Free soil testing event at UW–Stevens Point offers hands-on learning for community

Community members are invited to explore the health of their yard and garden soil at a free soil testing event hosted by the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.

The soilSHOP event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at the Daniel Trainer Natural Resources building, 800 Reserve St., Stevens Point. Parking is available in the adjacent Lot E off Isadore Street or Lot R of Portage Street. No RSVP or registration is required to attend.

The screening will include analysis of soil texture, organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity and lead. Participants will receive on-site interpretation of their results to help them better understand soil conditions in their outdoor spaces.

Attendees can also take part in painting with soil, educational presentations and hands-on learning activities covering topics such as composting, gardening, tree planting and soil conservation.

Students enrolled in urban soils courses at UW-Stevens Point are actively involved in organizing and running the event, providing both technical support and educational outreach as part of their coursework.

Soil Collection Instructions:

• Garden areas: collect soil from the top six inches
• Lawn or play areas: collect soil from the top two inches
• Take at least five samples per area and place them in a bucket
• Mix thoroughly, then transfer at least two cups of soil into a labeled plastic bag

Questions may be directed to Bryant Scharenbroch, professor of soil and waste resources, at [email protected]. Find more information at facebook.com/stevenspointsoilshop.