Backyard Composting & Vermicomposting Workshops April & May
Composting is nature’s way of recycling. 
By utilizing the natural process of decomposition, organic materials often considered “waste,” such as grass clippings, food scraps, autumn leaves and even paper, can be recycled back into a rich soil conditioner. Through this transition, soil organisms, many of which are too small to see, break down the organic material in a compost pile so that valuable plant nutrients can be released for future generations of plants to use. Composting helps you reduce your waste stream, it improves the health of your gardens, and most of all its easy to do and enjoyable.
Penn State Cooperative Extension, in a partnership with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP), has developed a statewide backyard composting education program. The goal of the program is to promote the recycling and reuse of yard trimmings, leaves, grass, kitchen scraps and other organic materials. The program won the 2002 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence. Registration and fees to attend may apply. Contact site organizer for more info. http://backyardcompost.cas.psu.edu Click on participating counties and select Delaware County.
When/Where: Conestoga High School, Berwyn / April 16th at 7 PM - 8:30 PM
When/Where: Haverford Sr. High School, Havertown / April 22nd at 7 PM
When/Where: The Grange, Havertown / May 16th at 10 AM
When/Where: Arlington Cemetary, Drexel Hill / May 30th at 10 AM
Pennsylvania Resources Council, Inc. is also offering a backyard composting class and are including 1 compost bin for each household. This workshop thoroughly covers the importance of composting, setting up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways of using finished compost. Participants will receive an Earth Machine Compost Bin with attendance. This bin, approved across the state as an ideal bin for urban and suburban areas, has an eighty-gallon capacity. Cost $30 per person / $40 per couple. Registration required. For more information or to sign up, email Siobhan Lynam by clicking her name, or call her at: (610) 353-1555 ext. 232
When/Where: PRC's office in Ridley Creek State Park / May 14th at 6 PM (Backyard Composting)
Worm composting or vermicomposting ("Vermi" is Latin for "worm.") is an effective way to recycle both food and paper waste. According to the EPA, approximately 10% of the waste stream is food and over 38% of the waste stream is paper. These materials can be removed from the waste stream and used as resources, specifically food and bedding, for a worm bin. Not only is vermicomposting valuable in reducing volume in the waste stream, it also produces two highly marketable products: worms and castings. Red worms are sold as bait within the fishing industry and worm castings are for sale in many lawn and garden centers as an organic fertilizer. Class participants will learn how to house, feed, harvest and care for their own worms. Be prepared to roll-up your sleeves and make your own worm composting bin! Each participant or couple will be provided with a bin, instructions, and worms. You will go home with a complete, ready to use vermiculture system! Cost $30 per person. Registration required. For more information or to sign up, email Siobhan Lynam by clicking her name, or call her at: (610) 353-1555 ext. 232
When/Where: PRC's office in Ridley Creek State Park / May 7th at 7 PM (Vermicomposting)
VISIT THE EVENTS PAGE OF MY WEBSITE FOR OTHER UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS.
