Soil health and urban farm conservation practices with NRCS

Join the Twin Cities Metro Growers Network at California Street Farm for a tour and discussion on Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) opportunities for urban and peri-urban growers! 

California Street Farm is an urban farm located in Northeast Minneapolis that produces fresh, local vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers for the neighborhood. The farmer and manager, Elyssa Eull, does all the farm work by hand and uses many organic farming practices to support pollinators and soil health (but is not certified organic). The tour will also include information from NRCS and University of Minnesota Extension staff that can help growers learn about and receive funding for farm practices that benefit environmental health. 

This event is free to attend. Registration is requested; walkups are welcome. 

Attendees should be prepared to walk. Limited seating is available, so bring a folding chair if preferred. Also, bring a water bottle since no potable water is available on site.

Agenda

• 4 p.m. - Arrival and networking time

• 4:30 p.m. - Farm tour and discussion - Elyssa Eull, farmer-manager of California Street Farm, will discuss her farm and conservation practices, such as high tunnels, managing soil fertility, drip irrigation and more.

• 5:15 p.m. - John Brezinka, soil/urban conservationist with NRCS, will discuss funding opportunities for growers who implement conservation practices on their farms including the EQIP high tunnel financial assistance program. Lia Spaniolo, UMN Extension educator in Hennepin County, will discuss nutrient management in high tunnels and the results of the 100 farms soil study.