Nanaimo Biochar Workshop
A Hands-On Introduction to Biochar Science, Soil Health & Climate Solutions
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location: 950 Bruce Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
Hosted by: Michael Geselbracht - Nanaimo Biochar Initiative and sponsored by Pulling to Gather Eco Art Project (pullingtogather.com)
Cost : by donation suggested 10-25$
About the Workshop
What if we could transform locally available woody biomass and other organic residues into a valuable resource that dramatically improves soil health and helps store carbon for the long term?
Join the Nanaimo Biochar Initiative for a hands-on introduction to Biochar: what it is, how it works, and how to make it... by making it. Learn about the many ways it can contribute to soil health in forests, farms and garden all while supporting our atmosphere through sustainable carbon storage.
This introductory workshop brings together practical exploration and accessible science through presentations and hands on manufacturing of the the material. No previous experience with biochar or soil science is necessary.
What You'll Learn
The science of biochar: How heating biomass in a low-oxygen environment transforms organic material into a carbon-rich, porous substance.
Carbon sequestration: Why biochar can keep some carbon out of the atmosphere for decades to centuries or longer, depending on its properties and conditions.
Soil health: How biochar can influence water retention, nutrient availability, soil structure, and microbial communities.
Feedstocks and production: Why the original material and production conditions influence the final biochar.
Practical applications: How biochar might support food forests, gardens, tree planting, and ecological restoration projects.
Local opportunities: How Nanaimo could make productive use of suitable local biomass while building community knowledge and climate resilience.
Hands-On Activities
Participants will have opportunities to:
Examine and handle biochar samples, observing their texture, structure, and porosity.
Manufacture Biochar using 2-3 different small scale methods
Explore how biochar interacts with water and consider what this means for soil moisture.
Compare biochar with compost and other organic soil amendments, discussing their different roles.
Investigate how biochar can be combined with compost and other nutrient sources before being incorporated into soil.
Discuss possible pilot projects and applications for biochar in Nanaimo's community gardens, food forests, and restoration sites.
Why Biochar Matters in Nanaimo
Nanaimo and the surrounding region have a range of potential applications for biochar, from improving selected urban soils to to use in industrial processes.
Biochar is not a universal solution, and its benefits depend on the material, the soil, and how it is used. The workshop will explore both its promise and its limitations, encouraging practical experimentation, careful observation, and evidence-informed decision-making.
Who Should Attend?
Gardeners, Climate activists, city staff, restoration volunteers, food forest stewards, farmers, environmental educators, community organizers, students, forestry workers, and anyone interested in soil health, carbon storage, and practical climate solutions are welcome.
Come Explore the Possibilities
The Nanaimo Biochar Initiative is bringing people together to explore how biochar technology soon contribute to a more resilient, regenerative, and climate-conscious region.
Join us to learn the science, get hands-on with the material, and help explore what biochar could mean for Nanaimo.
Date: Saturday, November 21, 2026
Location: 950 Bruce Avenue, Nanaimo, BC
Registration: Details to be announced
Hosted by: Nanaimo Biochar Initiative