The ‘Soil + Soul Healing Toolkit’ is the latest initiative supported by ILSR’s Composting for Community program to assist neighborhoods recovering from wildfires and pollution events. Developed in partnership with LA Compost, SoilWise, and Prospering Backyards, the guide offers practical tools for identifying and remediating soil and compost contamination. Prompted by the January 2025 Eaton Fire in LA County, the toolkit includes safe sampling protocols, contaminant testing guides, and bioremediation strategies using natural solutions like fungi, compost, and biochar.
Backed by third-party testing and created with input from community stakeholders, the 16-page guide is accompanied by learning activities designed to build local capacity for soil health restoration. The Soil + Soul Healing Toolkit empowers communities with the knowledge and confidence to take action, reducing environmental harm and strengthening ecological resilience in the wake of disasters.