Compost offers an abundance of benefits to the home landscape, garden and container plants through:
Improved soil texture and aeration
Improved drainage and nutrient availability in clay soil
Water loss prevention and nutrient leaching in sandy soil
Less fertilizer required since compost helps soil hold moisture
Food is the largest single source of waste in the U.S., taking up 20% of our landfill space. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 6% of our food waste gets composted.
Good news, it’s easy to do something about this problem. Start this season by composting your holiday meal scraps. Here’s how:
Animal by-products are not appropriate for home composting systems. As they decompose their odors may attract wildlife scavengers. These items also require a lot more time to break down into components that are useful to plants.
Where to store your scraps
Most folks elect to save their compostable scraps in a bucket with a lid or a freezer quality zipper lock bag until they have enough to warrant a trip out to compost bin. Keeping the scraps sealed prevents any unpleasant odors.
How to compost
There are many ways to compost: bins, piles, barrels,
enclosed, exposed and more. Whatever
your preference, a good starting point is to select an area for your compost
that receives partial shade to keep from drying out too fast and good drainage
to keep from being too wet. Compost needs a mix of organic material,
microorganisms, air, water and nitrogen for decomposition to occur. The good
news is that you have all these elements at home. A good mix of kitchen scraps, dry leaves and
garden clippings is a great place to begin. For more information on how to
manage your compost throughout the year to produce the best material for your
lawn and garden, check out this resource from The
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Services.
Setting up a home composting system is simple and easy. The Woodlands Township’s Environmental
Services Department offers home composting classes on the first Saturday of
each month from November through March.
Classes are free!
High quality C. E. Shepherd compost bins are available for purchase at each class. Our classes are taught in our outdoor composting classroom located at 8203 Millennium Forest, The Woodlands, TX 77381. Class is from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with optional hands-on opportunities immediately following the presentation. Join us to learn more about turning kitchen scraps into compost and be sure to check out our website for more information.
Questions? Comments? Contact us at enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
On Saturday, November 9, more than 800 residents enjoyed shopping local artists, free recycling, document shredding and learning about recycling at the 9th Annual 3R Bazaar! 3R Bazaar is a once a year recycling event with local resources available to educate on a number of ways to reduce, reuse and recycle as well as on-site recycling opportunities. Residents saved 13,817 lbs of material from the landfill by bringing hard to recycle items for free recycling. $1,485 and 850lbs of canned food items were collected from the document shredding service and donated to Interfaith of The Woodlands Food Pantry.
The 2019 Recycling Village Challenge item was batteries. The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. will award scholarship funds to villages based on the amount of batteries they collected.
Save the
date for the next 3R Bazaar on Saturday, November 14, 2020 and watch for the
new Recycling Village Challenge item, to be announced in January. Batteries
will not count towards the 2020 Village Challenge but will be accepted along
with eyeglasses, textiles, oral care products and documents for shredding. In
the meantime, batteries can be recycled at Precinct 3 Recycling Facility,
Batteries Plus Bulbs, Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowe’s or a Walmart Super Center.
Residents
are encouraged to think beyond the curbside cart and take advantage of the wide
variety of local recycling opportunities. A complete list of participating
locations and the items they accept can be found here.
For more information about recycling, please visit www.thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/recycling or contact the Township Environmental Services Department at 281-210-3800. The 3R Bazaar is a free program of The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department with sponsorship from Waste Management, Southern Shred, Gullo Dealerships, Woodlands Water and The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N.
Questions or Comments? Email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov
The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department has a packed schedule this fall with something for everyone. Always wanted to grow your own vegetables or interested in what it takes to compost in your own backyard? Curious about the fascinating world of bugs, bats and birds? If you have been looking to learn more about reducing your water usage, adding native plants to your yard, or you’re ready to recycle the odds and ends around the house, then read on.
Invasive Species Task Force Volunteer Training Saturday, August 10, 2019 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Learn how non-native plants are impacting our local ecosystem and what actions you can take to keep them at bay. Dr. Hans Landel from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will provide training on the identification and removal of invasive plants and the critical functions of native vegetation. Trained volunteers will be able to join the ongoing effort to tackle invasives in our area.
