The Lowdown Underground

Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of our cities? In this episode of The Lowdown Underground, Megan and Bailey chat with soil scientist Adam Devlin, who plays a critical role in mapping soils in the Twin Cities for our evolving urban landscapes. This conversation digs deep into the NRCS Urban Soil Survey project, the art and science of soil mapping, and how human impact shapes city soils. He also opens up about the unexpected end of his federal career during a wave of government cuts, offering a heartfelt reflection on the impact of public service.

Let’s dig in!

(Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers.)

Listen to 'Loam Town Folks': https://open.spotify.com/show/75goIOjZ7O8EGVuwgChyDb?si=4cb25b143b3e459e

Happy Earth Day 2025 – Let’s Have a Soil-bration! This Earth Day, we’re going underground. While we celebrate the planet each year, we often forget the actual Earth—the soil beneath our feet—and instead focus on the plants, water, and wildlife above ground.

In this episode, Megan and Bailey break down 11 vital soil functions—from purifying water to fighting climate change. They also dive into the hot topic of cows' climate impact and the surprising role of permafrost in storing carbon. Did you know soil holds more carbon than all the world’s plants and the atmosphere combined?

Get ready for a mix of science, personal stories, and humor as we explore the hidden world beneath us.

Let’s dig in!

(Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employer.)

Ever thought soil was just dirt? Think again! Join us in this episode of Lowdown Underground as Bailey takes us from her early love of lakes in Minnesota to discovering a passion for soil formation, soil health, and sustainability. Hear how a love for plants, a surprising chat on World Soils Day, and countless soil pits shaped her unexpected path from aspiring doctor to dedicated soil enthusiast. Bailey shares her journey, her mentors, and the quirky, earthy adventures that made her fall in love with the land beneath our feet.

Let's dig in!

(Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employer)

Folks who work with the land think of it as soil, not dirt, right?! In this episode, Megan Andersen, a pedologist currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Minnesota, shares her inspiring journey from growing up on a ranch in South Dakota, working with cows and 'dirt', to becoming a passionate soil scientist. Discover how a required pre-requisite class on 'dirt' ignited a love for soil, leading her to pursue groundbreaking soil research in Alaska. Megan's story highlights the profound impact of great mentors, the value of embracing new opportunities, and the power of soil science in addressing climate change.

Let's dig in!

(Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)

What is soil really? Why should we care about it? If you think it's just dirt, you're not alone, but that definition totally misses the mark. In this episode, Megan and Bailey dig into why so many definitions of soil are boring, limited, or just plain wrong. We explore how different people, including scientists, farmers, and artists, see soil in radically different ways. And the power of a great educator to shape your perspective of soil!

We offer our own definitions on what soil is. Not just as stuff beneath our feet, but as a living, ever changing system.

Let's dig in!

(Views are our own and do not reflect those of our employers)