Join a hands-on course to learn how to use and operate a biochar kiln to process woody debris.

 

We’re excited to announce a series of low-emission kiln burn workshops, where participants will learn how specialized kilns dramatically reduce emissions while producing biochar – a highly stable source of carbon and an excellent soil amendment. After attending a workshop, participants will be eligible to rent the kilns for free to use on their own properties. The three 1-day course offerings will be held throughout January and February on Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez islands. Course participants limited to first 15 sign ups per island.

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When & Where: 10am to 3pm

​January 25: JB Farms, Orcas Island

February 21: Overmarsh Farm Commons, San Juan Island

February 22: Midnight's Farm, Lopez Island

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Cost: This workshop is grant funded and free to community members, with a suggested donation to the Youth Conservation Corps to support upcoming seasons of youth environmental education. Donate here. 

 

Equipment: Participants should bring long pants and long-sleeved shirts (avoid synthetic materials), safety glasses, leather gloves, appropriate footwear, and a bagged lunch. A K95 mask is recommended. Please also bring a container if you’d like to take biochar home. Kilns are not required for participation; they will be provided for hands-on practice during the workshop and will be available for rental afterward.

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Instructor

Maggie Long is a farm planner with the Conservation District. She first began working with biochar during her time with the Islands Conservation Corps, burning hundreds of piles of woody debris from forest thinning and fuel reduction work throughout the county. Through this work, Maggie has gathered data on biochar production from small scale hand piles as an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional slash pile burning. 

 

Course Syllabus

10-10:30 Introductions

10:30-11Kiln set up and loading (fire safety and permits)

11-12:30 Lighting and feeding (fuels, emissions, and fire behavior)

12:30-1 Lunch (biochar and soil benefits)

1-2 Continue feeding (ag applications)

2-3 Extinguish and collect char, Q+A

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Questions may be directed to Natural Resource Project Manager, Maggie Long via email at Maggie@sjicd.org or phone at (360) 378- 6621. 

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​Funding to support this course is provided by the Washington State Conservation Commission Sustainable Farms and Fields.