School and Community Programs
Vermicomposting in Elementary Schools
Our Elementary School Vermicomposting Course is designed to engage young learners in the wonders of composting with worms and its role in combating climate change. Led by Desert Compost, the presentation begins by addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on our planet. Through interactive slides, students are introduced to the concept of composting, and its importance in reducing waste, improving soil health, and sequestering carbon. The highlight of the course is the exploration of vermicomposting, where students learn about the fascinating world of red wiggler worms and their essential role in breaking down organic matter. Through hands-on activities, such as creating a worm-friendly environment and feeding the worms, students not only deepen their understanding of composting but also develop a sense of stewardship towards the environment.
With the support of the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy, the course concludes with students welcoming their new worm friends into their classroom, symbolizing their commitment to caring for the planet.
Middle School Garden Composting
Our Middle School Garden Composting Course is designed to inspire middle schoolers to create easy composting systems with geobins and their role in combating climate change. Led by Desert Compost, the presentation begins by addressing the pressing issue of climate change and its impact on our planet. Through interactive slides and discussion, students are introduced to the concept of composting, and its importance in reducing waste, improving soil health, and sequestering carbon. The highlight of the course is the hands-on approach, getting to see food in action. Students learn about the wonders of how food is a resource, and watch the magic of nature’s processes with a little help from us, can turn food into rich soil. Through hands-on activities, such as creating a geobin, and learning an easy compost recipe students not only deepen their understanding of composting but also develop a sense of stewardship towards the environment and each other.
With the support of the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy, the course concludes with a hands-on build for a geobin composting system with the students, establishing a path into caring for our garden ecosystems.
High School Resource Audits
Our High School Resource Audit Course is a dynamic program aimed at inspiring high schoolers to take action in creating simple adjustments to reframing lunchtime “waste” as a resource, while also highlighting their crucial role in mitigating climate change. Spearheaded by Desert Compost, the course delves into the urgent issue of climate change and its far-reaching consequences. Through engaging presentations and interactive lunchtime resource audits, students are introduced to taking a look at how much of their resources are ending up in the trash, and learning how to use leftover food and turn it into compost. The course's focal point lies in its hands-on approach, allowing students to witness the transformative power of auditing resources firsthand. Through this immersive experience, students are empowered to make meaningful contributions to sustainability efforts and foster a sense of interconnectedness with the how a simple change in mindset can effect the community right around them.
With the support of the Coachella Valley Mountain Conservancy, the course concludes with a hands-on resource audit with the students, establishing a path into caring about how one lunchtime period has a massive impact on climate change if we use our “waste” as a resource.
Youth at Wild Coachella Day meet the best ambassadors of compost: Red worms!
Youth participating in building the compost pile.
Worms don’t bite!
Cielo Vista students mixing compost.
Student building a worm bin.