The workshop will begin with an overview of the
purpose and functions of biochar, the science and
technology behind it, and then we will make the
burners. We will light our work when units are
completed (there could be a limit to the # of burns.)
To build your own biochar unit, bring:
• 55 gal metal drum with lid (preferably with
removable lid but closed end is ok.)
• 16 or 30 gal drum (lid not necessary)
• 4/ft of 8-inch stovepipe
• Heavy hammer
• Cold chisel or other cutting equipment
• Starter fuel (ideally small wood chunks, up
to 1-inch in size, and dry wood chips)
• All drums should be completely emptied
and as clean as possible
• Gloves and eye protection
• Tech questions? Contact Peter Hirst at
peter@keziahsforge.com; (650) 804-0498
Sources for drums: service stations, quick lube
shops, scrap dealers and hazmat haulers.
There will be several biochar units to see, ranging
from a smaller 16 gal “rocket stove” unit to a double
55 gal unit set within a domestic oil tank. Hirst and
Wells are collaborating on the development of
biochar generators in conjunction with heat/gas
exchangers for the homeowner, gardener and farmer.
Peter Hirst (Blacksmith): Peter is the self-taught
proprietor of Keziah's Forge, the newest incarnation
of the old barrel factory forge in Harwich on Cape
Cod. Peter demonstrates basic forging at fairs,
festivals and private gatherings, replete with history,
stories, poetry and blacksmith lore. He recently
retired from the energy industry.
Bob Wells (Farmer): Bob comes with a wide
spectrum of experience; from working on the biggest
farm in New York State to learning organic farming
and blacksmithing in the back woods of West
Virginia. He's run businesses in electronics,
metalworking and boat building. Currently he's
carving out a small organic farm from the tangled
woods of Eastham on Cape Cod. He is passionate
about developing small scale biochar systems and
educating others about biochar’s fantastic advantages
Making Biochar        Registration Form
Saturday, May 2, 2009  BIOCHAR, May 2, 2009
9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M  Please clip & mail to "NOFA Registration,
Location:     McClary Hill Farm   c/o P. Donahey, 206 Cooledge Dr.,
Hillsborough, NH 03244"
                     3 Griffin Rd, Epsom, NH  Name(s)
                         Host: David Stewart 
Directions: From Concord: Take Rte 4 East to  E-mail address
Epsom Circle.  From Circle continue on Rte 4 East 
1.7 miles, then turn right onto Center Hill Rd. (see  Phone
sign for “Blake’s Brook Campground”) Count 1.9 
miles from this turn and see a red house, red barn 
Address
and fencing ‐ that is McClary Hill Farm.  Park at 
farm or road.   
Town/City State Zip
Can’t make our program? We recommend
attending the Biochar workshop at The Lodge at I (we) will be building a burner (check here)
Pony Farm on May 9, from 9 am – 4 pm.
http://www.lodgeatponyfarm.org/events.html How many will be attending?
NOFA-NH plans on a follow-up workshop in the Postmarked by April 28 - $25 for NOFA members or
fall to discuss results and view the efforts of our host $35 for non-members. After April 28 ADD $10 per person
David Stewart’s biochar/energy project that will
produce heat and electricity as well as biochar. Join or renew today and register at the member’s
discounted rate now!
NOFA‐NH __$20 for Basic (does not include The Natural Farmer)
4 Park St., Suite 208,  
__$30 for Individual __ $40 for Family __ $100 For Sponsor
Concord, NH 03301 
(603) 224­5022 
Payment method check credit card
info@nofanh.org 
www.nofanh.org  Credit Card # (MC or Visa)
Expiration date
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of NH is
a group of farmers, gardeners, landscapers and Cardholder Name Printed
consumers working to promote local organic food
production and a cleaner environment by educating
about organic farming, gardening and land use Cardholder Authorized Signature
practices. Become a member today! Use the
registration form.
  Billing Address (include Street # & zip code)
This workshop in part is a result of 
partnering with the   Please make check payable to "NOFA-NH"
Merrimack County Conservation District  TOTAL ENCLOSED $
www.merrimackccd.org 
 This workshop is for all farmers and
 Making Biochar 
 
gardeners that want to improve their soil

Permit # 1650
 

Concord, NH
Organization
U.S. Postage
Non-Profit

fertility, yields and nutrient quality with

03301
PAID
 
Improve soil and water quality, and  biochar. In this workshop you will build a
burner and gain skills to use immediately.
permanently sequester carbon  If you can swing a hammer you can learn
 
how to build a biochar burner.
This is a hands­on workshop
Biochar is an emerging technology based on
centuries old techniques and principles for
producing charcoal. Biochar is the byproduct
Presented by the when biomass is burned or heated with a
Northeast Organic minimum of oxygen. It is primarily used to
Farming Association enhance soil fertility and helps improve the health
of New Hampshire of plants, increases yields, reduces costs and
improves food’s nutritional quality/density.
Making biochar by pyrolysis also produces
energy. When this energy is captured biochar can
be turned into electricity, space heat or diesel
(this workshop will focus on the soil fertility
aspects and touch upon these other uses.)

We will build a barrel burner with a simple retort

design capable of making small amounts of
biochar safely and easily. We will also learn how
Saturday to start a burn using our new barrels.

May 2, 2009 Discounted pre-registration

postmarked by
9:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M. April 28, 2009
4 Park St., Suite 208
Concord, NH 03301

Return Service Requested

(Doors open at 8:15 a.m.) $25 for NOFA members

Making Biochar

$35 for non-members

Location: McClary Hill Farm
NOFA-NH

3 Griffin Rd, Epsom, NH After April 28, add $10 per person
Same day, walk-in registrations welcomed
Workshop presented by Brown bag lunch – please bring your
  Peter Hirst, Blacksmith Keziah’s own lunch, snacks and beverages!

Forge, MA and Bob Wells, Farmer Work Exchange available for reduced or
$0 fee, contact us! We need help with set up,
Redberry Farm, MA parking, registration, sales, & clean-up.