Chapter Events

Soil - The Hidden Secrets Beneath Your Feet PRESENTED BY: Gerald “Jerry” Miller, Certified Professional Soil Scientist LOCATION: Bunker Interpretive Center, Calvin University, 1750 East Beltline Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 NOTE: In the interest of keeping everyone safe, masks are required indoors for all attendees to protect yourself and others. Masks are optional outdoors.  The National Wild Ones now requires that each chapter have attendees (regardless of vaccination status) sign a Covid-19 Attestation and Release Form at Wild Ones events. There will be a table to sign the form before entering the Community Room. If you would like to read the form beforehand, view it here. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION The presentation will provide an overview of the three components of a soil—physical, chemical and biological —and their functions in plant growth and development. An orientation will be provided to web-based resources about soil information for the different kind of soil on your property. The presentation will provide Wild Ones members and guests with an awareness and increased understanding and identification of basic soil properties. Recognizing soil characteristics and their associated properties will assist participants in applying appropriate management practices for healthy and productive soils. SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY:  Gerald Miller, Ph.D., CPSS (Certified Professional Soil Scientist), has served as an elected director on the Kent Conservation District Board since 2014. He currently serves as the board chair. In 2019 he was elected for a two-year term as President, Michigan Association of Conservation Districts, following two terms as the association Vice-President. Dr. Miller retired from Iowa State University in 2011 where he served as a Professor of Agronomy from 1974 until his retirement. In 1998 he was selected as an associate dean and he served 13 years in college and university administration. During his academic career he conducted applied research in soil and water conservation, watershed management and soil productivity and interpretation.  He is a member of several professional societies including the American Society of Agronomy, Soil Science Society of America and the Soil and Water Conservation Society. He is the current Director, Region 3, Michigan Chapter, Soil and Water Conservation Society. Dr. Miller was raised on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, VA and earned his B.S. degree from Virginia Tech followed by an M.S. and Ph.D. at Iowa State University. He served 32 months on active duty as a commissioned officer, U.S. Army. Following 33 years’ total military service he retired from the U.S. Army and Army National Guard in 1998 with the permanent rank of Major General.  He is a member of Rotary International. He resides in Cascade Township, Kent County.   OCTOBER PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS The Education Committee thought you might find these MSU Smart Gardening resources on soil worthwhile either before or after our October program: Composting: A Smart Gardening Practice to Recycle Garden & Yard Waste pdf Don’t Guess, Soil Test pdf               MSU Smart Gardening: Soil Tests (4 minute video 07/10/14) What is Soil (and Why is it Important)?: Crash Course Geography #17 (10 minute video 06/15/21)