top of page
Image by Gorrin Bel

Minnesota Biochar Initiative

Advancing Biochar for a Sustainable Future
The Minnesota Biochar Initiative (MNBI) is dedicated to driving innovation and collaboration in biochar applications across the state. By connecting researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers, we work to unlock biochar’s potential in carbon removal, soil health, and sustainable materials.
ABOUT MNBI

Who We Are:

MNBI is a coalition of experts and advocates working to advance biochar as a key solution for environmental and economic resilience. We focus on research, policy advocacy, and industry collaboration to expand biochar applications in Minnesota and beyond.

What We Do:

  • Support and promote biochar-related research and innovation

  • Foster partnerships between industry, academia, and government

  • Advocate for policies that drive biochar adoption and investment

Mission

MNBI fosters collaboration, education, and innovation in the biochar sector to promote healthier soils, cleaner water, and a more sustainable future for Minnesota.

vision

A future where biochar is widely recognized and utilized as a powerful tool for carbon sequestration, soil enhancement, and environmental resilience.

values

🌱 Sustainability


🤝 Collaboration 


📚 Education 

BIOCHAR IN ACTION

Projects & Impact

MNBI supports and leads projects that demonstrate the benefits of biochar in real-world applications. From carbon sequestration initiatives to innovative product development, we’re driving impact across Minnesota.

​

Current Initiatives:

  • Biochar in soil and water remediation

  • Asphalt and construction applications

  • Carbon removal and climate resilience

Image by Seth Cottle

Upcoming Events

  • 5 days to the event
    Wed, Mar 18
    Kaplan Woods
    Mar 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM CDT
    Kaplan Woods , Owatonna, MN 55060, USA
    Great River Greening will demonstrate the use of biochar kilns.
  • 7 days to the event
    Fri, Mar 20
    Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/y83px2bs
    Mar 20, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CDT
    Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/y83px2bs
    This month’s Char Talk, hosted by the Minnesota Biochar Initiative, features Kevin Shepherd, who will explore how biochar producers and synthetic aggregate developers are converging to support the next generation of low-carbon construction materials.
  • 7 days to the event
    Fri, Mar 20
    Arden Hills Army Training Site
    Mar 20, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM CDT
    Arden Hills Army Training Site, 4761 Hamline Av N Arden Hills, MN 55112
    Great River Greening, in cooperation with the Arden Hills Army Training Site. Great River Greening will be on site demonstrating and discussing the process of using a flame cap big box biochar kiln, processing brush piles and wood waste into biochar.
  • 13 days to the event
    Thu, Mar 26
    Virtual Event
    Mar 26, 2026, 6:00 AM – 8:00 AM CDT
    Virtual Event
    In this webinar, SINTEF Energy Research will present their report "Current State of Biochar as a Carbon Dioxide Removal Solution. Status Report for Mission Innovation Countries and Beyond", which was coordinated and funded by Gassnova.
  • 20 days to the event
    Thu, Apr 02
    Cook County Highway Department
    Apr 02, 2026, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM CDT
    Cook County Highway Department, 609 4th Ave E, Grand Marais, MN 55604, USA
    In coordination with Cook County Highway Department, Great River Greening will be hosting training demonstration on use of flame cap biochar kilns for converting waste wood into soil enriching biochar as a cleaner burning, alternative to open pile burning.
Image by Jon Tyson

Get Involved

Join the Biochar Movement

Whether you’re a researcher, policymaker, industry professional, or sustainability advocate, there are many ways to engage with MNBI.

 

Ways to Get Involved:

  • Become a member

  • Join our working groups

  • Attend upcoming events

  • Support our initiatives

bottom of page