Elsewhere in the country, there’s really only one science story this week. Unless you live under a rock, or are impressively offline, you’ve probably heard of the total solar eclipse coming to the eastern, midwestern and southern United States on Monday, April 8th. It’s hard to believe that it’s only been seven years since our own total eclipse in 2017, and this will be the last one over the United States until 2044. But here in Corvallis, we’re only set to see about 10% of an eclipse. While so much of the rest of the country is looking up, we have a week of events on a theme that’s much more down to Earth: Soil. Four of the five entries this week touch the soil in some way. So whether you’re interested in building it, digging in it or just learning about it, strap in for a solid week of soil science.
Note: Even though our local eclipse is going to be extremely partial, it can still damage your eyes. So if you’re going to look up on April 8th, only do so with eclipse sunglasses or other certified eye protection. Otherwise, the small slice of sun that the moon covers here in Corvallis isn’t going to be worth going blind over.
Thursday: Native Wildflower Planting, Round 2
There’s no better way to start this week of soil than getting your hands in a bit of good dirt yourself. This Thursday is your second chance—and for the moment, your last—to help plant butterfly-friendly native violets here in Corvallis. The Institute for Applied Ecology and OSU are looking for volunteers to help move and plant plugs of the western dog violet, to grow the next generation of restoration project seeds and provide food and habitat for the endangered Oregon silverspot butterfly.
The work party runs from 9 am to 2 pm on Thursday, April 4th, at the OSU Botany and Plant Pathology Farm Plots on NE Electric Rd. According to organizers, Google Maps has a specific issue with finding this spot, so click here for detailed directions and more details.
Thursday: Composting Workshop
Compost, whether naturally occurring like the leaf litter of forests or human-built, is a vital component of healthy, productive soil. If you’re not able to make it to the violet planting party on Thursday, come by the library for an interactive presentation on making and using your own compost in a home garden. The workshop is presented by the Corvallis Sustainability Commission and the Corvallis-Benton County Library’s Public Seed Library.
The event goes from 1 to 2:30 pm on Thursday, April 4th, in the Corvallis library’s main meeting room. For more details, click here.
Saturday: Bread to Tap Event
Okay, admittedly, this one is a stretch to fit the theme of soil. Food waste reduction is definitely related to soil—the less food we throw away, the less we have to grow—but this is the least soil-related event of the week.
Did you know April 1-7 was Food Waste Prevention Week? To help celebrate, Old World Deli is hosting a free, family-friendly event featuring an unusual kind of beer. Corvallis-based Oregon Trail Brewery created a special brew for the week, featuring upcycled leftover bread from Wild Yeast Bakery. This limited release, called “Recyc-Ale”, will be on tap at the event, along with food waste trivia, live music and more.
Join fellow sustainability-minded Corvallisites at Old World Deli on SW 2nd Street between noon and 4 pm on Saturday, April 6th. Click here for more details.
Tuesday and Wednesday: Two Gardening Webinars
Back to digging in the dirt. This week features not one but two Master Gardener webinars to up your growing game this season. Both run from noon to 1 pm, and if you register, you will be sent a video recording a few days after, whether you are able to attend or not.:
Wednesday: Soil Ecology Talk
Soil is the literal foundation of forests. This week, OSU College of Forestry Dean Dr. Tom DeLuca will give a lecture on the importance of soil in forest ecosystems, and to the sustainable management of our forests. The talk is part of an open house for the newly renovated Peavy Lodge in McDonald Research Forest.
The event kicks off at 5 pm on Wednesday, April 10, with a half hour of food and drinks before the lecture from 5:30-6:30. Then, the lodge will be open for visitors to explore until 8 pm. The presentation is free, and available in person as well as over Zoom (registration required for virtual option.) For more details, click here.
By Ian Rose