Become a Master Composter! The five-week Master Composter course provides training in the art and science of composting. The course includes lectures, guest speakers, demonstrations, and a field trip. Minimize your carbon footprint. Keeping food and yard waste out of the landfill reduces harmful methane gas emissions. Use this "waste" to create amendments for your garden. Compost use reduces the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. Reduce water use and increase water retention. Compost increases your soil's water-holding capacity and improves water retention. The Master Composter course provides training in the art and science of composting. The course includes lectures, demonstrations, and a field trip. The course covers the following topics: Traditional composting Compost bin building and troubleshooting (in teams!) Vermicomposting Bokashi Bugs in your compost pile Environmental impacts Much more! Master Composter certification requires attendance at all 5 classes, as well as 30 volunteer hours of related community service. Meet new people in this fun, hands-on course and develop your composting knowledge, all while serving your community! Class size is limited. This class will meet Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. : Week 1 - May 7 Week 2 - May 14 Week 3 - May 21 [No class on Memorial Day weekend] Week 4 - June 4 Week 5 - June 11 Residents of unincorporated San Diego County will receive preferential registration. All others will be placed on a waitlist and apprised of space available 1-2 weeks before the start of the course. SPECIAL OFFER! All participants will receive a free kitchen scrap container* after attending the first two classes. Class graduates will receive their choice of the following*: 1 Soil Saver traditional compost bin, or 1 Wriggly Wranch vermicompost bin. Hold your free spot: https://bit.ly/35qdoJo This course has been made possible through generous funding from the County of San Diego. In partnership with the Spring Valley Branch Library. *Limit 1 per household.