The Urban Soils Institute is proud to participate in The Newburgh Urban Farming Fair for the third year in a row! Come visit us and support the wonderful efforts of the Newburgh Urban Food and Farm Initiative to combat food insecurity in underserved communities. Also make sure to get your soil tested!

The Newburgh Urban Farming Fair is a celebration of fresh food, local vendors, crafts, and farm fun. Attendees will learn about urban farming and gardening and participate in “how-to demonstrations” about what they can do in their own yards and neighborhoods.

More info: Fair — Newburgh Urban Farm and Food Initiative

Soil Testing Instructions:

1. Gather a plastic bag with about a cup of soil from your yard or garden, surface to 4’’ depth works best. Please clearly identify the bag so you can find it. Out of courtesy for other attendees, there is a maximum of 3 samples per person

2. Bring your sample to our drop-off station, located on the porch at SWALE House in the Nolan Park area of Governors Island. Location is indicated on the map.

3. We will test your sample for heavy metals content within 10 minutes and have it waiting for you on the porch at the pick-up table.
Sample drop-off deadline: 3:30 pm

Why Test Soil?

Soils are one of our most important resources, but they can easily become contaminated as a result of industrial activity and legacy pollution. Common soil contaminants, such as lead or cadmium, can cause negative health effects to folks who work and play with soils, with young children at particular risk.

Fortunately, remediating soil that is contaminated with heavy metals can be inexpensive and doesn’t require professional services when contamination is found – that’s where we come in! Our state-of-the-art handheld pXRF analyzer quickly screens soil samples for heavy metals content, and lets us know if remediation is recommended.