The obituary for Judith Gillan in the Gazette last month called attention to her many impressive accomplishments. There is one that should not be overlooked.
She served a major role in the formation of the Pioneer Valley Biochar Initiative (PVBI), and its interaction with the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI). This was a strong advocate of the use of biochar for carbon sequestration, soil improvement, sewage treatment and erosion control. Recent studies suggest that her pioneering work in these areas may lead to important practical applications.
Alan Page
Ted Wysocki
Dick Stein
Amherst