Soil Health, Human Health

Delve into the connections between nutrient-rich soils, plant vitality, and human health.

Saturday, July 13, 1-4 pm
Optional Sunday work party

Earthaven Ecovillage
Near Asheville, NC

Join naturopath Monique Mazza in her garden for an afternoon immersion in soil science for the home gardener and how that translates to deeper nourishment for plants, humans, and the ecosystem.

Dr. Monique will cover:

  • The soil food web: How nutrients are created in the soil and make their way into plants
  • Soil composition and what makes it alive: Touch and see various types of soil, learn what microorganism communities are living in that soil, and a demonstration of the biology that brings it alive!
  • Soil amendments, including cover crops, compost, biochar, and worm castings.
  • Vermiculture demonstration.

Make a weekend of it by staying in our campground on Saturday night and tending the garden with Monique and neighbors on Sunday morning, an ideal hands-on learning opportunity.

Monique, Gaia, and Aiden in the garden
Worm castings

Program

Saturday, July 13

  • 10 am – noon: Optional Earthaven Ecovillage tour
  • Noon – 1 pm: Lunch – bring your own
  • 1 – 4 pm: Presentation

Sunday, July 14

  • 10 – noon: Optional garden work party

 

 

planting a bulb in the soil

Sliding Scale Tuition

Because some people have more financial means than others, we have created a sliding scale fee system to accommodate a range of economic realities. The high-end of the scale reflects the value we believe the program holds, and the low-end offers a more accessible entry point.

By choosing a higher price point, you are helping make the program more accessible to others for whom the low-end may be cost-prohibitive. Please consider your needs and resources to determine what might be a stretch, but not a strain.

Cost

Earthaven tour and program: $55 – 85 sliding scale

Program only: $35 – $55 sliding scale

Optional camping is extra. No food is provided.

Logistics

Food

No food is provided for the program. Please bring food that you will need.

Cancellation & Refunds

If you cancel your registration, you may:

  • Donate your tuition to support our continued work
  • Request a refund per our policy:
    • 90% refund for cancellations prior to 30 days before the start of the program
    • 50% refund for cancellations prior to 10 days before the start of the program

If SOIL cancels this program for any reason whatsoever, you would receive a 100% refund.

Contact us at [email protected] with registration questions.

Lodging

Several accommodation options are available at Earthaven Ecovillage and in the surrounding area. No indoor lodging is available at Earthaven for this program.

Camping
Cost per person: 1 or 2 nights $50
Cost per person: 3 nights $75

Campground Cabin Shared Lodging
Cost per person: 1 or 2 nights $70
Cost per person: 3 nights $85

Off-Site Options
Various options in Bat Cave, Black Mountain, and Asheville.

Read More About Accommodations

Location

This program takes place at Earthaven Ecovillage. This permaculture-based community offers a unique living classroom where participants will engage with the natural world, eco-infrastructure, and the intimate experience of rural community living.

What to Expect at Earthaven

Instructor

Monique Mazza ND

Dr. Monique Mazza, ND

Monique is a Naturopathic Physician, founder of Elements Naturopathic Medicine, regenerative biodynamic gardener, homesteader, mother and dedicated community member who has lived at Earthaven Ecovillage since 2016. Her passion for food as medicine fuels her efforts to sustainably grow and raise much of her family’s food including a diversity of vegetables, fruits, berries, laying hens, broiler chickens, turkeys, and even rainbow trout!

Registration

Complete the registration form for one or two adult participants. It takes 5-10 minutes, and you will complete your enrollment with a credit card authorization.

After your enrollment is processed, you will receive several confirmations…

  1. An automatic confirmation of receiving your registration form
  2. A payment confirmation from our card processor
  3. Confirmation that your registration has been processed

Contact Info - Step 1 of 3
Please check all that apply