Event Type
Landcare Region
BCT Region
Sandra Tuszynska (PhD) is an agricultural scientist, specialising in soil microbiology and ecology, with great respect for the microscopic life which supports all other life forms. As a passionate public speaker and science communicator, she has created the Soil Restoration Course focused on soil biodiversity and ecology, to help land managers restore soil ecosystems. Sandra hopes to inspire others to restore soils back to life and ensure regeneration of biodiversity, food production and climate balance, so life can thrive again on our precious Planet.
Talk description:
Soil holds the majority of Earth’s biodiversity, driving nutrient and water cycles, feeding plants, us and all other life forms. Healthy soil ecosystems are composed of intricate relationships between plants and key microscopic organisms, which nourish, protect and support plant growth. Marvel at the wonders of the unseen world beneath your feet, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Meet the microscopic soil superheroes and appreciate their vital role in nutrient cycling, plant nutrition and carbon sequestration. Learn how to support their superpowers in ecosystem and biodiversity restoration, regenerative food production, drought and flood mitigation, and climate balance.
Microscopy workshop:
In this show and tell workshop, we will hook up a microscope to a screen and a projector and examine some soil and compost samples to see if we can find the microscopic creatures that are vital to plant growth. We will compare forest and pasture soils and check out the life in some worm castings to demonstrate how they differ. If you have a burning desire to find out about the quality of your compost, worm farm castings or soil, bring a teaspoon of a sample, to examine its health based on the microbial life present within.
This your opportunity to visit a beautiful conservation property on Worimi Land in the Topi Topi area, where owners, Scott and Mandy also run a productive herd of Angus cows. Their property contains 160acres of permanently conserved Wet Sclerophyll Forest / Temperate Rainforest that is home to a variety of threatened species, such as Stephens Banded Snake, Potaroo, Koala, Glossy Black Cockatoos and New Holland Mouse, to name but a few.
You will be able to network with like-minded landholders from our region, and we are offering a very special taste test of some unusual mushroom varieties on the day. We will also provide a light morning tea, but we do ask that you bring your own lunch.
The event is free for all Landholders in the MidCoast Area, Landcare members and volunteers, but a small fee may be charged for others (consultants, external staff, out of area industry professionals etc), at the discretion of MidCoast 2 Tops Landcare Inc.
This event is possible thanks to the shared work of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust and Landcare NSW under the Private Land Conservation Matters project. Supported locally by MidCoast Council.
Event Outcomes
Survey Feedback
Please share any details on what was critical for success.
- The presenter, Sandra's slides were descriptive and loaded with useful, approachable information. Loved seeing the microbes under the microscope (on the TV screen)
- I found the subject fascinating, and very relevant. I loved everything about this workshop.
- The quality of the way the information was imparted by the presenter.
- The presenter certainly ignited passion in me to understand and further research soil biodiversity after this event, but it was a little unclear what my call to action was
Do you have any suggestions improving this event?
- the morning session was enough. The afternoon session may be not necessary
- As I was at the back of the shed, I found it a little difficult to hear clearly, as did a few others at the back, particularly at times when there was rain falling on the tin roof. Perhaps a microphone could have helped?
- Maybe do a follow up workshop on the methods and tools available to each land holders circumstances
What do you think are the most important next steps? How can Landcare/BCT support you in going forward?
- More great workshops I guess. I'm happy to host here. We have 100 acres in Firefly, with around 15 acres fenced off for "Land For Wildlife". We are striving toward regenerative farming practices and promoting biodiversity, for healthier land, plants and animals. Also to nurture this land as a resource for future generations. I'm passionate about the connection between microbes, and human health/gut brain link etc.
- Making use of the current level of rainfall to selectively manage the addition of topsoil nourishment.
- Continue finding inspiring presentations
- Practical workshop on options to achieve increased soil biodiversity