County to host demonstration of biochar equipment

For people living in forested areas, the question of how to manage wood debris is nearly constant.

One option is to burn brush and wood piles. In April, the Cook County Highway Department will host an event to demonstrate a burning method that, according to Agriculture Inspector and Invasives Team Coordinator Tia Parks, results in a product that benefits the soil, in addition to disposing of waste wood.

On April 9, Great River Greening will hold a public demonstration of a biochar kiln at the Highway Department building. The kiln will be ignited at 11 a.m., and quenched by 2 p.m. During that three-hour window, the kiln will convert wood debris into biochar.

Parks said biochar, which looks like charcoal, can be used as a soil amendment, helping balance soil pH, add nutrients, and help soil retain both nutrients and moisture.

Biochar can be used in efforts to improve forest health, and Parks said for home gardeners and growers, it can be used to improve soil quality.

This demonstration by Great River Greening is supported through the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources, which recommends funding for projects focused on natural resources. While the April 9 demonstration is open to anyone to attend, the Highway Department has been exploring options for acquiring their own equipment to create biochar for some time.

Highway Engineer Robbie Hass previously told WTIP about how making biochar from plant debris could be used in invasive species management efforts. The department is currently pursuing a grant that would cover the cost of a biochar kiln trailer, which could be moved to different sites across the county.

For those interested in attending the April 9 demonstration, Parks said that registration is preferred.

WTIP’s Julie Carlson spoke with Cook County Agriculture Inspector and Invasives Team Coordinator Tia Parks live on North Shore Morning. Audio of that interview is below.

(Updated on March 31: Due to forecasted inclement weather, the date of this event was moved to April 9. In the interview, Parks gives the original date of April 2. The text of this article was updated to reflect the new date.)

Kirsten Wisniewski March 26, 2026