It was a genuinely wormy experience for those who attended the vermicomposting workshop at McArthur Place on Oct. 17.
The session was a collaboration between Lac La Biche County and Bonnyville-based LICA (Lakeland Industrial and Community Association) Environmental Stewards. The workshop was presented by Julie Shapka, an environmental technician with Lac La Biche County.
Before getting their hands dirty handling the 'red wiggler' worms which were in several boxes on tables, the participants watched a detailed presentation by Shapka, one that taught the basics of vermicomposting. The idea behind the process is to use worms to help the composting process, a method of reducing waste. The group was also provided with information about the feeding and care of worms, including the go0to worm foods for vermicomposting — which include vegetable and fruit scraps, coffee grinds and tea bags. Participants were also told the no-go worm and composting foods like meats, fats, oils, and dairy products.
LICA provided the worms, supplies, and presentation material for the free event.
Once the presentation had concluded, participants were shown how to create bedding for worms by filling plastic bins with soil and newspaper strips and then spraying with water until the inside of the bin is damp. Each participant received a bin to keep their worms in. The workshop focused on environmental stewardship, and how natural processes can work toward that focus. Part of that process included a lesson on worm poop — known as 'castings' — and how it benefits the composting and re-growth process.
Waste Reduction Week events
The vermicomposting workshop is one of three events being hosted by Lac La Biche County for Waste Reduction Week, which is from Oct. 16-22. There will be a canning workshop at the Plamondon Festival Centre on Thursday, Oct. 19 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. while the annual household hazardous waste roundup and community shredding event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at the County Centre from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
