Are you curious about soil health and why it's important to farmers and ranchers in the region? Then you're in luck.

Alex Case-Cohen, Pend Oreille Conservation District manager will present a free Zoom program called "Soil Health Stewards: Creating a Sustainability Movement in NE Washington." The program will take place this coming Monday, May 24, from 7-8:30 p.m.

The program is sponsored by Selkirk Alliance for Science, Kalispel Natural Resources Department, Responsible Growth NE Washington and Create Arts Center.

"Soil is like any other living organism in its need for components that allow effective function over time," said Ed Styskel of the Selkirk Alliance for Science. "Nature depends on healthy soils to sustain ecosystems, and agriculture is dependent for commercial crops."

Regenerative agriculture is a conservation and rehabilitation approach to food and farming systems. Styskel said. It focuses on topsoil regeneration, increased biodiversity, improved water cycling, enhanced ecosystem services, strengthening soil health and vitality, and more.

Case-Cohen will explain how her academic research about climate, type of farming, and soils found in this area will impact the future productivity of the land. She discovered that a growing group of farmers in Stevens, Ferry and Pend Oreille counties, works to fill the data gap and add to progress since its establishment in November 2019. She’ll also discuss her hopes for the future of farming in Northeastern Washington. Case-Cohen applies her expertise through farm planning with the voluntary stewardship program through the Pend Oreille Conservation District.

To join the Zoom meeting. Go online to https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81432244337 — the meeting ID number is 81432244337.

Information: www.selkirkscience.org