11/15 Build Healthy Native Meadows: Occultation Tarping

Participants will learn practical, low-input techniques for preparing fields and small properties without tillage or herbicides, drawing connections between soil biology, carbon storage, weed management, and successful native plant establishment. The workshop will cover the principles of soil health, the soil food web, tarp-based site preparation, and considerations for transitioning from existing vegetation to thriving native plant communities.

Instructor Biography:

Kathryn Prive is a dedicated leader in collaborative restoration, holding an M.S. in Population Genetics and Ecological Restoration from Oregon State University and a B.S. in Environmental Science from the University of Oregon. Her expertise in population genetics, botany, and ecological restoration allows her to focus on advancing the restoration of understory native plant communities, particularly in the biodiverse yet vulnerable regions of Southern Oregon. As Executive Director and founder of The Understory Initiative, Kathryn drives collaborative partnerships and innovative programs to increase the use of locally produced genetically appropriate native seeds. She hopes to ensure that her restoration efforts are scientifically sound and resilient to environmental challenges while making a lasting impact on the landscapes she serves.