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E-M:/ Michigan 2003 Master Composter Program (fwd)

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Enviro-Mich message from Lowell Prag <lprag@mail.msen.com>
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Hello all,

First, as I have had so many requests for more info on bulk corn gluten,
bulk rolls of kraft paper, and bulk compost for weed surpression as an
'organic' alternative to toxic herbicides, etc., I am putting together a
directory of Michigan resources, depending on how big your order would be,
for home gardners, commercial landscapers, and farmers. I'll post it soon.

Meanwhile, below is info on master classes to 
learn about composting and then teach others.

Lowell Prag

---------- Forwarded message ----------
Subject: Fwd: 2003 SOCWA/SOCRRA Master Composter Program
To:  Healthy Lawn and Garden Technical Advisory Committee
Fr:  Lillian Dean, SOCWA Healthy Lawns and Gardens
Re:  Master Composter Training

The announcement and registration for our 2003 Master Composter program is 
enclosed.  Now in its 11th year, this is our core program for citizen 
volunteer training -- covering composting, healthy soils, healthy lawn care, 
natural mulches and more.  We examine the process of decomposition and its 
relationship to clean water and land...New research related to the benefits 
of compost for soil erosion control and water quality make this class 
particularly relevant to Rouge River cleanup (persons can attend from other 
watersheds but must contribute volunteer service within the watershed).  Some 
professionals from cities have already registered.

PLEASE SHARE THIS PROGRAM INFORMATION WITH OTHERS WHO MAY BE INTERESTED.

MASTER COMPOSTER
TRAINING PROGRAM
for Rouge River Water Quality

Sponsored by:
SOCWA  (Southeastern Oakland County Water Authority) 
in cooperation with SOCRRA and Rouge River Municipalities

Program co-sponsored by Rouge watershed communities, Main 1-2 Subwatershed:  
Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, 
Bloomfield Twp., Farmington Hills, Franklin, Lathrup Village, Pontiac, 
Rochester Hills, Southfield, Troy, West Bloomfield Twp.

Funded through a grant from the Rouge River National Wet Weather 
Demonstration Project.
 

Classes begin Thursday, March 27, 2003
7:00 * 8:30 pm
Bloomfield Township Library
1099 Lone Pine Rd. (@Telegraph * SE corner)


CLASS SCHEDULE:
Thursday, March 27, 7:00 * 8:30 pm:  Composting basics.
Thursday, April 3, 7:00 * 8:30 pm:  Bin options; marvelous mulches.
Thursday, April 24; 7:00 * 8:30 pm:  Lawn Care "for Earth's Sake"
        - featured speaker: Rick Lazzell, Lazzell Horticultural Services
Thursday, May 1, 7:00 * 8:30 pm:  Go decomposers!  Healthy soils.
        - featured speaker:  Andy Fogiel, Michigan State University
Saturday, May 10, 10:00 * 11:00 am:  Tour of SOCRRA compost site
        - tour leader: Mike Czuprenski, SOCRRA Operations Manager
Final class * September 2003:  Date and location to be determined.  

Registration fee:  $30.00   
(make checks payable to SOCWA)

Fee includes: 
o Master Composter notebook
o MSU soil nutrient test (including organic matter test)
o T-shirt upon completion of class work
o Name badge upon completion of volunteer work


WHAT IS A SOCWA MASTER COMPOSTER?
A Master Composter is a trained community volunteer * familiar with garden 
and lawn practices which protect water quality and reduce waste.  Master 
composters understand composting methods, natural mulches, soil nutrient 
testing, benefits of compost for water quality, and more.  Volunteers, 
working with SOCWA staff, carry messages to the public and local officials 
through a wide range of community events, demonstrations, and media 
communications.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:
Composting, healthy lawn care, compost additions to the soil, and natural 
mulches are very important practices for Rouge River water quality.  Through 
the Master Composter program, citizens become aware of the connection between 
their backyards and the Rouge River * and learn composting, mulching, and 
soil maintenance skills to share with others.  

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
o Attend 6 classes  (including one field trip)   
o Build and maintain a compost pile
o Complete assignments and take-home exam
o Complete 10 hours of volunteer service in the Rouge River watershed
o Conduct one hands-on demonstration * how to make compost

CLASS INSTRUCTOR:  Lillian F. Dean, FAICP
                          Coordinator, SOCWA Healthy Lawns and Gardens

EXAMPLES OF VOLUNTEER WORK IN THE ROUGE RIVER WATERSHED:
* Teach others how to make and use compost.
* Prepare newsletter articles; letters to the editor; display for library.
* Help with SOCWA table-top displays at events such as:
        - Bordine Garden Expo (April 12 and April 13)
        - Earth Day at the Zoo (April 26).
        - Garden tours sponsored by local clubs.
* Teach children about the connection of healthy soils with habitat diversity.
* Help with River Day events - land and water cleanup.
* Plant trees and shrubs with compost as a top dressing.
* Check sources of compost bins, natural mulches, slow-release fertilizer 
stickers, etc.
* Help friends and neighbors practice healthy lawn care and on-site yard 
   waste recycling.
 
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MASTER COMPOSTER REGISTRATION FORM

Please send $30.00 check (payable to SOCWA) with this registration form to 
Karen Bever, 3910 W. Webster Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48073.    Registration 
deadline:  Friday, March 21, 2003 -- or when the class is full.  Class size 
is limited to 25 people -- don't delay in reserving your seat.  Telephone 
registrations accepted (class fee can then be sent in the mail.)

QUESTIONS?  Tel: 248-288-5150       Fax: 248-435-0310    
or e-mail: LFDean@aol.com 

REGISTRATION INFORMATION;

NAME:

ADDRESS:                          CITY:                  ZIP:


E-MAIL:                      TELEPHONE:

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