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
Growth in learning measure (Scale 1 - 100)
Summary of Attendee Feedback: Soil Super Heroes Workshop
Key Highlights from Feedback:
- Dr. Sandra T's Presentation:
- Demonstrated excellent knowledge and a deep passion for soil microbiology.
- Delivered an engaging and inspiring presentation, sparking interest in soil biodiversity and further research.
- Effective use of visual aids, including descriptive slides and the captivating display of microbes under a microscope.
- Facilitation by Isabelle Strachan:
- Praised for superb facilitation, enhancing the overall workshop experience.
- Venue and Hosting by Scott and Mandy Meier:
- Generous, friendly, and comfortable hosting contributed to a positive environment.
- Content and Delivery:
- The workshop was seen as fascinating, relevant, and informative.
- Information was imparted in a clear and approachable manner, appreciated by attendees.
- Opportunities for Improvement:
- While the presentation ignited interest, some attendees felt the call to action could have been more clearly defined.
Overall:
The workshop was highly engaging, with excellent content delivery, passionate facilitation, and supportive hosting. Attendees left inspired and eager to learn more about soil biodiversity. However, refining actionable takeaways could further enhance the impact of future sessions.
What Participants Want to Learn Next
Key Areas of Interest:
- Fire Management and Environmental Outcomes:
- Desire for more specific information on fire management techniques that balance environmental outcomes with the protection of natural and built assets.
- Soil Biodiversity:
- Interest in practical workshops focused on strategies to increase soil biodiversity.
- Opportunities to leverage current rainfall conditions to optimize topsoil nourishment were also highlighted.
- Inspiring Presentations and Knowledge Sharing:
- Continued enthusiasm for engaging and inspiring presentations on diverse topics.
- General interest in more workshops to support ongoing learning.
- Regenerative Practices and Biodiversity Promotion:
- Aspiration to learn more about regenerative farming practices and strategies to promote biodiversity for long-term sustainability.
- Human-Soil-Microbe Connection:
- Fascination with the relationship between soil microbes and human health, including links to the gut-brain axis.
Additional Notes:
- One attendee expressed readiness to host future events on their property, highlighting a commitment to land conservation and regenerative practices.
Overall:
Attendees expressed a strong interest in practical, actionable learning opportunities, particularly regarding soil biodiversity, fire management, and regenerative practices. There is also enthusiasm for exploring the broader implications of soil health, including its connection to human well-being.
Suggestions for Improvement
Strengths Highlighted:
- The final session showcasing a specific land restoration project was appreciated for its passion and engaging information.
Suggestions for Improvement:
- Content Adjustments:
- Ensure that presentations avoid incorporating strong religious elements, as this may not resonate with all attendees.
- Consider follow-up workshops tailored to practical methods and tools for individual landholders’ circumstances.
- Venue and Accessibility:
- Attendees at the back of the shed struggled to hear, especially during rain.
- Suggestion to use a microphone to improve audibility in similar settings.
- Session Length:
- Feedback indicated that the morning session was sufficient, with some attendees finding the afternoon session unnecessary.
Overall:
Attendees appreciated the content and enthusiasm but highlighted areas for refinement, including avoiding divisive elements, enhancing accessibility with sound equipment, and re-evaluating the length and structure of the event.