after-school program teach kids about the fine art of worm composting
By Lailani Upham
to R clockwise) Levi Trahan, Ronan elementary teacher Jane Whaling,
Daniell Gardipe, Flathead Reservation Extension Program Brenda Richey,
Leonard Burke, and Isaac Cordova get ready to dive their hands into the
home of the compositing worm pail during Ms. Whaling's after school
class last Thursday. (Lailani Upham photo)
RONAN — After school students at Ronan K. Wm.
Harvey Elementary found out earthworms were not only good for fish
bait, but they were one of nature’s top “soil scientist.”
The Flathead Reservation Extension program
assistant Brenda Richey worked with a group of after school students
for six weeks with a hands-on learning experience on vermicomposting,
or also known as worm compositing.
Richey stated the group was extra intrigued with
the project, “They were the only school to ask for extra work, and
asked to keep the worms and take care of them for the six weeks.”
The group of students took on the responsibility
and taking the greatest care of the worms by feeding them and keeping
the soil moist twice a week, Richey said.
Students learned worms love to eat peels from
fruits and veggies and cornmeal, oatmeal and most of the time crushed
egg shells, and they are like free farm help.
Students also learned that in vermicomposting,
worms help to increase air and water that gets into the soil. Worms
break down organic matter, like leaves and grass, and turn into things
that plants can use. After eating, the worms leave behind castings that
are a valuable type of fertilizer.
(L to R) Lene Trahan, Daniell Gardipe and Isaac Cordova get a closer look at the wiggly worms at work. (Lailani Upham photo)
The project is part of the 4-H Afterschool program
as a special effort to help youth achieve social, emotional, physical
and academic success while developing healthy lifestyles and behaviors.
The Flathead Reservation Extension is a
federally-recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP) that supports
extension agents on American Indian reservations and tribal
jurisdictions. FRTEP’s goals are to address the unique needs by placing
an emphasis on assisting Natives in the development of profitable
farming and ranching techniques, providing 4-H and youth development
experiences for tribal youth, and providing outreach on
tribally-identified priorities using a culturally sensitive approach,
such as family resource management and nutrition.
Renee Kittle, MSU Flathead Reservation Extension
agent and Richey work with children in the schools throughout the year
and in summer youth programs to cultivate students in agricultural
“Not only did we learn about worms and take care
of the compost center, we made bean dip, different kinds of glue,
paper, and butter. We all looked forward to our "Miss Brenda" days
because we knew there would be a fun hands-on learning activity,” said
Ronan teacher, Jane Whaling.
According to the United States Department of
Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture, 4-H is one of
the largest youth development programs in the world, with almost 7
million members. It operates through the Cooperative Extension System
(CES), a partnership of county, state, and federal governments, the
land-grant universities, and private sectors. Since 1902, 4-H has
empowered youth to learn in partnering with caring adults.
holds up a jar of "worm tea" that is made from the liquid that is
drained once or twice a week from the vermicast or worm casting to be
used as a natural fertilizer. Students raise their hands
enthusiastically to answer questions Richey asks about the six week
project with the after school group at Ronan Elementary. (Lailani Upham
The Flathead Reservation Extension program offers
learning opportunities all over the community. In the spring, during
the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ annual River Honoring,
students from inside and outside the Reservation gather to learn about
the history and personal connection of the Salish and Kootenai people
with the Flathead River.
Students also gain environmental, health, and
cultural understanding during the two-day event at different stations
During the River Honoring, the Flathead
Reservation Extension sets up a station for students to learn about the
water cycle, stream and bank zone vegetation function, fish and
wildlife habitat, and livestock and crop production in riparian areas.
Using a riparian/erosion trailer as a teaching tool, students compare a
well-vegetated stream bank to a stream bank lacking in vegetation, and
they witness erosion in progress. Students eagerly accept the challenge
to create a healthy meandering stream with vegetation along the banks.
“The six week class that Brenda did with my after
school group was fun and engaging for the students,” Whaling said.
For more information or to book an educational
presentation with the Flathead Reservation Extension program on
nutrition, food safety, horticulture, agriculture, natural resources,
riparian education, and business education, please contact Rene Kittle
or Brenda Richey at (406) 275-2756 or (406) 675-2700 ext. 7375.