​All - we have 3 updates to date/time:

​1 - We will NOT be at Ohme Gardens on the morning of Saturday, May 17th.

​2 - We WILL be at Columbia Breaks Fire Interpretive Center just north in Entiat for Fire Fest on Saturday May 17th from 2pm to dusk - more info here: https://www.columbiabreakswildfire.com/

​3 - We WILL come back to Ohme Gardens in the fall, and can't wait!

​Apologies for the change, and hope to see you in Entiat on Saturday and at Ohme later this year!

​More about the original (cancelled) event:

​Join us for an engaging, hands-on workshop where you'll learn efficient burn pile construction techniques and safe burning practices to minimize smoke impacts and reduce the risk of escapes. Whether you're a landowner, forester, or fire management professional, this workshop will provide valuable insights into responsible burning methods.

​We'll also explore the process of turning woody debris into biochar using a flame cap kiln. Biochar is a powerful soil amendment that improves soil health and carbon sequestration. Gain practical experience in kiln operation and discover how biochar can benefit your land.

​All ages are welcome but children must be supervised by a legal parent/guardian. Come ready to learn, ask questions, and participate in a dynamic discussion on fire management and sustainable land stewardship!

​Biochar Specialists

​Ken Carloni, Ph.D. Ecosystem Restoration and Biochar Consulting

​Ken Carloni earned an M.S. in Evolutionary Ecology from the University of Connecticut, and a Ph.D. in Forest Ecology from Oregon State University. His doctoral research focused on the use of landscape fire by the indigenous peoples of southwestern Oregon. He taught a wide range of Biology and Natural Resources classes at Umpqua Community College in SW Oregon from 1987 to 2018, and partnered with the OSU College of Forestry to develop the Natural Resources Associate of Science degree program at UCC.

​Since retiring from UCC, Ken has focused on ecological restoration and biochar kiln design and testing as a board member of the Yew Creek Land Alliance, Inc. In 2018, the YCLA was awarded an NRCS contract under their Conservation Stewardship Program to restore 32 acres of oak habitat, including the first-in-the-nation use of Conservation Enhancement Activity E384A: “Biochar production from woody residue”. YCLA pioneered field methods and kiln technology for on-site biochar production in the process of converting 12 acres of restoration slash to biochar. The success of this project led to a US Fish and Wildlife-funded project to release another 5 acres of legacy oak and other hardwoods from conifer encroachment, converting the resulting slash to biochar.

​Ken’s current research includes testing the capacity of biochar to capture and recycle nutrients from urine, and biochar’s ability to mitigate harmful algal blooms in freshwater systems. His experience in flame cap kiln design and construction, and in the logistics and best practices of multi-acre integrated forest restoration and biochar production has led to consulting work in Oregon, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Guam. He is also a founding member and current Vice President of Umpqua Watersheds, Inc., advocating for ecologically sound management of SW Oregon forests.

​Korina Stark, Program Director, Biochar On Site

​Driven by a passion for forest health and wildfire resilience, Korina leverages biochar as a key solution. She actively incorporates biochar on her own forest land in Chelan County to improve soil and decrease fire dangers, and partners with local organizations and agencies to educate and train communities in biochar production and application. This direct involvement fuels her role as Director of the Biochar On Site program, translating scientific understanding and growing evidence into tangible community action. This commitment extends to her position as Co-Founder of Circular Spring, where she advances circular economy principles to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency, ensuring vibrant ecosystems and economies.

​Korina is the Principal Investigator on a USDA Forest Service-funded project supporting small forest landowners and fire-adapted communities through the utilization of biochar production and application to reduce wildfire risk and facilitate workforce development. She’s eager to connect with landowners, fire & forestry professionals, and community groups—come say hello and learn how you can get involved.