We began in 2019, working with the Mi’kmaq Nation in northern Maine, to find ways to clean toxins from contaminated soil.
We do site-based phytoremediation research on fiber hemp’s ability to remove toxins. We are working on the former Loring Air Force base and began by researching PFAS – known as the ‘forever chemical.’ (See our FAQ for more details.) We are partnering with scientists to break down the PFAS once it’s in the hemp.
In 2023, we are also growing fiber hemp on soil contaminated with jet fuel on the former base, and on former farmland owned by the Mi’kmaq Nation that is contaminated with pesticides, fungicides, etc.
In partnership with the Mi’kmaq Nation, we are gratefully collaborating with many scientists and institutions.
So far, we are/have collaborated with scientists from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), University of Virginia, Princeton, University of Minnesota, and University of Albany. Each scientist brings different expertise which has helped greatly expand the understanding of hemp phytorememdiation, breaking down PFAS toxins, how PFAS acts in the environment, and the levels of PFAS contamination in the water and soil on Mi’kmaq land.
To contact us, use the form or reach out directly:
Chelli Stanley, chlstan@yahoo.com
Richard Silliboy, richard.silliboy@myfairpoint.net
Upland Grassroots 