Meet the Composters!
Emily Trentham- Environmental Engineering and Political Science double major, involved in the University Scholars, Benjamin Franklin Scholars, Climate Reality Project, and Society of Women Engineers.
​
From this service project, I learned about the importance of using organic compost on crops and how vermicomposting can produce nutrient-dense material quickly. I also learned about all the amazing things the Agroecology farm does for NC State and the community! It was interesting to learn about organic farming and the methodology of sustainable farming used on the Agroecology farm.
Olivia Merritt- Wildlife Biology major and Spanish minor, involved in University Scholars, Wildlife Club, Herpetology Club.
​
I learned a great deal about vermicomposting during this project and how it can be implemented specifically on the Agroecology farm at NC State. I didn’t know all of the benefits that came with vermicompost, nor that it provides the most nutrient-rich and sustainable alternative to peat and fertilizer. I am very excited to bring worms to the farm and start vermicomposting next spring. The cycle of food waste to nutritious media for an organic farm is inspiring, and it just adds another positive aspect to the already amazing Agroecology farm. While working with my group and Alison Reeves, I enjoyed the thorough communication of my group, and how Alison told us her vision of the vermicompost but let us ultimately come up with a researched plan to help her with that idea. I truly hope to combine this idea of sustainability and multi-use of materials in my career.
Bobby Parrish- Geology major, involved in Hall and Eco Council, Geology Club, Herpetology Club.
​
All of my life I’ve lived either in a big city or along the coast, so naturally I know very little about farming and agriculture. Working on this project, and visiting the Agroecology farm has opened my eyes to a whole different way of life. I have learned so much about organic farming and what it takes to be considered an organic farm. Before starting this project I didn’t know vermicomposting was even a thing. However, upon learning about it and doing research I became extremely interested in it! Not just vermicomposting either, this project has opened my eyes to the world of sustainability. While I may not be able to exactly incorporate vermicomposting into my career, I will certainly be taking the skills I’ve learned during the project along with me in my future endeavors.
​
Matt Lanier- Ag and Environmental Technology major, involved in CRU and Pack Pullers.
​
Coming from a small town with farms all around, I knew a little bit about the composting. I liked learning more about agriculture, and I enjoyed learning something new. I’ve worked of farms and composting wasn’t of much importance, but after participating in this project, I have learn about how beneficial composting can be. I love learning about agriculture and how to improve productivity, so learning about the composting and vermicomposting, I feel like I can not only put it to use for our garden but also help educate others that are also interested in composting. I’m thankful for the privilege to be a part of this project and I felt right at home while participating in this. I’m looking forward to starting the worms in the spring!
​