Agriculture Conservation Coordinator
Since urban agriculture is an essential part of a resilient food system, we must provide tender care and attention to urban soils to ensure the health and safety of our communities. Due to human activities such as industrialization and urbanization, many of the urban soils near you may be polluted with heavy metal contaminants such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium, which can pose serious public health risks. So how do we navigate the pressing need for healthy, local food with the knowledge that our soils might be contaminated?
In an effort to address this common challenge faced by urban growers, Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD) hosted its very first free soil-lead screening event at the Urban Farm Fair on February 22nd at Urban Tilth’s North Richmond Farm where participants received day-of results and health education. While waiting for their soil lead results, participants moved from one activity to the next including a water conservation workshop, soil nutrients testing, a guided farm tour, a pruning demonstration, kid-friendly activities, and conversations with tabling organizations.
Over 40 participants brought soil samples to get screened. After receiving their results, folks were able to speak one-on-one with health educators who provided important information and advice about their soil lead levels and how to continue gardening if high levels of lead were detected. Participants were able to walk away with critical information to feel empowered to grow food for themselves and/or their communities safely.
Thank you to all our partners who helped make this event possible!
Resources for gardening in urban soils:
