News & Updates

Worm bin bedding

Why do I need bedding in my worm bin? Can't I just feed them food scraps?

Aug 19 2019

Q: Why do I need bedding in my worm bin? Is it okay if I just give the worms my food scraps? A: Bedding, which can be made of shredded paper, coconut coir, cured manure, or dry leaves, is an absolute necessity in your worm bin. Supplying your wiggly workers with bedding has a number of benefits: Bedding provides a light, fluffy medium...
red wigglers

From the Rotline: Do red wigglers belong in my backyard compost bin?

Aug 10 2019

Q:  Should I put red wiggler worms in my backyard compost bin? A:  This is a question that comes up often when folks visit our store to purchase composting worms, and we often have to urge folks not to add worms to their backyard bin. The reason lies in the fundamental differences between traditional (backyard) composting and...
Volunteers trenching food waste at Solana Center

What is “Trenching” and How Does it Reduce Food Waste?

Jul 12 2019

Do you have food waste but no place to put it? Instead of putting it in the garbage and sending it to the landfill, perhaps try “trenching” as an option. We worked with volunteers and “trenched” food waste directly into the ground using extra buckets of “Bokashied” food scraps from Solana Center’s Food Cycle program. The result: healthy...
healthy soils program funding, chard greens

All Five Applicants Provided with Technical Assistance by Solana Center Receive Funding Approval from State of California Healthy Soils Program

Jun 19 2019

For Immediate Release: June 19, 2019 Contact: Noelle Collins Funding to offset greenhouse gas emissions, prevent erosion and improve soil quality

Fifteen Horses on a Farm Outside Frankfurt

Jun 10 2019

A compost story shared by Peter Ash. There’s no question that composting requires physical labor. Composting the manure of 15 horses in Frankfurt was intended to be done on a farm with a tractor to remediate soil that had previously been leased to a farmer using chemicals. The land transformation has instead taken place using a...
trommel, compost, soil

Benefits of a Mechanized Trommel

Jun 5 2019

How will Solana Center’s mechanized trommel benefit you? Investing in a trommel has multiple benefits, but the primary purpose for acquiring this equipment is to accommodate the growth of the Food Cycle program and process compost faster. A trommel will:
MaryAnn Stone, Volunteer Spotlight, Golden Pitchfork

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Ann Stone

Jun 4 2019

"The list of Mary Ann's contributions to Solana Center is endless," shared Executive Director Jessica Toth. "We all know that without her, the Center would not be here today and that the journey would not have been nearly as much fun! Most importantly, Mary Ann has been a steady sounding board for every aspect of our organization -...

Summer 2019 Newsletter

Jun 4 2019

  Summer at Solana Center You Inspire Us! I am humbled by the success you help Solana Center achieve through your volunteerism, financial contributions, participation in our programs, and waste diversion efforts. My message below highlights milestones we’ve achieved with your support. Read on for more activities on the horizon and tips...

Toast to Compost Recognizes Dedicated Volunteers

May 8 2019

Toast to Compost Solana Center celebrated its hard working volunteers at the 2019 Toast to Compost event on May 5th. Thanks to our dedicated Volunteer Coordinator Jackie Bookstein and teams of volunteers, the Center was transformed into a lovely, festive gathering place. The event had tremendous community support from the following...
healthy soils healthy food healthy environment

Healthy Soils Make Food and People Healthier

May 6 2019

Healthy soils help make a healthy environment and nourishing food for our bodies. This winter, Solana Center worked with local farmers and ranchers to discuss the state’s Healthy Soils Program, strategize ways to implement best management practices, and improve productivity.

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