\nSoil health is climate resilience.<\/strong> As climate change intensifies, resilient soils \u2014 enriched with compost \u2014 become a frontline defense. Composting helps capture carbon, reduce landfill waste, conserve moisture, and restore ecosystems.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nComposting made accessible.<\/strong> This program isn\u2019t just for master gardeners \u2014 it\u2019s for anyone curious about sustainable living. No prior composting experience is needed.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n\nCommunity-driven climate action.<\/strong> With help from guest experts and local partners like Denver Water, Denver Department of Transportation & Infrastructure (DOTI), Denver Botanic Gardens, and Eco-Cycle, the training links composting practice to broader environmental justice and climate strategies.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nWhat\u2019s New: The 13-Session \u201cTrain-the-Trainer\u201d Model<\/h3>\n
The updated program goes beyond basic composting \u2014 blending technical instruction, classroom learning, and hands-on experience to prepare participants to lead composting efforts in their communities.<\/p>\n
Highlights include:<\/p>\n
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Lessons on compost biology and microbiology, vermicomposting (worms!), and organic waste diversion.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Multiple composting systems: backyard piles, in-garden setups, vermicomposting, and systems compatible with municipal compost-cart services.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Design, construction, and maintenance of compost systems across different types of sites (gardens, community gardens, even larger shared green spaces).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Training to facilitate and teach others \u2014 cultivating compost educators, not just composters. By the end, graduates are ready to mentor others \u2014 building a network of soil stewards across Denver.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Why This Program Is a Win for Denver<\/h3>\n
By training everyday residents to compost \u2014 and importantly, to teach composting \u2014 DUG is:<\/p>\n
\n- \n
Turning waste into renewal, building fertile soil while diverting organic waste from landfills.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Strengthening community gardens, home gardens, and green spaces across the city.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
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Cultivating a network of informed compost-educators who amplify environmental stewardship and climate resilience at the grassroots level.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If you\u2019re eager to get involved \u2014 whether you have a small backyard, manage a garden, or work in education \u2014 this program offers the skills, community, and support to make composting part of your daily life.<\/p>\n
\nReady to Join?<\/h4>\n
Applications for the 2026 cohort are open<\/a> starting December 1, 2025<\/strong> and will be accepted on a rolling basis through January 15, 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n","protected":false},"featured_media":11699,"template":"","class_list":{"0":"post-12544","1":"latest_news","2":"type-latest_news","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"news_type-community"},"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/latest_news\/12544","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/latest_news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/latest_news"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/latest_news\/12544\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12547,"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/latest_news\/12544\/revisions\/12547"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11699"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dug.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12544"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}