Sunday Salon: "Composting Made Easy: Layering for Success" with Cornell Cooperative

Sunday, September 28th 2-4pm at Thomas Cole National Historic Site

Join Cornell Cooperative for a hands-on outdoor composting workshop and learn just how quick and simple it is to build a healthy compost heap. We’ll cover what to compost (and what to avoid), troubleshoot common issues, and demonstrate different methods, with a special focus on the lasagna layering technique—stacking sticks, browns, and food scraps to create an easy, low-maintenance system. Whether you’re new to composting or a seasoned gardener, you’ll leave with practical tips to start or enhance your composting at home.

About the instructors
Kathryn Schneider is a Master Gardener and professional ornithologist, author of Birds of the Hudson Valley, and former president of the NYS Ornithological Association.

Jennifer DeFranco, Master Gardener since 2021, specializes in plant propagation, composting, heirloom roses, and is currently trialing 20+ varieties of bush beans for Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Xandra Powers is the Community Horticulture Coordinator for CCE Columbia & Greene, leading the Master Gardener Volunteer Program and connecting residents with reliable gardening knowledge.

Lindsey Strehlau-Howay works with CCE’s Natural Resources and Environment Team, is a certified Master Composter, and brings a background in food systems to her work with gardens and mushrooms.

About Cornell Cooperative Extension
CCE connects research-based knowledge with community needs through education, applied research, and collaboration—supporting agriculture, health, youth, families, natural resources, and more across Columbia and Greene Counties.