Put Your Backyard Soil to the Test: Join OLWC's "Soil Your Undies" Challenge!

Ever wonder if your soil is healthy? Ever wonder why soil rich in microbial activity is important for not just your plants but for our entire ecosystem? Wonder no longer - Oswego Lake Watershed Council (“OLWC”) has got you covered! You can check to see how healthy your soil is and learn all about regenerative gardening and landscaping by participating in OLWC’s popular “Soil Your Undies Challenge.” This involves burying a brand new pair of 100% cotton underwear and then digging it up 60 days later to see how much of it is left. There is such infinitesimal time commitment and so much knowledge to be gained with this easy, useful, and fun science experiment for the entire family!  Please see below to register and for a more detailed description from Megan Hill.

From Megan Hill, Educational Specialist, OLWC:

Event Description: Soil Your Undies Challenge

Join us for the fun and impactful Soil Your Undies Challenge—a unique way to measure soil health and microbial activity in your yard! This exciting campaign invites you to test the health of your soil by burying a new pair of cotton underwear and seeing how much they decompose over 60 days. It's a simple and engaging way to get involved in soil conservation while learning more about the environment around you.

How to Participate:

1. April 22nd – Bury a new pair of cotton underwear near the root systems in your yard.

2. June 24th – Dig up your underwear and take a photo to document its decomposition.

3. Saturday, June 28th – Join us for a virtual "Reveal" event to discuss the results and learn more about soil health.

Free Cotton Underwear for All Registered Participants! Sign up to receive your free pair of cotton underwear to participate. Whether you're new to the challenge or have joined in before, we encourage you to participate again! Register here!

Undies Pick-Up Dates:

• Saturday, April 5th, 2025 | 9:00 am to 2:00 pmTryon Creek State Natural Area during the Trillium Festival

• Sunday, April 6th, 2025 | 11:00 am to 2:00 pmRiver Grove Elementary during the Lake Oswego Sustainability Fair

Can’t make these dates? No problem! Contact Megan Hill at megan@oswegowatershed.org to arrange an alternative pick-up location or visit our website.