Name: Youth Environmental Excellence: Benefits and Application of Vermi-Composting

Year Awarded: 2024

Type Awarded: Grant

Details: Soil degradation and harmful pesticides are two major factors to the decreased health benefits of crops. Unhealthy soil will not retain enough nutrients for the plants, as well as create a weak root system that will decrease the plant's ability to take in what nutrients is there. Vermicomposting, or worm composting, produces a rich organic soil amendment containing a diversity of plant nutrients and beneficial microorganisms. This study will work with UMW student, Amira Said, to bring community composting to University of Mary Washington's campus. Recipients will write a report about their work and submit it to local environmental group's newsletters. Recipients will also be encouraged to present their work at Fredericksburg Earth Day, as well.

Status: Ongoing: Analysis is underway for integrating this process into the Bragg Hill Community Gardens