Let’s talk about something we all interact with, but often overlook: soil.

You might be thinking, “It’s just dirt, right?”
Well, not quite.

I’ve learned, and now teach that soil texture (the mix of sand, silt, and clay) can tell us powerful stories about a place.

The type of soil beneath our feet can influence:

How quickly water drains after it rains
How easily pollutants move through the ground
Whether a land area is suitable for farming, building, or restoration
For example:

Sandy soils drain fast, but they don’t hold much water or nutrients
Clay-rich soils retain water, and sometimes, contamination for a long time
Loamy soils? They strike the perfect balance

I often ask during field lessons:
“What can this soil tell us about the environment, past and present?”

So next time you walk through a park, garden, or construction site, pause for a second. That soil beneath you might be silently shaping water quality, vegetation, or even climate resilience.

Have you ever thought about the role of soil in your environment?