Join us for an outdoor workshop in Timmins, Ontario, where you’ll learn the complete process of making biochar! This hands-on experience will guide you through every step of the process, from choosing materials to the numerous applications for livestock and soil management. You’ll even get to take some biochar home at the end!

What is Biochar?

Biochar is a stable, carbon-rich material created through the controlled burning of organic matter in a low-oxygen environment, a process called pyrolysis. It has been used for centuries as a soil amendment and is gaining renewed interest for its powerful benefits in ecological agriculture, holistic land management and reducing the impacts of climate change.

This workshop is a great opportunity for:

•    Farmers and gardeners looking to build healthier soils.

•    Land stewards interested in carbon-smart practices.

•   Anyone curious about sustainable agriculture and regenerative techniques.

Spaces are limited! Come learn a practical, eco-friendly skill while connecting with others passionate about land care and holistic management.

About the hosts

Hawk Feather Farm was established in 2008 by John and Lois Caron, who started their first organic market garden on a 1/4-acre plot of their 65-acre property. They introduced non-certified organic vegetables at the Mountjoy Farmer’s Market, catering to consumers seeking healthier alternatives to conventionally grown produce. Within three years, they expanded to one acre of irrigated vegetables and two acres of organic potatoes. In 2011, they launched the first CSA in Timmins, supplying 65 members with fresh produce until 2014. During this time, they also began raising organic, pastured chickens and pork. By 2014, Hawk Feather Farm transitioned from vegetable production to focus on their dream of raising grass-fed beef through holistic land management, or regenerative farming, utilizing most of their 65 acres. Starting with five cows and a bull, they expanded their herd to 60 cattle by 2016, grazing on 150 acres, including rented land. They continue to maintain 100% local farm gate sales. At Hawk Feather Farm, perennial grasses are transformed into high-quality protein and fat by cattle raised on untreated pastures. Their regenerative farming practices mimic the natural behavior of wild herbivores through rotational grazing, promoting soil, animal, and human health without synthetic fertilizers, insecticides, or pesticides.

Agenda

1:00pm: Arrive at Hawk Feather Farm for introductions and a welcome circle

1:15pm: Filling the barrel and lighting the fire

2:00-3:00pm: Main workshop knowledge transfer and instructions, exploring biochar applications and uses, handout provided, Q&A

3:00-4:00pm: Checking the barrel, finish the burning, quench and bag the biochar

This workshop is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.