Want to learn the secrets of great soil and spectacular plants, just in time for the Fall planting season? Then come to the Master Composter training on two Saturdays, September 19 and 26, sponsored by Environmental Co-op. The two-day hands-on training will be held at our new recycling center located at 1100 Airport Rd., in Terrell from 9am to 4:30pm each day.

Students will learn how to build a successful compost pile and how to use the compost to build healthy soil. “Compost creates a healthier environment for plant growth, improves moisture retention in the soil and can reduce water consumption for the growing season,” according to Michael LeVasseur, class instructor and well-known local soil biologist. “Anyone can learn how to make a home compost pile and how to use readily available organic materials such as leaves and lawn clippings to create a rich inexpensive soil amendment that can transform your gardens, lawns and planting beds.”

Registration and payment of $35 class fee ($30 for Co-op members) are required and should be made before September 16, by calling the Environmental Co-op at 972-524-0007, or emailing environmentalco-op@cebridge.net and sending the registration fee to Environmental Co-op, P.O. Box 1833, Terrell, TX 75160. This fee covers instruction, training materials and lunch each day.

Students will receive Master Composter certification from the State of Texas upon completion of the 14 hour training and 20 hours of volunteer service on behalf of the Environmental Co-op, according to Lee Holbert, the Co-op’s Program Manager. “Volunteer hours are easily accumulated by promoting the compost program, starting your own community compost program or volunteering at various community events the Co-op participates in,” reports Mr. Holbert.

Environmental Co-op is a non-profit environmental organization dedicated to finding innovative solutions to the complex issues surrounding, affordable, legal and environmentally responsible waste management in Kaufman County and beyond. Find out more about the $12 annual membership fee and benefits of membership at www.trashbusters.org or call the Co-op at 972-524-0007.

Welcome to Twenty Peaceful Minutes (20PM) - a community website for Forney, Texas. In addition to this blog, 20PM is home to the Forney discussion forums, which you may reach by clicking the Forney discussion forum link or going to http://20pm.net/forums; also, considering signing up for email or newsreader (RSS feed) notifications of new posts to the 20PM blog!