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[Mike_L]

The Compost Education Program of Tompkins County is currently recruiting applicants for its 2007 Master Composter Training Program!

Please take a look at our web site http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/compost/ or read the following information, and HELP US SPREAD THE WORD by forwarding this message to any listservs, groups, or individuals who may be interested in our program!

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Dear Community Member,

I am writing to spread the word about an exciting volunteer opportunity in Tompkins County. Master Composters are an enthusiastic group of volunteers trained to educate the public about composting. Thanks to their efforts & the support of the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division, OUR COUNTY BOASTS SOME OF THE HIGHEST COMPOSTING RATES in this part of the country. This, along with other county programs & financial incentives to reduce, reuse & recycle, results in less "trash" being sent to our landfills. In the end, WE ALL SAVE MONEY WHILE DOING OUR PART TO LESSEN OUR IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT!

The flip side of reducing waste is that we have more compostable material on our hands. Despite what you may hear, backyard composting - when practiced correctly - does not produce odors or attract unwanted pests. There are even ways to compost indoors! THE FINISHED COMPOST, WHEN ADDED TO THE LAND, IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF OUR SOIL & ULTIMATELY HELPS OUR PLANTS, GARDENS, & LAWNS THRIVE -- WITHOUT THE USE OF CHEMICAL FERTILIZERS OR PESTICIDES.

Master Composters work on many levels to promote responsible composting practices. They conduct workshops, write educational articles, help manage demonstration sites & speak to others interested in composting. Volunteers also gather informally to share meals, ideas, & friendship. MASTER COMPOSTERS HAVE FUN WHILE PROMOTING SOUND ECOLOGICAL PRACTICES.

Every year the Compost Education Program trains a new group of Master Composters. This year, training sessions are scheduled for ten Wednesday evenings, February 7 - April 25 (no class March 21), from 6:30 - 8:30 pm. All aspects of composting are covered, including the basic science of composting, systems & methods for both indoor & outdoor composting, troubleshooting, & compost uses. In addition to the sessions, trainees do a "practical internship" that provides many opportunities to gain outreach experience by working alongside veteran volunteers! As part of the training, members of the new class help to plan, organize, and staff the Compost Fair in the spring. Graduates of the program then go on to work on projects of their choosing. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR THIS YEAR'S TRAINING IS FRIDAY, JANUARY 26!

If you are interested in protecting the environment, improving gardens, reducing waste and having fun with a lively community group, then consider joining us! Additional information & applications are available by any of the following means:

1) visiting our website

http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/compost

2) visiting our office

Tompkins County Cooperative Extension
615 Willow Avenue
Ithaca, NY

3) contacting the "Rotline," phone: 272-2292 or email: acm1@cornell.edu

Thank you for your interest,
Adam Michaelides
Program Manager

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WHEN: 10 Wednesday evenings, February 7 - April 25 (no class March 21)
Application deadline - Friday, January 26

WHERE: Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Ave., Ithaca

COST: $40 training deposit, refunded after completing volunteer hours
This deposit is returned to volunteers once they give 40 hours back to the community! In that way, the program is free! (Note: no one will be turned away for financial constraints. Please speak with the Program Manager if the deposit would be a financial burden.)

The Compost Education Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County is funded by Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division.

Adam Michaelides
Program Manager, Compost Education
Cornell Cooperative Extension
615 Willow Ave.
Ithaca, NY 14850
(607) 272 - 2292
acm1@cornell.edu
http://www.cce.cornell.edu/tompkins/compost


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Michael Ludgate - forum administrator
The Canaan Institute http://www.canaaninstitute.org/

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