Date:       November 30, 2001

Contact:  Hetty Francke

Phone:     302-475-9157

Email:      hettyw@udel.edu

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

4-H and Master Gardeners Offer Composting Education to Schools

               Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control has awarded Delaware Cooperative Extension 4-H and the New Castle County Master Gardeners a grant to offer a classroom composting education experience to schoolchildren in New Castle and Kent Counties. Composting teaches children to redefine trash and turn it into a natural resource. The program consists of a group presentation followed by visits to individual classrooms where students will have a hands-on opportunity to see how composting really works. Additionally, students will get the opportunity to learn about worm composting (vermicomposting) as a natural, fun and efficient way to recycle organic material such as kitchen scraps and yard waste.

               The composting process is a complex web of microorganisms, insects, worms and other living things. Students will have the opportunity to investigate the roles these plants and animals play in breaking down organic materials. Composting studies can meet several requirements of the Delaware Department of Education Standards for Science and Math. Handouts and activity sheets will help teachers reinforce the lessons taught by Extension staff.

               Participating schools will also receive a 3-bin pallet composter for their school that will hold up to 150 cubic feet of waste. Awards and recognition will be available for each school. To schedule this exciting program, contact Hetty Francke, Program Coordinator, at 475-9157 or at hettyw@udel.edu.