This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. Soil is not dirt! Healthy soils are critical for keeping water clean, producing food, and buffering the effects of extreme weather. Learn why we need to stop treating soil like dirt, and how you can help make that happen. Karen Wynne has made a career of playing in the dirt, as a farm worker and manager, a soil mapper, a wetland delineator, a perc tester, and organic farm planner. She has focused her efforts on the southeastern United States, working primarily with small farmers to develop alternative production and marketing options that support more sustainable approaches to farming. In addition to her work with individual farmers and on her family’s own semi-neglected farm, Karen works with many partners to build other key pieces of the local food puzzle. About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)