Press release:
BATAVIA – The GLOW Region Solid Waste Management Committee and Genesee County Parks are proud to announce the rehab of the Backyard Composting Demonstration Site at Genesee County Park & Forest, East Bethany.
The site, along with those located at Letchworth State Park (Highbanks Camping Area) and Beaver Meadow Nature Center in North Java, is made up of a variety of homemade and manufactured composters of various shapes and sizes, along with printed information.
Visitors can see for themselves the types of composters available and decide which composter might work best for them.
Backyard composting has been a focus of GLOW’s since its formation in 1987. It has been estimated that up to 30 percent of residential waste is organic material. This includes leaves, brush, tree limbs and kitchen scraps.
Backyard composting can significantly reduce reliance on landfilling and incineration by taking these organics out of the waste stream. Composting speeds up the natural decomposition process. Finished compost (humus) puts nutrients back into the soil and aids in the retention of moisture in soil.
The first version of the site was built in 1994. In 1997 when the Interpretive Center was complete, it was moved to an area behind the center. A complete reconstruction and relocation of the site (to the front of the building) was completed in 2000 and features a kiosk area and walkway made of pavers.
The rehabbed site features new signage, a "take one" box containing GLOW’s four-panel composting brochure, and a rearrangement of the composters.
“The opportunity for the park visitors to see and touch the various types of composters fits right into our goal of experiential learning and environmental education at the Genesee County Park & Forest Interpretive Center," said Paul Osborn, deputy highway superintendent. "Composting puts nutrients back into the soils and provides beneficial food for plants and insects.
"We are excited to have been a part of providing a new makeover to the compost site and the continued partnership with GLOW Solid Waste!”
Information about composting can also be obtained by contacting the GLOW office at 800/836-1154, 344-2580, ext. 5463, or emailing glow@co.genesee.ny.us
