The Bragg Creek Community Association (BCCA) will be hosting a vermicomposting workshop this June in order to equip residents with the know-how to employ an alternative composting method in their gardens this summer.
In partnership with Grow Calgary, the June 17 workshop will focus on teaching locals how to create and maintain an indoor composting bin using various species of worms to create a mixture of decomposing food waste, bedding materials and “vermicast,” or earthworm casings.
According to Christine Pollard, BCCA’s program and events manager, vermicomposting is exactly what it sounds like – a composting system that utilizes worm labour – and it’s a great alternative to traditional composting methods.
“The worms help to break up the matter a lot quicker, and of course the worm casings are gardening gold, so it’s just a cleaner, more efficient way [to compost],” Pollard said. “And it’s something that can happen indoors – it’s good for Bragg Creek residents because [outdoor compost] attract bears [and other wildlife].”
She added that vermicomposting is a nice alternative for residents who want to help the environment while keeping their household waste to a minimum.
According to Pollard, programs and activities like the vermicomposting workshop reinvigorate the community spirit of Bragg Creek and provide an opportunity for residents to get out in nature and interact with others safely during the pandemic, while also learning a new skill.
Due to limitations on internet access and bandwidth, the association will not be able to facilitate an online workshop. The session will instead be held in person at the BCCA community garden located in the hamlet’s outdoor skating rink – a temporary installation until the association is able to find suitable green space for the garden.
According to Pollard, BCCA is hoping to proceed with the event, in light of recent restrictions announced on May 4. She said the session will adhere to all government health restrictions, including attendance limitations, social distancing and mandatory mask-wearing.
Pollard said she hopes to see an easing of public health restrictions by June. If not, she said the workshop will continue with registration limited to four people, plus a facilitator for a maximum of five people.
Registration for the event is subject to a $25 fee. For more information about the workshop, or other programs put on by BCCA this spring and summer, visit braggcreekca.com/current-programs/
Carmen Cundy, AirdrieToday.com
Follow me on Twitter @carmenrcundy
