Growing with Soil Smart - Soil Wise
We are the Rethink Tank™
As the Rethinking Tank™ we offer courses, classes, and webinars specifically to help folks rethink areas where we are stuck or where new science has changed what we have believed for quite some time. Thinking about the environment as an integral part of our society, is fairly new, in modern society. There is learning we can gain from indigenous experience and from both new science and systems thinking, all of which have helped us see with new eyes solutions that will address the meta crisis we are facing. These new ways of seeing, bring us hope while developing agency. There IS a path forward, there ARE things WE can do right now, to help create a cooler and more stable climate right where we live, that are within normal people's grasp. Government can help, but WE have agency, WE can do this!
2025 Spring Webinars
Rethinking Cityscapes
Lawns and soil are so key to our city and urban landscapes. Cities are heat sinks - dangerous to themselves and everything that lives in them. What to do? Join us as we explore options to lawns, deeper and unique ways to compost, had the benefits of growing food as a forest, not just a garden.
Webinars are FREE
Community members can access to ALL the webinars and their recordings inside the network.
If you register, you will have access to the recording, using the link you are set.
Webinars are FREE
Community members can access to ALL the webinars and their recordings inside the network.
If you register, you will have access to the recording, using the link you are set.
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Rethinking Compost and Biochar
May 21, 2025 at 5:30 pm PST DATE CHANGE Virtual - FREE With Nick Tomasini We'll explore the ecological dynamics of thermophilic aerobic composting, focusing on how microbial communities shift through each phase—from early bacterial activity to later-stage fungi, protists, and micropredators. We’ll look at how carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, lignin content, moisture, and temperature influence the pace and diversity of decomposition. We'll also cover how to maintain aerobic conditions by managing O₂/CO₂ balance and finally, how and when biochar may be most effectively combined with compost. Nick Tomasini is the founder of Humankind Oregon, LLC and a partner at SoilWright, where he focuses on compost production and soil and crop consulting to support healthier farms through biological regeneration. With a B.S. in Agriculture from Oregon State University and training from Dr. Elaine Ingham, Nick has spent over two decades working across organic farming, soil fertility, research, and organic inspection. As a certified Soil Foodweb Consultant and Agronomist, he has collaborated with farmers and compost producers to better understand and apply soil biology in practical ways. |
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Food forests and the Biotic Pump
May 28, 2025 at 5:30 pm PST Virtual - FREE With Michael "Skeeter" Pilskari Food forests are a signature element of Permaculture. They are a multi-layered diverse planting of trees, shrubs, vines and ground covers which mimics nature. Mostly food-producing plants. Michael will tie this into the biotic pump – nature’s way of cooling the planet. Michael Pilarski: farmer, wildcrafter, and educator, has worked with over 1,000 plant species and founded Friends of the Trees Society in 1978. He has 45 years of experience in Permaculture, and has taught 40 Permaculture design courses. He teaches herb farming and sustainable wildcrafting. Pilarski’s work integrates ethnobotany, agroforestry, and traditional land stewardship to restore ecosystems and increase natural abundance. Friends of the Trees, Global Earth Repair Foundation – Washington, USA, North America, Michael Pilarski, With– Website, GERF Profile |
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Keeping the Water We Get - Land hydrology 101
June 11, 2025 at 5:30 pm PST Virtual - FREE With Charles Upton The presentation will go over both the background theory of onsite water management (crash course in climate science - water cycles, carbon cycle, biotic pump) before discussing what you can do right now with a focus on realistic actions that can done at a residential scale on a modest budget. Charles Upton is a water professional and educator with 14+ years’ experience designing and installing decentralized water systems that integrate onsite blackwater, rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, water infiltrating landscapes, soil building and reforestation for residential, commercial and agricultural clients. He holds a MSc degree in Integrated Water Management from the International Water Centre in Brisbane Australia and works on projects globally in Europe, South America as well as the USA. He currently runs his own consulting firm Oso Eco out of Nevada City, CA. |
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Biochar in Golf Courses?
June 25th, 2025 at 5:30 pm PST Virtual - FREE With Dan Denilli I will share why and how biochar and compost is used on the golf course for the past 30 years. Some research and trials we have done to help guide our use and the results. Dan Denilli is a third-generation golf course superintendent with comprehensive success meeting rigorous performance standards for resource management, agronomy, plant science, sustainability, environmental regulations, business operations and staff management. Known for innovative thinking with significant achievements in ecology, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), organic amendments, applied microbiological principles, turfgrass and use of plant protectants. A focus on continual improvement in developing a systems approach to soil & plant health while delivering high level playing conditions. Experience in integrating plant genetics, physical, chemical, cultural practices and biological systems to enhance soil and plant ecology under a sustainable framework. Successfully integrated this knowledge into golf course operations, culminating in becoming a recognized resource within the golf course management industry. |
2025 Spring Classes
Rethinking Lawns - Webinar and Classes
April 16, 2025, at 5:30 pm PST - Webinar
April 21, at 5:00 pm PST - Module One
April 28, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Two
May 5, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Three
May 12, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Four
Virtual - $175
With Kathryn Alexander MA
This 4-week course will explore some new thinking about what is possible in your front yard. Each week will include a short video and a deep discussion to answer your questions, deepen your understanding, and to provide you with the support and encouragement you need to make changes to your own front (and back) lawns.
This course is for anyone who has a lawn. Bring your neighbors, as lawns are a part of community.
April 16, 2025, at 5:30 pm PST - Webinar
April 21, at 5:00 pm PST - Module One
April 28, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Two
May 5, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Three
May 12, at 5:00 pm PST - Module Four
Virtual - $175
With Kathryn Alexander MA
This 4-week course will explore some new thinking about what is possible in your front yard. Each week will include a short video and a deep discussion to answer your questions, deepen your understanding, and to provide you with the support and encouragement you need to make changes to your own front (and back) lawns.
- History – how did we get here? Just where did this idea come from and why has it been around so long, with little reflection or thought?
- English gardens and landscape aesthetic from another bio-region (with rain throughout the year)
- Lawns and the Climate Meta Crisis. How do lawns fit in with the massive changes we are seeing all around us?
- Rethink our relationship with nature
- Understand living soil and what you can do with dirt
- What Ya Gonna Do? Now, what can we do, on our own land, to mitigate or even regenerate the nature we feel responsible for? What are some of the challenges that need to be addressed for success?
- Each of us can make a difference – one yard at a time
- Soil – the foundation of everything
- Bringing Back Harmony By looking at examples of different approaches to lawns you will be able to make a plan for your own lawn that is in harmony with the planet.
This course is for anyone who has a lawn. Bring your neighbors, as lawns are a part of community.