In New Mexico, where I have lived for over twenty years, conventional agriculture, excessive grazing, misguided stormwater management, and a multi-year drought are causing the desertification of our already arid lands. As an optimist, scholar of sustainable communities, and climate educator, I am interested in solutions. When I look at the many ways we can mitigate and adapt to the changing climate, soil health is of prime importance.

Soil stewardship plays a key role in mitigating climate change, improving water cycles, increasing agricultural production, augmenting nutrient density, enhancing wildlife habitat, and so much more. In short, it is one of the essential keys to rebalancing the earth’s atmospheric and terrestrial systems. Soil has the potential to absorb 5.5 billion tons of carbon dioxide per year (about 85% of annual emissions in the US). In addition, for every 1% increase in soil carbon, the water-holding capacity is augmented by 20,000 gallons/acre, thereby reducing the risk of both flooding and drought while improving ecosystem resiliency.

Statistics only tell part of the story. Good Earth combines my photographs with interviews by Mary-Charlotte Domandi which are edited by Madison McClintock into succinct multimedia videos to shine a light on agrarians who are regenerating our unraveling landscapes.

Stories that Good Earth has documented include:
• Tooley’s Trees – heirloom fruit and drought-tolerant trees
• RioGro Pecan Farm – regenerative orchard management
• Reunity Resources – community farming and composting
• Horned Locust GoatScaping – landscaping with goats
• The RainCatcher – urban rain gardens and permaculture design
• Santa Ana Pueblo – Native American rangeland management
• C4 Farms – rotational ranching
• North Valley Organics – urban regenerative farming
• Tooley’s Keyline Design – grassland restoration through land contouring

Everyone who eats or tends even a small patch of land can play a role in improving our soils and all that depend on them. May these stories serve as positive examples for us all.