Fall Organic Vegetable Gardening Class Saturday, August 24, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Beginning and veteran gardeners alike
will gain valuable information at this free, three-hour seminar. Learn about the
latest gardening trends, soil preparation, planting techniques and the best
plant varieties for the area. Join Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Agents
Emeritus (retired) Tom LeRoy and Bill Adams as they share their many years of
vegetable gardening experience and expertise. Books authored by both Tom and
Bill will be available. Montgomery County Master Gardeners will be on hand to
answer your gardening questions.
Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series: Our Neighborhood Bats Thursday, September 12, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lecture series, led by Diana Foss from Texas
Parks and Wildlife Department. Diana will discuss habitats, behaviors and
threats to bats living in urban areas. Come learn the benefits bats provide to
The Woodlands and where you can observe bats year-round in the Houston area.
22nd Annual Woodlands Landscaping Solutions Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon The Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park
This event is FREE!
Don’t miss this year’s event at its new location—the
Recreation Center at Rob Fleming Park. Learn from area gardening and
landscaping experts at over 30 booths. Shop the marketplace. Pick up FREE
plants at the Montgomery County Master Gardener’s pass-along plant booth. Take a composting class. Guest speaker Lauren
Simpson will present, “Gardening for Pollinators” and Tom LeRoy will
present on “Lawn Care”. Enjoy live music by Andy McCarthy, kids’ activities and
food vendors. See you there!
Smarter Choices Seminar: Healthy Landscapes = Healthy Waterways Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Learn how simple steps can result in greener lawns and healthier waterways. Practical methods for maintaining your lawn and landscape, as well as alternatives to chemical use will be offered.
Walk in the Woods Nature Lecture Series: Vampires, Zombies and Body Snatchers Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lecture series led by Megan McNairn from The
Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. Megan will dive into the
creepy crawly world of bugs where monsters come to life and ghoulish creatures
go bump in the night.
Pollinator Gardening Saturday, October 26, 2019 from 9 a.m. to noon The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Lauren
Simpson, area pollinator gardening expert, will share her experience of
creating her own suburban pollinator garden. Lauren will offer practical
gardening tips, pollinator information and simple home garden design
strategies. Pollinator gardening resources and research-based gardening
information will be available. Montgomery County Master Gardeners will
answer your gardening questions.
Backyard Composting Class Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m. 8203 Millennium Forest Drive
Learn
how simple and easy it is to turn kitchen waste, yard trimmings and leaves into
rich, handmade compost. Try out the variety of composting tools and equipment.
Find out how compost benefits plants, gardens and lawns.
Our outdoor composting class is taught by
certified, experienced Montgomery County Master Gardeners. Composting
resources, problem-solving, trouble-shooting and tips are provided at each
class. High-quality collapsible compost bins are available for purchase at a
reduced price.
Free class. No registration required.
Drip Irrigation and Rainwater Harvesting Workshop Saturday, November 2, 2019 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Woodlands Emergency Training Center (16135 IH-45 South)
Save water, time and money. Hands-on training teaches you everything you need to know to set up a rainwater harvesting barrel in your yard and to convert automated sprinkler systems to water-efficient drip systems. Additional rainwater harvesting options, such as rain gardens, will be discussed. Sign up for this water-saving workshop today!
3R Bazaar at The Woodlands Farmers Market Saturday, November 9, 2019 from 8 a.m. to noon The Woodlands Farmers Market at Grogan’s Mill (7 Switchbud Place)
Walk in the Woods Nature Lectures Series: An Introduction to Birds of The Woodlands Thursday, November 14, 2019 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) 8801 Gosling Road
Join this FREE lectures series led by Alisa Kline from Buffalo Bayou Park. Explore the vital role that birds play in our community’s ecosystem. Alisa offers tools and techniques for observing birds and behaviors and the benefits of documenting observations through iNaturalist.
Backyard Composting Class Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m. 8203 Millennium Forest Drive
Learn
how simple and easy it is to turn kitchen waste, yard trimmings and leaves into
rich, handmade compost. Try out the variety of composting tools and equipment.
