Open to: BCIA Registrants and their Guests
The formation of peat soils in wetlands near the mouth of the Fraser River sequestered large quantities of carbon over millennia. Their recent conversion to productive agricultural soil through drainage, cultivation, and fertilization is now releasing much of this carbon back to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change. Many of these soils are in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), where farming is encouraged. The KPU Farm is a research and teaching farm on Richmond’s Garden City Lands, at the edge of the ALR and the Greater Lulu Island Peat Bog, in the unceded ancestral territory of the Musqueam, Kwantlen, Tsawwassen, and Semiahmoo people. Kwantlen Polytechnic University and the City of Richmond are trying to steward this municipal parkland as a showcase for both sustainable agriculture and peat conservation. Join us for a day at the Garden City Lands to explore the decisions and dilemmas the farm has faced in trying to work sustainably on certified organic land at the edge of a peat bog. The day will include tours of the KPU Farm and the adjacent peat bog with Dr. Mike Bomford, highlights of recent research projects, and networking opportunities. We will conclude with a facilitated discussion of ways to apply lessons learned from the KPU Farm to privately-held farmland on peat soils near the mouth of the Fraser.
AGENDA:
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10–10:15 am |
Welcome and Introductions; Land Acknowledgement |
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10:15–10:30 am |
Brief Site history, Natural history, Indigenous history, Settler history |
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10:30–11:30 am |
Farm tour including exploring the Dome, Sliding tunnels, Market gardens, Mushroom intercropping, Dryland rice cultivation, Soil and compost layering, and constructed wetland |
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11:30am–12:30pm |
Bog tour
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12:30-1:15pm |
Lunch and Networking |
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1:15–1:45pm |
Discussion on how lessons from the KPU Farm can be implemented on privately-owned peatland along the Fraser River |
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1:45–2pm |
Wrap-up |
PLEASE NOTE:
- Coffee, treats and pizza lunch will be provided. If you have dietary restrictions/allergies/intolerances: i.e., Vegan, vegetarian, gluten, lactose, etc. If an allergy, please advise if it is anaphylaxis, and if so, that you carry an EpiPen.
ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.
Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.
TICKET PRICES:
BCIA registrants: $20
Guests: $25
Students: $10 - Input code "STUDENT" to receive this price. You MUST be a student to do this.
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