BIOCHAR Workshop

With Kathleen Draper & Other Field Experts

Date & Time:

Saturday, June 1, 2024 from 11am to 4pm
RAIN DATE: Sunday, June 2, 2024 from 11am to 4pm

Location:

Hunt Country Vineyards, 4021 Italy Hill Road, Branchport, NY 14418

Registration: Registration Link

$60 per participant.
Includes lunch by Blue Heron Bakery and a Happy Hour glass of Hunt Country wine.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: Limited participation.

A biochar demonstration to a group of participants

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION:

Kathleen Draper, Carbon Standards International, Finger Lakes Biochar, and the International Biochar Institute will lead this one-day workshop to provide further education on biochar (i.e. carbonized organic material) production, feedstocks and uses.  

This workshop will start in Hunt Country’s historic barn where Dr. Deborah Aller, Extension Associate & Program Coordinator for the New York Soil Health Program at Cornell University will provide an overview of benefits, uses, and production of biochar.  As well as a summary of her outreach to NYS farmers.

Lucinda Li, Postdoctoral Associate (Lehmann Lab), School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section will also be in attendance to contribute her expertise of biochar production from digestate, biochar use for nutrient recovery and biosolids, as well as her expericence and research with the Ithaka Wastewater Treatment Plant.  

A Sustainability Tour of the Hunt Country facilities will be provided by Suzanne Hunt, Hunt Country Co-Owner and sustainability professional.  A walking tour and discussion of the sustainable energy and agricultural practices employed by the Hunt Country farm vineyards.

Free biochar samples will be available to those interested in collaborating on small scale biochar trials.

FOOD:

Lunch by Blue Heron Bakery: Assorted sandwiches prepared on fresh artisan breads, baked and prepared locally.

HAPPY HOUR: 

An end of day glass of wine to enjoy on our tasting room porch or Hunt Country grounds is included in the registration fee. 
Additional wines, local beer, and local picnic snacks are available for purchase as well.

PREPARATION: 

Participants are encouraged to wear outdoor clothing appropriate for the weather, including sturdy footwear and layers.
While lunch is included and there are beverages for purchase on premise, we invite you to bring your own water bottle/hydration and snacks.   

ITINERARY:

11:00am: 
Dr. Deborah Aller:

  • An introduction to biochar production and uses

12:00pm: 
Lunch by Blue Heron Bakery

1:00 pm:
Suzanne Hunt:

  • Sustainability Tour of Hunt Country Vineyards sustainable energy and agricultural practices. 

2:00 pm:
Lucinda Li

  • Biochar production from digestate at Spruce Haven Farm
  • Biochar use for nutrient recovery and biosolids
  • Biochar research with the Ithaka Wastewater Treatment Plant.

3:00 pm: 
Kathleen Draper:

  • Non-Agricultural uses for biochar.
  • Learn to burn: Hands on biochar production demonstration.

4:00 pm:
Happy Hour

Registration Link

TAKING THE LEAD:

Kathleen Draper, Carbon Standards International, Finger Lakes Biochar, and the International Biochar Institute.

Dr. Deborah Aller, Extension Associate and program coordinator for the New York Soil Health Program at Cornell University

Lucinda Li, Postdoctoral Associate (Lehmann Lab), School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section