Backyard Compost Train the Trainer Session: Feb. 7, 2012
This one-day session is geared toward environmental educators, certified Master Composters and certified Master Gardeners who are looking for ways to “tune up” their teaching skills and engage more people with their message. We’ll look at teaching techniques from across the State, as well as alternative methods of residential composting. The class is 9 a.m. 3 p.m. at the Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road, Charlotte NC 28215. For more information, contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

County’s Master Composter Training Program: Feb. 14, 2012
This free 40-hour training program is open to all residents of Mecklenburg County. Applicants must have completed the County's Basic Home Composting workshop and/or have a working knowledge of composting. In return for the training, students are required to give back 40 hours of volunteer time to the Organic Waste Reduction program and its projects. Past projects have included developing a school compost garden, and providing under-served neighborhoods with residential recycling training. The classes will meet weekly on Tuesday mornings from 10 a.m.-noon at the Reedy Creek Nature Center, 2900 Rocky River Road Charlotte, NC 28215. The classes end April 24 with a graduation lunch at the St. Alban’s Community Garden in Davidson.
For more information and/or an application, contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Spring Topic Talks 2012: Mecklenburg County Master Composters and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library are teaming together to offer FREE one hour classes Thursday evenings from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. in March and April. These classes offer an overview into natural and organic gardening tools for the residential homeowner. The classes are held indoors at the South County Regional Library, 5801 Rea Road, Charlotte NC 28277. For more information and registration, contact the library at 704-416-6600. Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Bokashi Composting & Deep Mulch Gardening / Anna Brown: March 8, 2012
Learn the Bokashi method of composting. This easy method allows you to compost ALL food scraps. Also during this session, you will learn how to use leaves to create a deep mulch gardening system that eliminates tilling, weeding, watering, and is a constant source of nutrients for your growing plants. Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Vermicomposting: Red Wigglers Are Your Best Compost Friends / Lino Scala: March 22, 2012
Composting with worms is easy, requires very few supplies, and can be done by anyone. In this hands-on demo, learn to turn a simple box or container into a fine worm bin that keeps worms and decomposing food scraps in one area. Composting worms require very little attention, don’t get sick, and don't mind if you go on vacation. In addition, these worms are voracious eaters that are extremely happy to spend the day eating organic waste, excreting worm castings and making more worms, providing you with high-quality compost! Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Companion Planting / Janet Burlee: April 12, 2012
Companion planting is the planting of different landscaping plants, or agricultural crops in proximity on the theory that they assist each other in nutrient uptake, pest control, pollination and other factors necessary to increasing productivity. During this session, you’ll learn about various companion planting systems, how these approaches can enhance flavors, provide pest control, and be a cornerstone of organic gardening. Do you plant tomatoes -- make sure there's some basil nearby! Garlic and roses? Cucumbers and corn? Petunias and beans? Even tansy and fruit trees. Companion planting will help you look at your plant and vegetable gardens in a whole new and exciting way! Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Creating the Healthy Earth Happy Lawn / Geoffrey Huntley: April 26, 2012
Learn to balance growing a lush and healthy lawn with your commitment to being environmentally conscious. From fertilizers to soil-balancing agents, these tips are designed to leave the Earth a little bit better than you found it. Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.

Mecklenburg County’s Annual Compost Bin and Rain Barrel Sale: April 21, 2012
The County is teaming up once again with Norseman Environmental to offer the Earth Machine for $47 plus tax and the Systern RainBarrel for $58 plus tax. The sale takes place 8 a.m -2 p.m. at 700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte NC, 28202. Contact Nadine Ford at Nadine.Ford@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or call 704-201-2201.