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Flax-Driven Soil Remediation
2025 Research & Education Project
Cultivating A Greener Future At Old Economy Village
Let's Talk About How Clean Our Dirt Is..... Or Isn't
We are the Steel City. For years, our region has been a major player in steel, iron & coal industries while continuously growing & expanding our urban footprint. Sadly, this very boom that created us has also been tied to pollution of the surrounding land, water & air. Despite many shifts in policy and practice that has reduced some of this contamination, we continue to face numerous risks to our health and witness a decline in our surrounding landscapes. Issues associated with heavy metals, shifts in soil chemistry and reduction of biodiversity will continue to loom in the distance unless we further our understanding on how our history and present-day actions affect all life.
​That's why we're going to attempt to understand how we can CLEAN OUR LAND with PLANTS in 2025! This method is a process of soil remediation. We will attempt to "clean" soil with the help of plants, specifically flax, to absorb and accumulate existing pollutants, essentially "mopping up" the contaminants, by drawing them into the plant tissues and reducing their concentration and much more.  This process is just one form of soil remediation that is sometimes referred to as crop mopping.​
Not Your Everyday History Lesson. Not Your Everyday Gardener.
Is this historical? You bet it is... Fiber flax is, ironically, a plant significant to the Harmonists who once tended the land of Old Economy Village and its surroundings. We are going BACK in history to research how we could fix MODERN issues through side-by-side research plot trials. With the help of our historic horticulturalist (and resident mad scientist), we will gather hard data on environmental trends as well as soil chemistry factors that currently affect existing plant life today. Sound complicated? Don't worry, we've got your back!
Along with this, we have a chance to open our knowledge to the community in both science and history through educational events & accessible information portals ranging from lectures to hands-on education opportunities.
Join Us! 10 AM - 11:30 AM 6/21/2025
at Old Economy Village
Introduction To an Agricultural Gangster
Exploring local history and stories you've never heard before, grounds tour & project discussion. Come be a part of our roundtable and connect!
Admission to site: Grounds Pass ($5)
Donations to the gardens of OEV appreciated for those interested in joining our discussion and tour.
