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

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

Fond du Lac Reservation

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

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

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. 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. Educational Outreach is a high priority for the Resource Management Division.

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

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

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!

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

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

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

The Laborers Red Wigglers 5-10lbs

Worms at Work

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

Endless Educational Opportunities Any subject can apply… Any subject can apply…ArtLanguageWritingScienceHistory

1756$

Bottling Worm Tea for sale at community events

Labeling This label is ready to print onto Avery Label #5163. 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 WORM COMPOST Fond du Lac Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program

Labeling This label is ready to print onto Avery Label #5163. 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  Can be used around the roots of plants, or as a foliar (leaf) spray  Add 4 ounces of worm tea to 1 gallon of water.  Apply every days. Apply to any plant. Tea harvested/packaged by the Ojibwe School “Worm Wigglers” 3rd graders WORM TEA Fond du Lac Ojibwe School Vermiculture Program

Selling at the FDLTCC Earth Day event

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vermiculture Bin and inside view or bin

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

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 –

Additional Resources LaVerme’s Worms: LaVerme’s Worms: New Mexico State University: New Mexico State University: