Amazing Biochar: How to Use It, How to Make It - with Hugh McLaughlin

Potluck and Discussion - Co-Sponsored by Green Cambridge

Potluck starts at 6, with a brief introduction to the biochar stove ("pyrolyzer") at 6:15; presentation and discussion start at 7.

There has been much buzz about biochar lately, and this Meetup will provide an overview and answer many common questions. How does biochar work? How can you use it in your garden? How can it help address global warming?

Biochar is a product of natural fires, and has a history going back thousands of years in human cultures (the "terra praeta" of the Amazon and elsewhere). Soils with biochar retain more water, increase soil life, and dramatically enhance the growth of many plants, including crops. The positive effects of just a few applications may last for years.

During this Meetup we'll make some biochar in the backyard and learn how to apply it. Everyone will get a sample and larger quantities will be available for sale.

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Our speaker, Hugh McLaughlin, holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is an expert in biochar and activated carbon and is a leader in the rapidly developing field of biochar, the precursor to all activated carbon products, with many years of experience in development and implementation of new processing technologies on a commercial scale. He has presented at national conferences on biochar and has published extensively on the biochar's measurable physical properties. He is currently the Chief Technology Office at NextChar (https://www.nextchar.com/) in Amherst, Massachusetts.

We're a small non-profit so a $10 donation is requested, but no one will be turned away based on ability to pay.

Helen Snively's house is about halfway between Central Square and Inman Square. Take the MBTA red line to Central Square, exit the station walking down Massachusetts Avenue in the direction of Harvard Square (away from Boston). Walk five blocks and make a right on Lee Street, then walk two blocks past Harvard Street and Broadway. Cross Broadway onto Fayette Street (which will be in front of you), walk down Fayette and make your first left onto Fayette Park (a private way). If you're coming by car, there's ample free parking on Sundays in Cambridge.

Helen's house is at One Fayette Park, immediately past the first driveway on the right. It's a green 4-family. Come up on the first porch and look for a number 1 on the door. If you have questions please post to this Meetup, or call Helen at 617-547-1326.