Wildfire seasons are intensifying, but what if the very fuels driving these fires could become part of the solution? In this episode, firefighter and regenerative farmer Will Vogl, Douglas County Environmental Inspections Supervisor Jared Tanaka, and Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Becky Elder and Ally Richardson explore the growing role of biochar in building climate resilience.
Douglas County’s new biochar facility is projected to be complete in 2026 and is poised to benefit not only its own community but neighboring counties as well. It offers a forward‑looking model for land management and wildfire mitigation along the Front Range, reminding us that wildfires do not stop at county lines.
Mentioned in this episode:
Douglas County Biochar Facility Open House Discussion
Douglas County residents can dispose of “Green Yard Waste” at the County’s Slash/Mulch site at 5675 Delva Way in Sedalia. This is a NEW location for the 2026 season.
Black Forest Slash and Mulch Program for El Paso County residents
Vogl Homestead Regenerative Farm in El Paso County, Colorado
Complete Solutions. Biochar Funding Company for feedstock handing equipment, chippers and grinders
Wilson Biochar, LLC. Ring of Fire Kiln which can be assembled in field
Pueblo’s SUN SOIL WATER SUMMIT Keynote Speaker John Christenson of Native Lumber
Pikes Peak Permaculture’s Upcoming Events:
May 3rd, Tending Points of Light in the “Long Dark” with Carolyn Baker. Sign-up here
MeadowGrass Festival May 22nd through May 24th
Earth School for 2026/2027. Currently enrolling for our homeschool enrichment program beginning this August, tuition FREE for ages 9-13. Find out more about this program here
Help us fund a living classroom to be built this summer, where we will grow a more resilient community. Donations include access to our summer permaculture‑in‑action tours.
This episode is brought to you by Pikes Peak Permaculture, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to teaching the ethics and principles of permaculture design in Southern Colorado. Permaculture is all about working with nature rather than against, to regenerate land, water, and food systems, and build resilient communities for generations to come. Learn more about their work with schools, organizations, and community members at pikespeakpermaculture.org
The following environment/sustainability organizations in the Pikes Peak region collaborate to produce the Peak Environment podcast about environmental stewardship, sustainable living and enlightened public policy in the Pikes Peak Region.
Peak Alliance for a Sustainable Future
Keep up with all the organizations and events making our area a better place to live. Follow Peak Environment on your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode.