by Leah Thill
A few weeks ago a handful of volunteers gathered to learn firsthand about the community composting project in Stanton Heights. After a grand tour, they heard from Mike Sturges about the history of the project and tips on how to prevent odor and how to reach appropriately warm temperatures within the compost pile.
The composting process takes place on a parcel of green space that is being stewarded by a group of neighbors as part of the Urban EcoStewards program. Nearby residents drop off their grass clippings, leaves, and other yard debris in designated piles. Mike Sturges and other volunteers regularly turn the compost piles, tracking the temperature changes to ensure that anything harmful - pathogens or parasites- are killed in the process. As an extra measure to ensure a safe product, no food waste is composted.
The finished compost is left to mature in designated bins donated by Comcast, and is then donated to neighbors or community gardens.
Successful composting requires regular maintenance and lot of work, but the benefits are tremendous. To learn more about the project, read Mike's guest article here. If you are interested in lending a hand, please contact Mike Sturges at mjpsturges@gmail.com.
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