The Chippewa/East Mackinac Conservation District and the Michigan Groundwater Stewardship Program are sponsoring a composting workshop, with a session for farmers and one for backyard gardeners, Wednesday, September 10, at Bruce Township Hall. Registration fees for "On the Farm" session (including lunch) are $25 per individual or $40 per couple. "In the Backyard" session (including dinner) costs $15 per individual and $25 per couple.

Both portions of the workshop include a session addressing the benefits, uses, and marketing of compost.

This program will provide agricultural producers with an understanding of manure management and the use of composting as a manure treatment method. This farming portion of the workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., including lunch and a field trip.

Hobby farmers, country homeowners, and backyard gardeners are invited to attend the gardening portion of the workshop from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Participants will learn the methods of composting on a smaller scale. Worm farming, using compost bins, and the importance of feeding the soil are among the topics covered.

The presenter for the agricultural session will be Charles Gould, a Michigan State University Extension educator from Ottawa County. He works with the equine and animal agricultural industry in western Michigan.

Jim Lucas, director from the Michigan State University Extension office in Sault Ste. Marie, will be the presenter for the evening session.

For more information, call the Conservation District office at (906) 635-1278 or the Groundwater Stewardship office at (906) 635-2136.