We “Soiled” Our Undies! – See Microbes in Action This Month at Columbia Springs

(Photo courtesy Columbia Springs)VANCOUVER, WA – Have you seen bright pink signs featuring undies around Columbia Springs? If so, you might be asking “what are they doing with underwear??”

As it turns out, a “quick and dirty” way to test your soil is by “planting” a pair of new, cotton underwear in the site you’re curious about. Columbia Springs thought they'd give it a try. Stay tuned to learn if their undies will be “soiled” and if you’d like to “soil your undies” along with them you can follow the instructions below.

• Plant a pair of new, cotton underwear horizontally about 3 inches deep in the site you’re curious about. Don’t forget to mark the spot you planted!
• Wait at least 60 days. This gives your soil microbes time to do their magic. Then dig the undies back up.
• Share your results by sending a photo to [email protected]. The more deteriorated your undies, the better your soil.

Thanks to the Natural Resources Conservation Service of Oregon Soil Health Committee for inspiring this activity.

Columbia Springs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit on the Old Evergreen Highway in Vancouver, WA that helps thousands of children and their families to find belonging in and love for nature. They build a community of lifelong learners and land stewards through our educational opportunities, walking trails, events, and workshops – which are open to all. Located on a 100 acre historic site in the City of Vancouver, Columbia Springs is a natural gem in an urban environment, providing cutting edge environmental education close to home.