Visit our Past Events Page for the event details, including the recording.
Join us for an informative webinar on critical role soil plays in sustainability, food production, and climate action!
This free virtual event will provide you with detailed information and insights into the importance of soil and its impact on the environment. You’ll learn how soil is being used to mitigate the effects of climate change, improve food security, and preserve biodiversity.
Don't pass up this chance to learn from experts. Register today!
Our Distinguished Panel
Christian P. Giardina - Research Ecologist, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, USDA Forest Service
Following urban-focused social work in NYC and Denver, Christian pursued Justice Studies at the Iliff School of Theology (MAR, 1993), with thesis work on Indigenous resource stewardship and political autonomy in eastern Nicaragua. He then studied soil biology, forest management, and global change at Colorado State University (MS, 1996) and the University of Denver (PHD, 1999). Following a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, he joined the USDA Forest Service where he has been studying global change, climate mitigation, restoration of ecosystem processes, and community-based stewardship.
Dean Odysseus Yacalis - President, East Hawaii Chapter of Hawaii Farmers Union United
Dean is a storyteller and farmer who began farming on the Greek island of Kos, the home of Hippocrates and is currently growing 3 varieties of Olena, kalo, and Sweet potatoes, on an organically certified farm in Laupohoehoe that also produces a plethora of bananas, jackfruit, coconuts, mangoes, citrus and durian. He is a certified Mental health first aider for Ag workers, an author and firm believer in the power of dance as a healing force and community builder.
India Clark - Farm and Community Engagement Coordinator, Oahu Resource Conservation and Development Council
Since graduating in 2007 from UH with her Masters in Urban and Regional Planning at UH, India has enjoyed working on resource management and resilience planning, policy, training, and outreach efforts with the University, the NOAA Pacific Services Center, the Olohana Foundation and other community stewardship groups and agriculture organizations. She is actively working with Oahu RC&D to support the growth of the Women Farmers Network (WFN) and farmer-to-farmer learning around soil health and farm business viability practices. In addition to serving as a consultant for local agriculture organizations and businesses across the islands, she is also a recent owner and operator of a 5 acre regenerative farm and nursery on Oahu's North Shore.
Susan E. Crow, Ph.D. - Soil Ecology & Biogeochemistry, Natural Resources and Environmental Management , University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa
The University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa’s Soil Health Research Team has extensive experience studying carbon dynamics and soil health in natural and managed ecosystems. As a P.I. in the team, I bring a soil ecologist’s perspective and technical expertise and leadership to diverse tables for land-based climate action and landscape resilience through soil carbon and health. I’ve dedicated my research pursuits to soil carbon, organic matter, and (more recently) holistic aspects of health and the circular economy in Hawaiʻi and beyond. The Hawaiʻi Soil Health Research Team is exploring what to measure for soil health in Hawaiʻi, and what those measurements mean to our land managers and producers. As part of the Hawaiʻi delegation to the natural and working lands initiative of the US Climate Alliance, I also assist with science-based incentives programs and informing policy makers.
This webinar will be moderated by Jeannette Gurung, Ph.D. Jeannette is a forester and gender expert, Founder and Executive Director of WOCAN (Women Organizing for Change in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management), and co-founder of Think BIG.
