The Compost Festival hosted by Oklahoma County OSU Extension will be held May 22 at Will Rogers Gardens in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Todd Johnson, OSU Agricultural Communications)

Festival to highlight benefits of composting

Thursday, May 6, 2021

Media Contact: Trisha Gedon | Communications Specialist | 405-744-3625 | trisha.gedon@okstate.edu

Oklahoma residents will have an opportunity to learn about the benefits of composting at the upcoming Compost Festival slated May 22 at Will Rogers Gardens in Oklahoma City.

Oklahoma State University Extension in Oklahoma County is partnering with the municipal park to host the educational and fun event, said LaDonna Hines, Oklahoma County OSU Extension director.

“Oklahoma County OSU Extension received an Oklahoma City Water Utilities Grant and we’re using that to sponsor water education, conservation and education activities such as the Compost Festival. This is our second year to receive the grant,” Hines said.

The Compost Festival will take place at Will Rogers Gardens, 3400 NW 36th St. The event is free to attend, but participants are asked to register because access will be limited due to COVID-19 indoor social-distancing restrictions. Organizers ask that attendees follow the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for wearing masks. Educational workshops will take place from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a free box lunch. Vendors, educational booths/workshops and other activities will take place outside from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Several industry professionals will be sharing their knowledge during the festival, including Josh Campbell, Oklahoma County OSU Extension urban agriculture and natural resources educator. He will be talking about the various methods of home composting that are available.

“Compost is a great way to add needed organic matter to the soil, which is an important component for water conservation because it increases the soil’s ability to hold water,” Campbell said. “For every 5% increase of organic matter to the soil, the soil’s water-holding capacity quadruples. As an added bonus, compost improves the soil’s structure, increases its nutrient retention and also can be used as a mulch.”

Other presenters on the agenda include:

Kelly Dillow, Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality — making and using compost tea in the home landscape and garden.
Alan Parleir, co-owner of Commonwealth Urban Farms of Oklahoma City — community composting and vermicomposting.

There will be composting demonstrations, a question-and-answer period and vendors offering the latest in compost equipment.

“We’re really excited to be able to offer this educational opportunity to the public. We have a great working relationship with the people from Will Rogers Gardens and we’re looking forward to a successful event,” Campbell said.

Contact the Oklahoma County OSU Extension office for more information.