The City of Grapevine along with Allied Waste are proud to host the Compost Corral Project Event at the Botanical Gardens at Heritage Park (411 Ball Street) on Earth Day, April 22, 2008 at 4 p.m. Teaming with Master Composters, this exciting project is the first of its kind. The Gardens serve as an educational, living museum collection and boasts a diverse look at nature. Our Compost Corral event will offer demonstrations that will educate the public about conservation and composting. We will demonstrate working compost bins that the average homeowner will be able to purchase or build themselves that allow back yard composting. Allied Waste helped make this project possible through a grant specifically for this program. “We are pleased to offer such an exhibit which teaches our citizens how to compost waste in their own back yard. The Grapevine Botanical Gardens is the logical location for a demonstration area that encourages the principals of conservation.” says Kevin Mitchell, Grapevine Parks Superintendent.

The exhibit will consist of homemade bins, manufactured bins, including a smaller portable system for the children to use that will make compost quickly and keep them interested in the overall process. Also included will be a compost tea system and various accessories and tools needed for composting. The Compost Corral will be fenced in by split rails and completed with interpretive signage to disseminate information regarding the process as well as brochures for interested patrons to take home. We will also host classes for the public to further educate them about the process of composting and our program. “The Compost Corral Display will allow residents and visitors to the Botanical Gardens knowledge of composting methods.” says Lisa Adams Grove, Professional Gardener/Horticulturist-Grapevine Botanical Gardens

The City of Grapevine Parks and Recreation Team will work with Master Composters and Docents to maintain this exhibit. All the materials will come directly from the Garden and harvested compost will be put back into the Gardens. This exhibit will also become a teaching tool for local school children, scout groups, clubs and civic organizations. Monetary donations for this program will be accepted. In efforts of “Keeping It Green”, invitations for this event will be completely paperless, and Central Market has also agreed to donate fresh produce and their reusable tote bags for the first 50 guests at this event.