Name: Youth Environmental Excellence: Benefits and Application of Vermicomposting

Years Awarded: 2024

Type Awarded: Grant

Details: Soil degradation and harmful pesticides are two major factors contributing 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 are 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 the University of Mary Washington campus. Recipients will write a report about their work and submit it to local environmental groups' newsletters. Recipients will also be encouraged to present their work at Fredericksburg Earth Day as well.

Status: Project was integrated into the Bragg Hill Community Gardens in 2024.