The energy that propelled the San Joaquin Soil to being formally designated the "Official State Soil" -- was that of Alex Lehman, who saw an opportunity to provide his Madera, California Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School students with a meaningful endeavor which allowed an integrated curriculum approach. Mr. Lehman solicited the assistance of a State Senator, the Honorable Dick Monteith, as well as the Professional Soil Scientists Association of California (PSSAC). The concept to designate the San Joaquin Soil as the official soil of California began a number of years ago when Gordon Huntington, and several other PSSAC members suggested that designating an official State Soil would be a worthwhile goal of the association, which conducted research and prepared supporting documentation.
The impetus behind formally recognizing the San Joaquin Soil as "Official State Soil" -- came from Alex Lehman, who saw potential to engage his Madera, California Martin Luther King, Jr. Middle School students in a meaningful educational project that integrated their curriculum. Mr. Lehman collaborated with State Senator Honorable Dick Monteith and the Professional Soil Scientists Association of California (PSSAC). The concept to declare the San Joaquin Soil as the official soil of California began years ago when Gordon Huntington, along with other PSSAC members, suggested it would be a worthwhile goal for their association. They conducted research and prepared supporting documentation.