The Consulting Soil Scientists (SSSA Divsion S-12) will be holding its first event next week in California. They have planned what looks to be an absolutely wonderful and educational field trip to Anza Borrego State Park. I am going to be lucky enough to attend on behalf of SSSA and welcome everyone to the society. (The National Society of Consulting Soil Scientists (NSCSS) became part of SSSA and formed Division S-12 last year, so we have many new members.) Thus far there are about 40 people signed up (the deadline is Feb. 10), which will make for a good sized group to enjoy exploring the landscape and soils of this spectacular park. I am looking forward to some sun and warmer weather in southern CA!
Since I will already be on the west coast, there are other stops for me to make too. I will be visiting Humboldt State University in northern CA to talk with students and faculty about many different things including future career paths, certification, and graduate school as well as programs/opportunities the society has for students. Other possible discussion topics are still being finalized, but may inlcude more technical items such as dynamic soil properties or watershed science.
After that I will be off to Portland, OR for the Oregon Society of Soil Scientists (OSSS) meeting. The OSSS is holding a joint meeting with Soil and Water Conservation Society for the Soil Quality Network 2012. Soil Quality Network 2012 is the first of two workshops planned for agricultural professionals and land managers where participants will gain an appreciation for the role soil quality plays in crop productivity and the viability of agriculture operations. The workshop is designed to help agriculture consultants and planners develop strategies and actions to support farmers interested in improving soil quality. One day of the two-day meeting will include some field tours, so I am looking forward to that, since I was unable to attend the field portion of the meeting last year.
I will be blogging more about this trip from the road. Hoping to have a great time meeting new people and seeing old friends, as well as getting some good pictures for posting!
