Free workshop / Grass Valley, California
Biochar Kiln
Demonstration
Wednesday, November 18, 2026
9:30 AM to 3:00 PM / Pacific Standard Time
Discover the art and science of turning woody material into biochar. Explore Ring of Fire kiln setup, safe operation, quenching, and soil applications through practical, hands-on learning.
Organized by Nevada County Resource Conservation District
In collaboration with Biochar Coalition and the Nevada Joint Union High School District Ranch.
From kiln setup to soil use
See the process.
Understand the practice.
For gardeners, farmers, and environmental enthusiasts, this workshop connects biochar production with soil health and responsible land stewardship.
Plan for an immersive experience. Allow approximately 3 to 5 hours for workshop activities within the scheduled 9:30 AM to 3 PM event window.
Part of NCRCD's Prescribed Fire Education collection and Community Workshop Series.
Kiln construction & setup
See a Kelpie Wilson Ring of Fire kiln assembled on site, including the soil seal used to limit unwanted air entry at its base.
The burn process
Explore top-down burning, starter-material selection, kiln loading, and ignition practices.
Safety & operations
Discuss safe operating procedures, contingency planning, and adapting operations to changing conditions.
Quenching techniques
Learn about controlled quenching and the safe handling of incompletely converted material.
Soil inoculation & enrichment
Explore crushing and charging biochar, pH adjustment with fermenting media, and incorporating mycelium for living-soil applications.
Photographs from the Biochar Coalition Nevada City field-work archive, January 2026. These illustrate earlier operations.
Registration, location & directions
Your route to the workshop.
The flyer places the workshop off McCourtney Road in Grass Valley. This map shows the general area. Use the address emailed by NCRCD for navigation to the actual site.
Open the McCourtney Road area in Google MapsThe exact workshop address is shared with registered attendees.
- Register on Eventbrite. Admission is free, and registration lets the organizer send you the site address and updates.
- Check your email the week before the workshop. NCRCD will send the location after you sign up.
- Check spam during the event week. Look for Eventbrite messages with the final details and any weather-related changes.
- Use the organizer's site-address email for final directions. Follow any entrance, parking, and access instructions provided there.
Before you arrive
Field ready. Safety first.
Eventbrite asks attendees to wear protective field attire: long sleeves, work gloves, eye protection, and closed-toe footwear. Direct participation in kiln feeding or quenching will involve a written liability release.
PPE & preparation
For active-kiln tasks, prepare in line with the Biochar Coalition operator guide:
- Non-melting long sleeves and full-length pants. Choose clothing appropriate for heat, flame, and the terrain; avoid meltable synthetics around active operations.
- Sturdy, closed-toe work boots. Use footwear suited to uneven outdoor ground and the assigned task.
- Work gloves suited to the task. Protect your hands when handling woody material and tools.
- Safety glasses or goggles. Use eye protection against embers, debris, splash, and dust.
Additional head, hearing, face, high-visibility, or saw protection may be required for specific tasks. Respiratory protection, when needed, must follow the project's protection program. Bring drinking water and clothing suitable for the weather.
Participation & on-site safety
- Complete the required release before hands-on work. The organizer will request a written liability release for people feeding or quenching the kiln.
- Check in and attend the safety briefing. Follow the crew's directions and only undertake tasks you are assigned and equipped to perform.
- Respect the work boundaries. Stay clear of flame, hot metal, hot char, smoke, and quenching steam. Observers remain in designated visitor areas.
- Keep access routes clear. Follow the organizer's site and parking instructions.
- Speak up about changing conditions. Report injuries, escaping embers, or equipment problems. The operator may pause or stop activity whenever safe control is uncertain.
Read the operator guide before attending.Review the Coalition's field guide for readiness, public-interface management, PPE, and safe kiln operations. The site's briefing, assigned roles, and task-specific controls govern participation.
Read the Operator GuideQuestions & workshop updates
Connect with the organizer.
Contact NCRCD for registration, location, and weather-related questions.
Visit Nevada County RCDHaley Coopergard
Prescribed Fire Educator
(530) 575-7313
[email protected]
Grass Valley, CA 95945
The workshop site address will be sent separately to registrants.
View and share the original workshop flyer
Invite a gardener, farmer, landowner, or neighbor to learn about biochar production and soil applications.
View the full Eventbrite listing and register
Event details and contact information are drawn from the organizer's Eventbrite listing and flyer. Check the listing and organizer emails for updates.