Spring 2012: Schedule and Curriculum
Bernalillo County Extension Master Composters
Note that information below is subject to change. Please check back closer to the date to see the final details.
The Spring 2012 Master Composter Training will consist of 13 class modules as follows. The curriculum is modeled on other successful Master Composter programs in the USA. Class instructors are listed in the far-right column. Please see Spring 2012 Instructors for more information about the teachers.
| Module 1: | 03/03/12 | Sat am | 8:00-9:55 | Types of composting and reasons to compost: hot vs. cold, indoor vs. outdoor, slow vs. fast, vermicompost, above-ground vs. trench, recycling, composting vs. the landfill | Judy Espinosa |
| Module 2: | 03/03/12 | Sat am | 10:00-12:00 | The chemistry of compost and other chemicals of the soil: pH, carbon, nitrogen, potassium, salts, calcium carbonate, nitrates, phosphorus | Omar Sadek |
| Module 3: | 03/07/12 | Wed pm | 7:00-9:00 | Composting microbiology: basics, soil organisms, human pathogens, thermophilic organisms, mycology | Steve Glass |
| Module 4: | 03/10/12 | Sat am | 8:00-9:55 | Compost tea and uses of compost: differences between compost tea and compost, how to make, how to use, storing, mulch, soil amendment, fertilizer | Shawn Hardeman |
| Module 5: | 03/10/12 | Sat am | 10:00-12:00 | Fauna involved in composting: what will come, what does what to compost, pests vs. beneficial visitors, how to avoid the pests | Joran Viers |
| Module 6: | 03/14/12 | Wed pm | 7:00-9:00 | Health and safety issues for the composter: basics, safety precautions, health precautions | Judy Espinosa |
| Module 7: | 03/17/12 | Sat am | 9:00-10:55 | Vermicomposting: types and number of worms, temperature, what to feed the worms, inside vs. outside bins. (March 17 modules will take place at Open Space Visitor Center.) | Juli Kois |
| Module 8: | 03/17/12 | Sat am | 11:00-1:00 | Hands-on demonstrations: how to build a hot compost, starting an inside vermicompost, store-made composters, supplies. (March 17 modules will take place at Open Space Visitor Center.) | John Zarola & Pat Barger |
| Module 9: | 03/21/12 | Wed pm | 7:00-9:00 | Local soils and weather and how that plays into composting: overview, sand, clay, caliche, New Mexico weather | Shawn Hardeman |
| Module 10: | 03/24/12 | Sat am | 8:00-9:55 | Roles of municipal and commercial composting facilities: commercial vs. backyard composting, benefits of using commercial facilities, purchasing compost | Steve Glass & Walter Dods |
| Module 11: | 03/24/12 | Sat am | 10:00-12:00 | Compost problem solving, trouble shooting, curing: curing, stinky pile, slimy pile, inactive pile, rodents, flies in the worm bin, dead worms, fire | Pat Barger & Omar Sadek |
| Module 12: | 03/28/12 | Wed pm | 7:00-9:00 | Tips on teaching: know your audience, tools, test questions, preparation | Sue Ellen Bartholomew & Donna Detweiler |
| Module 13: | 03/31/12 | Sat am | 8:00-12:00 | How to select a composting method/final questions: how to help the public pick method that will lead to success, where compost materials come from and when to use what, horse manures, feed, weeds, grass, animal products, pesticides, herbicides, gray water, how to recycle without composting | Judy Espinosa & other Board members |
All aspects of the schedule and curriculum are subject to change. Changes will be posted/announced as they occur.
In case of snow or other inclement weather, we will follow the Bernalillo County policy. Please check the Bernalillo County web site for closure information. Then check the Master Composter site for make-up dates.