Soil Health Clinics

A one-day event for participants to bring soil samples from their yard or garden where trained staff from University at Buffalo and the Massachusetts Avenue Project screen the samples for lead and share same-day results free of charge! Afterward, participants meet one-on-one with an urban soil specialist and/or lead prevention technician to talk through their results and learn practical steps to reduce lead exposure in the garden.

Buffalo’s industrial history and decades of demolition have left elevated lead levels in many neighborhoods. Soil Health Clinics help residents get rapid, accessible information about their soil and connect them to resources that support healthier gardening and safer outdoor play.

Host sites should offer:

• Recruitment of residents, gardeners, or community members for a minimum of 10 participating households
• A 2-4 hour event
• Electricity to operate screening equipment
• An indoor or outdoor space of roughly 20 feet × 10 feet for check-in, screening, and consultations

Participants will need to:

• Sign up online for a screening appointment during the Soil Health Clinic
• Take max two soil sample(s) per participant—these should be prepared 2 weeks ahead of time according to the directions provided
• Bring the soil sample(s) to the Soil Health Clinic to be tested and to receive same-day results

Participants will leave with:

• The lead and pH level of their soil sample

• Personalized recommendations on soil safety, gardening strategies, and reducing exposure to lead

• Access to soil amendments and additional resources based on results and availability

Lead occurs naturally in soil, but too much can be harmful to human health, especially for young children. That’s why screening is important. We use widely referenced guidance from the Environmental Protection Agency for food-producing gardens.

• Over 200 ppm: avoid ALL food production at this location
• 63-99 ppm: avoid growing leafy vegetables (for example, herbs, kale, collards, lettuce) 
• 100-199 ppm: avoid growing leafy vegetables AND root vegetables (for example, carrots, beets, potatoes) 

Don’t fear, staff will explain the potential risks, practical steps—such as mulching, adding clean soil or compost, choosing low-risk crops, or using raised beds—and provide recommendations for participants to seek additional screening and local programs that offer further support.

Yes! We invite community members to participate in short, optional surveys about their gardening practices or connection to soil. Stipends are available for those who choose to take part.