Find out how compost benefits plants, gardens and lawns.
Our outdoor composting class is taught by
certified, experienced Montgomery County Master Gardeners. Composting
resources, problem-solving, trouble-shooting and tips are provided at each
class. High-quality collapsible compost bins are available for purchase at a
reduced price.
Celebrating its ninth year, The Woodlands Township’s Earth Day GreenUp brings the community together to beautify our parks, pathways, greenbelts, and waterways. It’s not too late to lend a helping hand this Saturday, March 23, joining with hundreds of others in the original #trashtagchallenge!
The Woodlands Rowing Club and their haul of litter, pulled from Lake Woodlands at Earth Day GreenUp 2018
Simply show up at one of the eight participating parks between 8 and 10 a.m. to register and pickup supplies:
Alden Bridge: Alden Bridge Park, 7725 Alden Bridge Drive
Cochran’s Crossing: Shadowbend Park, 4995 Lake Woodlands Drive
College Park: Harper’s Landing Park, 2 N. Blair Bridge Drive
Creekside Park: Rob Fleming Aquatic Center, 6535 Creekside Forest Drive
Grogan’s Mill: Sawmill Park, 2200 Millpark Drive
Indian Springs: Falconwing Park, 5610 Rush Haven Drive
Panther Creek: Ridgewood Park, 4192 Interfaith Way
Sterling Ridge: Cranebrook Park, 11800 Cranebrook Drive
PLEASE NOTE: All minors will need a parent/legal guardian to sign the waiver to participate – print one here to bring to the check-in location if a child will be volunteering with a group separate from their parent/legal guardian.
All can join the after-party at Northshore Park from 11am to 1pm!
After the clean-up, gather for live music, entertainment, and pizza! Clean-up participants can claim their t-shirt and free slice of Papa John’s pizza. Everyone can enjoy the Buck Yeager Band and entertainment by Mr. Cirque the Acrobat.
Weather Note
Periodic rain showers are forecasted for Saturday. The event will be held rain or shine. In the event of lightning, we ask that volunteers remain in their vehicle or the park pavilion until it passes. Should severe weather cause a cancellation we will notify all volunteers via email as well as the event page on The Township website and the Township Parks and Recreation Facebook page.
Thank you to our sponsors: Keep Texas Beautiful, Waste Management, Berkeley Services, HEB, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA), Nature’s Way Resources, The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Papa John’s!
Participate in The Woodlands Township community-wide litter cleanup event, Earth Day GreenUp on Saturday, March 23, 2019!
This event is fun for the whole family and an excellent opportunity for team building, meeting neighbors and enjoying the outdoors. Join us in targeting litter on pathways, along waterways, and in greenbelts to keep our community looking clean and green!
Help GreenUp Your Community in 5 Simple Steps
Check-in at a designated park near you.
Receive trash bags, gloves, and instructions.
Cleanup litter along a nearby pathway, park or natural area.
Drop off full bags of litter along the pickup route (a map will be provided at check-in).
Head to Northshore Park for the GreenUp Celebration 11 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for live music by the Buck Yeager band, entertainment by Mr. Cirque the Acrobat and games for the whole family. As honored guests, Clean-up Participants receive free pizza, drinks, and 2019 GreenUp T-shirt. Everyone is welcome to share in the Celebration – pizza and drinks are also available for purchase.
Pre-register by Monday, March 11th for a speedy check-in and to ensure equipment for your group. Walk up registration is welcome between 8 and 10 at one of these parks.
Be prepared for cleanup by wearing appropriate clothing – long pants and closed-toe shoes/boots. Remember hats, sunscreen, mosquito repellent and a reusable water bottle – we will have a refilling station at the celebration!
Thank you to our sponsors: Keep Texas Beautiful, Waste Management, Berkeley Services, HEB, The Woodlands Joint Powers Agency (WJPA), Nature’s Way Resources, The Howard Hughes Corporation, The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. and Papa John’s!
The Woodlands Earth Day GreenUp is coordinated by The Woodlands Township Environmental Services Department. For more information, call 281-210-3800 or email enviro@thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov.
