Regenerate Upstate: September Newsletter

Back to School Hangout Success!

We’re excited to report that our Back to School Cleanup and Hangout at Issaqueena Lake on Sunday, September 8th, was a huge success! The event brought together students from the Stewardship Club and our amazing community for an afternoon filled with delicious food, engaging conversations, and fascinating show-and-tell sessions.

One highlight was Scott Bunn, a key supporter of our regenerative efforts and the visionary behind Treehouse Trade School, who brought out his broad fork, a tool that’s a staple in regenerative agriculture. A broad fork is used to aerate and loosen soil without disturbing its natural structure, which is crucial in regenerative agriculture. By minimizing soil disruption, broad forking promotes healthy microbial life, improves water infiltration, and supports overall soil health—making it an invaluable tool in building resilient ecosystems.

We were also lucky to hear from Concetta of Farm Girl Deliveries, who shared how she and her daughters are using regenerative agriculture practices on their land. Concetta introduced us to the concept of Key Lines, a technique that involves making deep cuts along the contour of a slope to catch sheet flow (surface runoff) and allow it to soak into the soil before losing too much elevation. This helps retain moisture and supports soil regeneration—an essential practice for healthy landscapes.

In addition, Anaston Porter from Clemson Extension's Carolina Clear office shared fantastic resources, including information on certification workshops that the Students for Stewardship (S4S) are eager to participate in. Anaston also provided soil testing kits, which we’ll be sending to Clemson to better understand the soil health at our project sites.

Thank you to everyone who made the day such a success. Your engagement and support have helped kick off our club, and we look forward to continuing this journey of regeneration together.

Join Us on October 5th for Our Next Stewardship Day!

We hope everyone is doing well after the recent storm. As we look ahead, we’re excited to invite you to our Stewardship Day This Saturday, October 5th at the Hunnicutt Food Forest. This event will be packed with hands-on learning opportunities in regenerative practices, as we continue our mission of environmental stewardship.

Event Highlights:

• Log Inoculation with Mushroom Cultivation C.I. at Clemson:
  This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to inoculate logs with mushrooms. Thanks to some felled trees left behind by Hurricane Helene, we will be inoculating deciduous logs with Lion’s Mane, Oyster, Shitake, and Reshi mushrooms using both plugs and mycelium. Dr. Julia Kerrigan will be joining us to guide the process. If you’re interested in mushrooms and their role in ecosystems, this is an excellent chance to get hands-on experience with mushroom inoculation.

  We also plan to do more log inoculations in the future with other medicinal mushroom species such as Cordyceps so this is a great way to learn the techniques that will be part of ongoing projects at the food forest.

• Site Walk and Public Introduction to the Hunnicutt Food Forest:
  We will be leading a site walk to introduce the Hunnicutt Food Forest project to the public. This is a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with the location, see what we’re starting with, and learn more about our vision for the food forest. It will also give you a chance to witness our progress firsthand and understand how we plan to contribute to regenerative efforts in the community.

Why You Should Join Us:

This event isn’t just about improving the land—it’s about building community and gaining practical skills in regenerative practices. Whether you're a beginner or have experience, this is a unique chance to get familiar with mushroom inoculation techniques and learn more about how fungi contribute to healthy ecosystems. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to see where the Hunnicutt Food Forest is located and understand the scope of what we’re starting with as we work towards our long-term goals.

Event Details:

• Date: October 5th

• Location: Hunnicutt Food Forest

• Time: 10:00 PM – 1:00 PM

• What to Bring: Comfortable work clothes, gloves, a water bottle, and a curious mind ready to learn!

Partner Spotlight: Scott Bunn – Guiding Our Regenerative Journey

We are thrilled to shine our Partner Spotlight on Scott Bunn, affectionately known as "Scotty B." As the founder of Treehouse Trade School and the author of 71 Solutions, Scott has been a guiding force in our mission to promote regenerative practices and environmental stewardship.

Scott’s dedication to education and community engagement aligns perfectly with the goals of our Stewardship Club. His innovative approach to teaching practical skills in permaculture, sustainable construction, and regenerative living has inspired many in our community, especially the students involved in our programs.

At our recent event, Scott not only donated a comfrey plant but also shared his expertise with the students, emphasizing the importance of designing from patterns to details in any permaculture project. His insights have enriched our educational efforts and provided valuable learning opportunities for the next generation of environmental stewards.

Scott’s work emphasizes hands-on learning and community collaboration, principles that are at the heart of our initiatives. His book, 71 Solutions, offers practical guidance on creating sustainable systems for energy, water, and waste management. The upcoming 71 Solutions 2.0 is set to provide even more insights and is available for pre-order now.

We are grateful for Scott’s mentorship and partnership as we continue to engage students and community members in building a more sustainable and resilient future. His passion and expertise are invaluable assets to our collective mission and his guidance in our site design makes us more confident in our goals.

Community Spotlight: Barnwood Grill – A Family's Love for Local Food

This month, we're excited to shine our Community Spotlight on Barnwood Grill, a true gem in our local community. Barnwood Grill is more than just a restaurant; it's a multigenerational, family-owned and operated establishment that embodies the essence of local, sustainable living.

From the ground up, the family built not just the restaurant but a legacy. The mother runs a cozy farmers market produce store, offering fresh, local goods that nourish both body and soul. Meanwhile, the daughter leads the restaurant side, crafting a unique and delightful menu with input from their talented staff. This collaborative approach results in dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition.

Barnwood Grill is an SC Certified operation, sourcing only the best food from trusted local sources. They prioritize healthy, local ingredients and go the extra mile to avoid seed oils and address other dietary concerns important to the regenerative citizen. Their commitment ensures that every meal is not only delicious but also supports our local farmers and regenerative agriculture practices.

What makes Barnwood Grill truly special is the warm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it a perfect spot for any occasion. Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a family outing, you'll enjoy good food and genuine Southern hospitality. Plus, you can even do some grocery shopping at their market, making it a one-stop destination for wholesome living.

If you haven't experienced Barnwood Grill yet, now is the perfect time to discover what everyone's raving about. By dining with them, you're not just treating yourself—you’re also supporting our local food system and the hardworking individuals dedicated to providing clean, good food and fostering connections within our community.

Visit Barnwood Grill and be a part of the movement towards sustainable, local, and regenerative living.

Thank You to Our Community

Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent events and to those who continue to support our mission. Your involvement makes a significant impact as we work together towards a regenerative and resilient Upstate South Carolina.

Stay tuned for more opportunities to get involved, and don’t forget to mark your calendars for our upcoming events. Together, we can cultivate a thriving community rooted in sustainability and stewardship.

We look forward to seeing you This Saturday October 5th!