Compost Ambassador 2024

Update 3/13/24: Due to high demand we cannot accept any additional registrants from outside of Cook County. 

The Compost Ambassador program covers topics that will strengthen your ability to compost at home, teach others how and why they should compost, understand the science behind composting, learn about compost quality, and become a better user of compost whether you make it or purchase it.
In this program, you will have access to an online classroom through Learn @ Extension where you can interact with other students and instructors, download supplemental materials, and engage in home learning to prepare for the six live virtual sessions. The course concludes with an optional in-person workshop at an Illinois Extension Demonstration site. 

Class meets online via Zoom on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. from April 10 - May 15, 2024.

Attendance at and participation in the virtual lectures is expected. Dedication to course materials outside of class time is expected.

The cost to participate is $30 for either three or six-week option.

Topics covered include:

  Week 1 What is compost and why do we do it?
  Week 2 How can we compost at home?
  Week 3 Compost Ecosystem: The Big Picture
  Week 4 The Science of Composting: Deepen Your Understanding
  Week 5 Compost Quality: Testing and Analysis
  Week 6 Compost Usage 

The in-person workshops will occur at your choice of Cook or Lake County Locations: 

The in-person workshop may include the following: demonstrations of composting systems, an opportunity to see a compost recipe turn into a compost pile, other compost management techniques, and a chance to socialize and meet the other program participants! Light refreshments provided.
 
Note: Attendance at a workshop will be required to receive some free composting resources included in the cost of the program. These resources include things to get you started like a compost thermometer, a worm bin, and more. The more class weeks you attend, the more you will be eligible to receive.

For questions about this program or if you need reasonable accommodation to participate, don't hesitate to contact Sarah Batka at 217-300-8636 or sbatka@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your needs.