Creating and Managing Composting Programs with Tribal Schools

1. Creating and Managing Composting Programs with Tribal Schools Shannon Judd Environmental Education/Outreach Coordinator

2. Fond du Lac Reservation Just over 100,000 acres – approximately 33,000 are Reservation owned (Trust, Fee, MCT) Nearly evenly split between two counties: St. Louis and Carlton 1125 band members 1492 other tribal members 2 Casinos and multiple program divisions and other enterprises

3. Fond du Lac Reservation

4. Composting Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program Head Start Vermicomposting Household Vermiculture Project Household Yard Composting Bin Project Educational Outreach Program

5. Fond du Lac Ojibwe School ~ Kindergarten – 12th Grade ~ Approximately 300 Students ~ Increased incorporation of hands-on, traditional/cultural activities in curriculum

6. Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program Opportunity to provide environmental and pollution prevention education to students while also decreasing the amount of solid waste generated on the reservation. Educational Outreach is a high priority for the Resource Management Division.

7. Project Background Established in February 2000 Expanded Project January 2002 Financial Assistance from US EPA Region 5 and MN Dept of Natural Resources School Staff took over in 2006 Now a cooperative effort between school and the Environmental Program

8. Location - Room Details • Room Requirements- Ojibwe School 10 x 15 x 10 • In separate room in school garage facility • Separate heating/cooling is a good idea! • ( Air Conditioning Thermostat

9. Bin Details • 3x4½x2 (We have 4) • Separation of materials between compost and drain • Plastic to avoid rusting • Spigot • Cover - depends on your situation • Make your own! Save money!

10. Bin Details Bedding Materials Leaves (not walnut) Shredded brown paper towel or bags Wood shavings Not recommended: Newspaper, bleached paper (dioxins)

11. Bin Details - Substrate Peat Moss Sand Molasses Water Coffee grounds

12. Other Needs… ~ Refrigerator ~Scale ~Rubber Gloves ~Packaging Materials ~Collection Bags ~Black plastic covering ~Worm tea buckets Scale for weighing food

13. The Laborers Red Wigglers 5-10lbs

14. Worms at Work

15. Worm “Business” • Increasing self-esteem • Encourage interaction between generations • Math, marketing, computer, finance, etc. • Compost- use “Chinese” takeout containers or ziplock baggies • Worm Tea- use plastic bottles • Powwows, community events, etc.

16. Endless Educational Opportunities • Any subject can apply… Art Language Writing Science History

17. 1756 $632.16

18. Bottling Worm Tea for sale at community events

19. Labeling This label is ready to print onto Avery Label #5163. WORM COMPOST Fond du Lac Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program Worm Castings help create healthier soils; improving water retention, soil texture, nutrient availability and the ability to fight soil-borne plant diseases and repel insects. (Soil:Compost) Simply mix in some compost with regular potting soil. (20:1 Ratio) Compost harvested/packaged by the Ojibwe School “Worm Wigglers” 3rd graders

20. Labeling Stimulates healthy root system growth, Encourages a strong leaf system, Produces vibrant leaf and fruit color, Replenishes soil, Provides a natural, chemical free solution for plant feeding èCan be used around the roots of plants, or as a foliar (leaf) spray èAdd 4 ounces of worm tea to 1 gallon of water. èApply every 30-60 days. Apply to any plant. Tea harvested/packaged by the Ojibwe School “Worm Wigglers” 3rd graders This label is ready to print onto Avery Label #5163. WORM TEA Fond du Lac Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program

21. Selling at the FDLTCC Earth Day event

22. What’s Great About Vermicomposting No need for expensive equipment Can be done at small-scale or large scale Fewer critter worries No smell if done properly Very good quality compost Fun to hear the worms chomping away!

23. Challenges to Vermicomposting Limited amount of food waste can be used initially Worms have special needs Biodegradable utensils tough to break down Environmental Health Codes may limit location Climate affects location options Perceptions of worms Guilt if something goes awry

24. Lessons Learned and other Tips Try to have only one or two people managing the bins. Post signage with all essential dos and don'ts. Limit access to the vermicomposting site. Make sure to properly bury food! Egg shells and coffee grounds are a must! Have curriculum available and establish a routine with classrooms or student groups Leave worm juice bottles slightly open

25. Where are we now? Restarted two bins January 2010. “Sustainability” team now takes care of worm feeding and care Worm juice and compost sold for fundraisers Journey Garden students will use compost and tea for their garden.

26. Outdoor Composting • Outdoor composting pile maintained during Journey Garden Program • Pile is small and located within fenced area • May have critter or odor issues if not properly maintained

27. Fond du Lac Head Start • Environmental Program contacted by teacher in early 2011. • Staff provided assistance and presentation to classroom when worm bin introduced • Great opportunity for early childhood education!

28. Vermiculture Bin and inside view or bin

29. Composting for Tribal Schools • Getting Started • Meet with School Staff • Review Local and Federal Regulations • Weigh Food Waste • Helps determine size of system needed • Estimated cost savings could help initiate project

30. Composting for Tribal Schools • Getting Started Cont… • Determine location, system size, staff and other logistics • Find funding and build! • Be available for technical assistance • K-12 Grant Resource • Grant Wrangler – www.grantwrangler.com

31. Additional Resources http://aces.nmsu.edu/pubs/_h/h-164.pdf LaVerme’s Worms: www.lavermesworms.com New Mexico State University: