Regenerative Labs & Exhibits
Microbe Mine
& Biome Boutique
The Microbe Mine and Biome Boutique are all about the interconnectedness of living systems, from the smallest microbes in the soil to the organisms they nourish, including humans. Through the lens of microbiology and soil science, we provide hands-on experience of how regenerative practices can contribute to healthier people and a healthier planet!
To expand the impact of these microbes, we need community members like you to pursue these amazing interests with us! Join us and work on behalf of your community.
There are 2 main ways to stay engaged:
Email List: We’ll keep you posted on what’s going on.
Guild: A little more hands on, a lot like a club!
*There are lots of other things we need to help make this program a success! To learn more click here!
Our Program
Microbe Mine is all about soil; what lives in it, how we support and measure that life! Tied to our other ecology and farming programs, Microbe Mine will provide the context and the tools to see how we can shape the microbial life of our soil, and how that impacts our landscape.
As we shift from planting to harvesting, we get into the Biome Boutique. The Biome Boutique is a space for learning about the connection between soil health and human health. Healthier soil leads to more nutrient dense food, which leads to healthier people!
As a whole, the Microbe Mine & Biome Boutique will be a space to learn how the tiniest things impact our world, and to get hands-on experience with different ways to shape it!
In the World
Globally, microorganisms are being recognized as key players in sustaining life on earth. The restoration of degraded landscapes, from agriculture to urban environments is tied to the restoration of microbiomes. Soil health and gut microbiomes are increasingly seen as key factors in combating many modern health issues, including chronic diseases, obesity, and inflammation. In areas such as bioengineering, microbiome manipulation, and regenerative farming, researchers and practitioners are using microbes to solve some of the most pressing environmental issues, including climate change, deforestation, and soil depletion.
Career Pathways
The fields of microbiology, ecology, and human health are converging, creating new and exciting career pathways. Knowledge of microbes and their relation to environmental and human health ties into a variety of professions. These careers can focus on soil health, ecological restoration, sustainable agriculture, and gut health. With a growing emphasis on regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, and microbiome science, there is a rising need for skilled professionals in sectors such as biotechnology, environmental science, nutrition, and public health.
Current Status
To get our programs up and running there are a few things that need to be established! Below are some of the key elements and where we stand in terms of getting things up and running.
It’s impassioned community members, volunteers, and funders who help us push the dial and get closer to our goals!
Program Vision
Industry Sector Analysis
Employers, Trade Organizations, and Unions
Research
Curriculum and Class Resources
On Campus Resources and Facilities
Job Placement Resources
Funding
Status Update Coming Soon!
Join Our Guild!
Want to get involved more deeply with REAP’s microbe mine & biome boutique program? Want to meet other people passionate about earth care, people care, and fair share? Join our microbe mine & biome boutique guild! It’s like a club hosted by REAP for passionate people to do cool stuff!
For more information about what guilds are to REAP click here!

Other ways to get involved
We are seeking volunteers to help maintain our compost and gardens! Tasks may include sorting donations from the food bank, planting, weeding, spreading compost, and more! Visit our volunteering page to get started.
We are always seeking one-time gifts, DAFs & grants, and in-kind donations to help our programs! Visit our donations page for more information.
Sign up for email updates here!