AROMAS—Terra Cultura organization co-directors Rachel and Jessica Wohlander are inviting the South County community to join them tomorrow for a special workshop.
The Climate Smart Farming and Gardening Workshop offers farmers and gardeners of every level a chance to learn about growing methods which build healthy soil and sequester carbon.
The sisters have held what they called “pilot” versions of this workshop, but this is the first official event that has been organized.
“We’re finally putting everything together,” Rachel Wohlander said. “Education is our number one mission [at Terra Cultura]. We want to get this out into the community.”
Terra Cultura launched in 2017 and eventually settled in Aromas about a year and a half ago. The nonprofit is what Rachel Wohlander described as an “educational eco-arts farm,” combining agroecology, sustainable living and the arts into one.
“This is something we’ve been dreaming of doing for a long time,” Jessica said. “We were all working different careers until we finally decided, now is the time to make this a reality.”
Terra Cultura’s Aromas Farm has been a passion project for the sisters and fellow co-founder Travis Hill, Jessica’s husband. The site was neglected and its soil was poor—until the Terra Cultura team dove in.
“So much of our survival is dependent on our soil,” Jessica said. “Working to bring life back to this farm has been incredible.”
Tomorrow’s workshop will offer guests hands-on experience on how to use ecological-minded farming and gardening. The workshop is designed to give both new and seasoned growers a chance to expand their skills and knowledge.
Beyond education, Terra Cultura aims to create a bridge between farming and culture.
“If we’re going to cultivate the next generation, if we’re going to change to a more sustainable way of life, we need strong social structures as well. We need to bring people together,” Rachel said.
The Climate Smart Farming and Gardening Workshop will be held Saturday from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Terra Cultura, 1880 Cole Rd., Aromas.
Registration is required for the workshop, at a sliding scale of $20-$30. Parking is limited, so organizers encourage carpooling. Coffee and light snacks will be provided—guests are allowed to bring a picnic lunch.
For information and to register for the workshop visit terracultura.org.
