Join Conservation Nebraska, Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District, and Natural Resources Conservation Service on Thursday, April 2, 2026 from 11:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. for an interactive and educational Soil Health & Community Garden Workshop.  Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just getting started, you'll gain practical knowledge and hands-on experience.

This FREE event is designed to educate and engage participants in understanding the importance of healthy soil for productive gardens and sustainable landscapes.  It will also highlight Project GROW, bringing awareness to this community garden space and its role in promoting local conservation and gardening efforts. 

Participants can expect to learn about soil health fundamentals, such as pH, structure, and fertility, and will leave with gardening practices that can be applied at home or in community spaces.  There will be soil-testing demonstrations, and a rain simulator will show how different soil types respond to rainfall.  Participants will also generate baseline soil data for the Project GROW community garden while understanding how soil impacts plant growth and water management.

In-person soil testing for pH and heavy metals will be conducted for the first 20 attendees. Any soil samples submitted beyond the first 20 will receive pH testing.  Instructions on soil collection will be sent to registered attendees.   

The workshop will start at the Project GROW Garden Space, located near the intersection of 12^th Street and Road N in York (east of the York ballfield complex), then transition over to the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District office for lunch and additional learning.  The workshop is FREE, and lunch will be provided, but registration is required:  https://secure.ngpvan.com/9OTuFUB0h0SWtSCkhR7S8g2

Come learn, connect, and grow with us!  For more information contact the Upper Big Blue Natural Resources District at (402) 362-6601.