Composting and Vermicomposting Class

The Marshalltown Public Library is hosting a class on composting and vermicomposting for adults and teens on Wednesday, August 7 at 5:30pm in the library's community meeting rooms. Jennifer Trent and Jason Clay from the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa will be presenting the class. 

The class will cover both vermicomposting (composting with worms) and pile or bin composting. Jason Clay will present about vermicomposting including the types of bins, worm species and anatomy, feedstocks, bedding, moisture, and air content. Clay will also bring some worms and show people how to find cocoons, how to harvest the vermicompost, and show people the adult and baby worms. Jennifer Trent will present about pile or bin composting including feedstocks, mixing feedstocks, C:N ratios, moisture content, temperature, curing, bin systems, and limiting odors. After the classroom presentation, we will do some simple field tests on compost that the presenters will bring along, including looking at bulk density, moisture content, and free air space, which are simple tests that can help anyone gauge the health of their compost or troubleshoot issues. 

The Iowa Waste Reduction Center is a nationally recognized organization at the University of Northern Iowa devoted to environmental consulting, assistance, training and education for entities with environmental impact or need.

This class is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact the library's Information Desk at 641-754-5738 ext. 4.