Music & Speaker #23: Soil Health Panel with Amy Koch & Dr. Susan Crow with Music by Noelani Love
Amy Koch is the Assistant Director for Soil Science for USDA NRCS Pacific Islands Area (PIA). In the 16 years she has served PIA as a soil scientist, Amy has developed expertise in the formation and properties of tropical and volcanic soils, including managing these unique soils for optimal soil health. Amy has a BS degree in Environmental Science from Virginia Tech and a MS in Soil Science from Utah State University.
Dr. Susan Crow, associate professor at UH Mānoa, CTAHR, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Susan is a soil ecologist at heart; she tries to bring technical expertise and leadership to diverse tables for land-based climate action and landscape resilience through soil health. She has dedicated her research pursuits to soil carbon, organic matter, and (more recently) holistic aspects of health and the circular economy in Hawaiʻi and beyond.
Native Hawaiian singer Noelani Love combines soulful & conscious lyrics with upbeat ukulele melodies to empower & inspire her listeners. Intuitively channeled by Spirit, Noelani’s original sounds activate a primal, earthly + feminine vibration.
I have just signed up as a member of HFUU and only wish that I had known about this organization so that I could have joined much earlier. I have been working hard for many years developing a 5 acre permaculture farm in Paauilo Mauka. It is exciting to have finally established a foundation where I now have time to expand in new and exciting ways. Akua Aina has been providing our elder community with food during the pandemic as well as a viable learning environment for interns who come and share their energy and knowledge which has expanded exponentially over time. We are ready for the next step. I would like to invite anyone who might be interested to come visit Akua Aina to explore the viability of it becoming a model location where we can share knowledge. I’m seeking ideas about how to go about taking this next step as we now have a solid infrastructure in place and in ready position to be utilized. For the sake of expediency I would be interested in setting a date to invite people to come visit and brainstorm how we can all grow together in supporting small farmers in Hawaii.