Urban Forests
Repurposing barren land
“When we started to create forests, we were getting agricultural soil surveys that were lacking critical details about specific biology and its activity in the soil. Working with the team at Earthfort allowed us to create a more specific strategy and methodology for monitoring the success of our work. So far, these efforts are highlighting that by actively addressing the life in the soil; we are not only improving the forest ecosystem, but also increasing soil water retention, which is helping to rebuild local water tables.” – Ethan Bryson
Overview
Ethan Bryson established the company, Natural Urban Forests, to re-purpose barren urban landscapes for the benefit of the surrounding community, wildlife, and environment. His extensive education in architecture focused on creating buildings that harmonized with the natural environment. With the support and partnership from Afforestt and SUGi, Natural Urban Forests operates from Seattle, and adheres to the method developed by Dr. Miyawaki for creating true forests.
The Miyawaki Method has a cornerstone goal to return the land back to its natural state, before the disturbance caused by human interference. Reaching this goal requires the planting of native species in high density plantation mounds — which grows forests ten times faster and thirty times denser than traditional forestation methods. This method requires special attention to the biology and life in the soil.
This method requires special attention to the biology and life in the soil. Ethan tests his soil and compost projects with us here at Earthfort, incorporating our amendments, practices, and recommendations into his remarkable forest work in the sustainable and regenerative agriculture world.
What They Were Facing
Severe lack of organic matter, heavy weeds, and very low population of microorganisms.
They needed to transform the land quickly to turn barren lands into natural, functioning forests.
How We Brought Their Soil To Life
Provided soil testing of microorganism populations to gauge improvement over time, and incorporated our recommended amendments and practices into his remarkable forest work in the sustainable and regenerative agriculture world.
Applications of Soil ProVide, Soil ReVive, and Oceanic Fish fertilizer.
The Fruits of Their Labor
Nourishing the land, and restoring the lives of its inhabitants. For the Yakama Nation Correctional Facility Healing Forest Project specifically, this native forest land will continue to exist to teach the wisdom of the old ways of its inhabitants from the Yakama Nation, in which individuals live in balance with themselves, their neighbors, and the natural world. Read more about this project here on the Natural Urban Forests website.
Chandra Wyatt
Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Slaughter
President and Laboratory Director
Cathy Brenizer
Production and Shipping Manager
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Phone Consultation
Talk One On One with a Soil Expert
Spend time with Earthfort’s Director discussing your operation and its growth. Explore any site-specific or testing questions and discuss opportunities for development and improvement.
$200.00 hr billed in 15 minute time increments
Please call or send an email to schedule a phone consultation with our office.
Onsite Speaker
Earthfort Speaks at Your Event
Good soil is the foundation on which your plants grow. This package allows you to hear directly from a soil expert! The Earthfort Director will give a lecture at your event discussing soil biology as it relates to agricultural, horticultural, landscaping and/or soil remediation topics.
Just some of the topics we can bring to you include:
- Introduction to Soil Basics
- Practical Soil Microbiology
- Ecological Succession
- Compost Production
- Compost Tea and Alternatives
- Biologically-Based Pest Management
- Understanding your Soil Biology Report
Previous lectures have spanned from practical soil biology and understanding biological testing services to integrating your current cultivation practices with biological practices.
Please call or send an email to schedule a speaking engagement with our office.
Onsite Consultation
Bring In An Expert For An Expert Opinion
Soil biology challenges permeate every aspect of agriculture and horticulture. Bring an expert to your location so we can better understand your operation and goals as a business. Earthfort’s Director will answer any site-specific questions so your team can explore opportunities to benefit your company and your soil.
Earthfort offers our clients an onsite consultation to discuss a wide range of topics including: soil biology challenges across diverse fields and crops; identifying potential local composting components; trouble shooting compost tea equipment; improving timing of applications of compost, teas, and biological products; and so much more.
Please call or send an email to schedule this consultation visit with our office.
Onsite Workshop
If You Can Measure It, You Can Manage It
This two day Biologically-Based Soil Management Workshop is a cost effective option designed for businesses, schools and other organizations who would like to train groups of 10 people or more. An Earthfort instructor will come to your location and provide an in-depth overview of soil biology, testing, and remediation. Your team will learn about the interrelationships between soil biology and soil nutrient chemistry, so you can better manage the soil system, improving your crops and soil remediation practices.
In this workshop, you will explore the physical, chemical, and biological processes of the soil. Your own soil’s history, chemistry and biological makeup has unique management implications. We’ll give you the tools that work with your system rather than against it, saving you time and money. You are encouraged to send in a soil sample to our laboratory to have the soil biology and chemistry tested prior to the workshop so we can take a more in-depth look at a soil biology report. This will help us customize the lecture to better reach your goals and needs. Click here for an example of topics we offer you!
(Click here for sampling instructions and testing forms.)
Please call or send an email to schedule this training visit with our office.