Workshop description | Workshop Fees
Workshop Agenda | Instructors Bios | Resources | Contact info

Compost 201:
Best Practices for the Use of Compost in Vermont Towns
Sustainable Site Design and Land Management

Knowledge about producing and using compost no longer applies only to gardeners. The alchemy of composting results in a superb, biologically rich material that can clean and conserve water and control soil erosion. Composting and the use of compost can also contribute to public health and safety, farm viability, and the direct immediate reduction of greenhouse gases. When added to soils, the structure and web of organisms in compost increase soil stability, fertility, and moisture retention. As towns, regions, and entire states move towards banning organic ”waste” from landfills, there is also a growing awareness of the connection between how we design and maintain the natural elements in built environments and our carbon footprint. 

While there is general understanding that compost and composting are ‘good,’ there is a knowledge gap about specific benefits and how to modify current farming, site engineering and landscaping practices to produce those benefits. This workshop provides compost related ecoliteracy for Vermont decision-makers, professionals and advocates working with communities and businesses to adopt best practices. In this workshop you will learn how to achieve environmental and economic benefits from the use of compost in development, road construction, landscaping, and land management projects.

Topics in this 4-hour workshop include:

• Organic matter and soil: Biology overview
• Landscaping applications – specifications and standards for using compost in:
  • LID (low impact development)
  • Turf management
  • Maintaining healthy trees and shrubs
  • Disease suppression
• Compost as part of stormwater management
• Compost products for erosion control and post construction site stabilization
• Compost quality/buying compost
• Designing for onsite composting

Workshops include small group work to develop 'action plans' to use compost in landscaping, land development, road maintenance and land management projects.

Compost 201 is generously funded with grant support in 2010. This makes it possible for us to offer this workshop up to 10 times throughout Vermont this spring and fall.

Schedule of workshops:

Schedule a workshop for your group

We can schedule a workshop for your group if you can provide at least 12 attendees. Please contact Pat Sagui, info@compostingvermont.org, 802-744-2345 to discuss details.

Workshop Fees

Compost 201 is a new workshop in 2010. Generous grant funding makes it possible for us to offer the workshop at a greatly reduced price this year. The general attendee workshop fee is $30. Community volunteers who attend can make a donation in any amount in lieu of the workshop fee.

Instructors Bios

Brian Jerose, a principal and environmental resource consultant for WASTE NOT Resource Solutions, also leads the curriculum development team. Brian has 14 years of experience in the conservation and environmental field with expertise in resource recovery, composting, sustainable economic development, technical training and watershed management.. He coordinated implementation of a thermal heat recovery system from composting manure at Diamond Hill Heifers in Sheldon, Vermont, the largest project of its kind in North America. Brian has a BA in Political Science with a minor in Environmental Studies, and an MS in Environmental and Resource Engineering from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY.

Robert Spencer, AICP is a consultant with over  20 years experience in land use and water quality planning, as well as development and operation of composting facilities. His projects have included working with federal and regional planning agencies and developing public/private partnerships. While at the Bedminster facility in Marlboro, MA,  he started the supermarket composting program that served 15 stores. Bob currently works part-time for Mass Natural, a composting company in Westminster, Massachusetts. Bob is also a Contributing Editor for BioCycle magazine, and continues to provide consulting and training services to communities, states, and companies. He has a BS in Biology, and an MS in Resource management and Policy from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse, NY.

Buzz Ferver, a consultant and design/build contractor, has over 30 years of experience in composting, horticulture and the construction trades. He has provided project management and consulting services in the composting industry since 1994. Currently Buzz divides his time between private consulting, and working as a curriculum developer/instructor for green design and construction at Yestermorrow in Warren, Vermont, and as a partner since 1990 in Overbrook Design, East Fallowfield, Pennsylvania. He recently co-authored Phosphorus Reduction in Stormwater Runoff with Britt Faucette, Ph.D.

Workshop Agenda (click here)

Resources

Under construction, available April 15

Contact info

For questions about the workshop please contact:

                        Pat Sagui, Director

                        info@compostingvermont.org

                        802-744-2345

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