In the final workshop of our Ecological Landscapes series, we will take an in-depth look at Composting. Compost is the perfect plant food. It feeds plants with more and better nutrients than fertilizer. But, more importantly, it feeds the soil, which fertilizer cannot do. By feeding the soil, compost creates an ideal soil structure that allows the roots to collect the nutrients plants need. And, compost has many other contributions, such as countering the effects of acid rain and retaining soil moisture in dry conditions. Compost allows the creation of beautiful, lower maintenance landscapes and gardens. Despite the common myth, a properly constructed compost pile does not attract nuisance animals, as will be seen in this workshop.

In this workshop, we will learn how to make excellent compost with simplified techniques that require little time and effort. In the classroom, we will learn the biological processes whereby soil organisms turn plant material into compost. Out on the Audubon property, we will learn how to collect compost material that is readily available on most properties such as weeds, fall leaves and kitchen scraps. We will use this material to hands-on construct a compost pile. We will learn how to construct the pile so that it requires no maintenance, like turning and aerating.

Presenters:

Jim Carr is educated as a biologist. He was an instructor at the New York Botanical Garden for twenty years, teaching a variety of horticultural subjects, always from an ecological perspective. He developed the NYBG program of ecological gardening and landscaping for the School of Professional Horticulture as well as one for home gardeners.

Andy Chapin is a graduate of the Connecticut Master Gardeners program and was the former land steward at the Greenwich Audubon Center. 

The program is FREE but participants must register in advance through our online ticket sales page. There will be no ticket sales at the door the day of the program. Please be prepared to show proof of your ticket registration, either as a printed copy of your registration receipt or your registration confirmation email on your phone.

**AS PART OF THIS PROGRAM WILL BE OUTSIDE (WEATHER PERMITTING) PLEASE BRING WARM CLOTHING AND APPROPRIATE OUTDOOR FOOTWEAR**

• Workshop Fee: $25 per person.
• Recommended for ages 12 and up.
• Pre-registration is required. Select HERE to Register.
• Please register for the quantity of ALL members in your party. The rate for children and adults is the same.
• Upon arrival please check in at the front desk and proceed to Kiernan Hall where the indoor portion will take place.

Photo: Jim Carr

​Please note, by signing up for this event you are consenting to receive emails from Audubon about this program and our conservation work. You may opt-out of our emails at any time.

Greenwich Audubon Center is a vibrant nature education center located at the main 285-acre Audubon sanctuary in Greenwich. We are a part of the Audubon Connecticut state office of the National Audubon Society and Atlantic Flyway, and steward a total of seven sanctuaries in the Greenwich area. Our mission is to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Visitors are welcome to enjoy our miles of trails, nature programs, education resources, conservation-themed events, and nature store throughout the year.

We support a diverse and inclusive environment, and welcome individuals of all races, physical and mental abilities, sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnicities, and perspectives. We work with families to modify programs for accessibility where possible.

Learn more about Accessibility at Greenwich Audubon Center

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