The average American contributes about 2.5 pounds daily to the nation's landfills-landfills that are very costly to construct and operate. Magic Valley residents who want to help Idahoans reduce their household, yard, small farm and community wastes can sign up by Feb. 2 for University of Idaho Extension's "Idaho Master Composter and Recycler Program."
The in-depth, "train-the-trainer" program will be offered from 6 to 9 p.m. for six Wednesday evenings beginning Feb. 10 at the Wendell City Hall, 375 1st Avenue East. Taught by Extension educators Mario E. de Haro Marti of Gooding County and Jo Ann Robbins of Jerome County, it is intended for school teachers and other educators as well as for college and senior high school students, planning and zoning personnel, municipal employees, Master Gardeners and others interested in learning how to use resources wisely and reduce environmental impacts.
Science-based class sessions will cover grass cycling, worm composting and reducing, re-using, recycling and disposing of waste. Continuing Education and college credits, which require extra work, are available for teachers and students.
Cost for most non-credit participants is $35. High school and college students who take the course on a non-credit basis pay just $15. For more information, contact de Haro Marti at (208) 934-4417 or gooding@uidaho.edu or visit http://www.extension.uidaho.edu/gooding.