The 2012 Master Composter Training Classes- a program of the Bernalillo County Cooperative Extension Service, will begin in March.

Program information and application are available at: http://bernalilloextension.nmsu.edu/mastercomposter/2012-mc-training.html

Here's some basics from the website:

Course Content:

The 2012 Master Composter training will consist of 13 class modules. The curriculum is modeled on other successful Master Composter programs in the USA. We will post curriculum details soon.

The training is open to anyone with prior composting experience. Anyone without composting experience can take a 3 hour basic composting class to meet this requirement. Please see Classes/Activities for the Public for a list of such classes.

There is no residency requirement. It is not necessary for you to be a resident of Bernalillo County in order for you to participate in the training.

Certificates and Master Composter name badges will be awarded to those who complete the course requirements (listed below).

Cost and Application Process:

The cost of the training is $45. Anyone who is unable to pay the full price may petition the Master Composter board for a scholarship to reduce the cost to $25. If you need to withdraw your application, you will receive a refund only if you cancel by February 1. At any time, if you submit an application and are not admitted into the program because of lack of space or other reason, your payment will be refunded.

You can fill out the application either of two ways:

(1) Click here for an application that you can print, fill out, and send via US mail.

(2) Click here for an application that you can download, fill out via computer, and email.

Application mailing instructions are given at the end of the application. The application deadline is February 18, 2012.

Class size is limited to 30 students. Until February 11, 2012, we will give preference to those students who wish to become Master Composters. After February 11, if there is space available, students who wish to learn about composting but who do not wish to become Master Composters will also be accepted.

Dates and Times:

Training will be held every Wednesday evening and every Saturday morning in March. In addition, a hands-on demonstration will be held one Saturday afternoon (please check back for exact date).

• Wednesdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28: 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
• Saturdays, March 3, 10, 17, 25, 31: 8:00 am to 12:00 noon
• Saturday, March ?: 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Locations:

• All Wednesday night and Saturday morning classes will be held at the Bernalillo County Extension Office, 1510 Menaul Ext Blvd. NW, Albuquerque. Parking is free. See map.
• The hands-on demonstration will be held at the Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors NW, Albuquerque. This is about one mile south of Paseo del Norte and a little over a mile north of Montano. Travel on Coors, turn east on to Bosque Meadows Road. Bosque Meadows Road will curve to the right and will end at the Visitor Center. See map.

Course Requirements:

• Attendance and participation in at least 11 out of the 13 modules.
• Completion and submission of individual class evaluation forms and one test question from material from each individual class.
• Completion and submission of a student project. Check back soon for details. See 2011 student project as an example.
• Completion of final exam. The exam is a take home test. The completed exam must be submitted within two weeks of the last class. 70% will be a passing score.
• Completion and reporting of ten volunteer hours of community outreach in your community in 2012.