Last Fall I took the pilot composting education program called "Cuyahoga Composts" through OSU Extension. It was particularly geared towards people who would like to help set-up community composts- or be resources in the community for composting knowledge and know-how.
I got involved with the particular project of a Community Compost here at Possibilitarian Garden. Initially, I had spoke with folks at Environmental Health Watch about partnering with them about setting up a Community Compost in Buckeye, and they were very interested. EHW had just set-up a pilot program this past summer called 'The Family Garden Initiative' and helped to set up something like 500 gardens in the area. The Buckeye Area Development Corporation had done a similar intentioned project using Garden Soxx, seeding them & setting them up with a huge crew of volunteers. It was pretty exciting to see. They got people rain barrels, watering cans, seeds, tranplants, soil, & composting bins ("The Dirt Machine" variety). Pretty exciting! They even gave you a package with freezer bags & a sharpie (so you can label the contents of the bag) and directions for how to freeze those collards you were going to grow. I was seriously impressed- and inspired.
And I got to thinking about Community Compost here in Buckeye. Maybe starting with just connecting with folks on my street- knocking on doors, writing a letter to everyone, maybe even calling a meeting- describing the commitment & benefit of composting, and see if people are interested. I could do pick-ups with a wagon cart, once a week- or if someone calls or something.
This idea extended into including all those other garden happy & potential composting enthusiasts in the Buckeye neighborhood that had participated in the gardening programs this past year. Which is why I got connected with EHW and was inspired further to take the OSU course in the Fall.
And so story short-
in coordination with some folks from OSU, and a small group of composting enthusiasts who took cuyahoga composts- we are in the initial phases of developing a "Cuyahoga Composting Demonstration Site" kind of thing. Something similar to the "Summer Sprout" kind of program- in the sense that it will be an open educational resource with some funding for signage, etc.
We are planning again to meet in March and talk more about what we are imaging with each site specifically, and see how OSU can meet or support any needs.
The rat wheel is turning! I'll be sure to post more on what my initial thoughts are and vision for this place, including a self-guided walking tour with educational signs for people to read. But I am hoping to consult with my gardener neighbor and friend Liz before plowing forward. I am interested to see what she thinks about it and what she sees it. She has been living here longer than I have!
For now, you can keep posted, and keep on the look out for "Composting Demonstration Sites" popping up this Spring....
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