Thursday, May 14th

7:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Join us for an engaging evening with a soil scientist as we explore the hidden world beneath our feet and how it shapes the landscapes we manage. This virtual presentation will focus on the soils of our region, with special attention to the Pennypack Preserve and its unique mix of upland and floodplain environments.

Designed with volunteers, land stewards, and curious learners in mind, this talk will connect soil science to real-world land management. Learn how soil characteristics like texture, drainage, and history affect restoration efforts, gardening, and forest health. The session will also introduce practical skills such as identifying soil types, recognizing soil horizons, and interpreting the landscape to make informed stewardship decisions.

Rather than getting lost in technical jargon, this interactive presentation will emphasize hands-on understanding and everyday applications, helping participants better manage invasive species, support young trees, and care for natural lands.

The program will include time for questions and discussion, making it a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge and connect soil science directly to your work in the field. This program is free for Pennypack Trust ReForester Volunteers. Reach out to your volunteer coordinator for the code.

Register here: https://app.etapestry.com/cart/PennypackEcologicalRestorati/default/item.php?ref=612.0.172577933

Maggie Cullinan is a soil and environmental scientist. Originally from Ohio, she obtained a bachelor’s degree in environmental science with a focus in soil science from Ohio State in 2019, and she is currently working on her master’s in soil science. Maggie moved to Pittsburgh in 2023, and has since taken a deep dive into understanding Pennsylvania’s wide variety of soils. From coaching Vermont farmers on improving soil health to coaching the Ohio State Soil Judging team, Maggie has had a wide variety of experience. Currently, she works as the director of research and quality assurance at PittMoss, a Pittsburgh-based, peat-free potting soil company, and she also works as a geomorphologist, describing soils to help archaeologists find potential sites. She spends a lot of her free time sharing her soils knowledge as a volunteer trainee of the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program as well as through volunteering with the Penn State Master Gardener program.