Biochar: An Ancient Solution to a Modern Global Crisis
Ken Carloni, Ph.D.
biochar /ˈbīōˌCHär/ noun: charcoal produced from plant matter and stored in the soil as a means of removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. (Online Dictionary)
When the Portuguese first arrived in Amazonia, they discovered small islands of dark, highly productive soils associated with indigenous villages. Unlike other notoriously poor soils [...]
…not everyone gets to PET A WHALE…
Ken Carloni, Ph.D.
Baja tour evaluation comment
As many of you know, I retired from full-time teaching at UCC in June. My plan was to continue to teach the field courses I’ve reported on in the pages of past 100 Valleys newsletters as a part-time instructor. Unfortunately, that plan has been dashed.
For a variety [...]
FIRE IS NOT THE ENEMY PART II:
Ken Carloni, PhD.
The 2013 Douglas Complex Fires Revisited
New science reverses conventional wisdom that old growth forests burn more severely than plantations.
Four years ago, I wrote an article for the Summer 2014 100 Valleys entitled “Fire Is Not The Enemy” analyzing the Douglas Complex fire that burned through a BLM/private industry checkerboard northwest [...]
Field tour
Ken Carloni, PhD.
Along with the amazing work being done with younger students by our AmeriCorps, Christine Smith (see her article in this issue), Umpqua Watersheds continues to support authentic field learning experiences to college students and community members of the 100 Valleys and beyond. Here are some opportunities to get involved:
If you happen [...]
New Pathways
Ken Carloni, PhD.
Your Education Committee continues to work hard to create opportunities for student of all ages to learn about their natural world and put that knowledge to work. Here are a couple of highlights:
New Pathways for Natural Resources Students: I’m pleased to announce that just last week Umpqua Community College (UCC) approved [...]
AmeriCorps Shines
Ken Carloni, PhD.
Umpqua Watersheds’ education initiatives have been going strong and continue to touch the lives of hundreds of students a year from K-12 through college. The educational programs, originally developed by our VISTA member Roland Wang and expanded by AmeriCorps member Katrina Keleher, offer after-school “Science Friday” programs, Science Olympiad, and other fun [...]