On June 6, the Yankee Onsite Wastewater Association (YOWA) hosted a hands-on soils training sponsored in partnership with NRCS at Twin Orchard Farm in Southampton, MA. Seventeen attendees participated in this field-based session, gaining practical experience evaluating soil conditions for onsite wastewater system suitability.
Despite a very hot day, participants came well-prepared for the sun and ticks and spent the day actively engaged in the field. Attendees were divided into two groups and rotated through four deep observation test pits, using tools such as Munsell soil color books and other resources provided by NRCS to identify soil horizons, texture, structure, and redoximorphic features.
The training offered both a strong educational foundation and real-world application, emphasizing how field observations inform design and regulatory decisions. Participants also had the opportunity to collaborate, discuss findings, and review test pit logs together, reinforcing key concepts in a practical setting.
Attendees earned TCHs toward their Soil Evaluator and System Inspector licenses, making this not only an engaging learning experience but also a valuable professional development opportunity.
YOWA remains committed to offering high-quality trainings like this, ensuring that members receive ongoing value from their annual membership. Based on the success of this event, similar hands-on trainings are planned for the future, with the goal of expanding opportunities to the eastern part of the state as well.
Overall, the class was a great success—equal parts informative, collaborative, and enjoyable—and a strong example of the practical, field-focused education YOWA strives to provide its members.
