My Favorite Field Trip: Colinton Community Compost Facility

Throughout the 5 weeks our class went on many field trips. However, I would have to say my favorite one was the Colinton Community Compost Facility. Kylie Johnson one of the graduate students studying, set up the field trip destination because that is her area of study. We learned that this was not only one of the areas greatest compost sites, but it also offered care for special needs adults in the Edinburgh area. The “guys” helped out with daily activities like chopping wood and bagging compost, which are quite physical. I was amazed at this unlikely combination and was truly inspired by the humility that the caretakers have for the adults. After meeting some of the employees, volunteers, and “guys” we started our tour. To set the scene, our guide looked like he just leaped out of the vaults of an archaic Disney film: with his soporific voice, pony-tail, and not to mention a flute in pocket. The group toured the compost piles which to my surprise had no unpleasant odor at all. We learned that a compost pile with no odor is considered a good one because there is a perfect mixture of green and brown components. Then the group was met by “Captain Red Beard” which was a burly mountain man type who talked to us next. We walked up to some metal bins that contained cardboard which were broken down by worms. I got some good up close and personal snap shots of these bins which contained a few interesting critters. The location of the compost site was just beyond the city limits and was absolutely beautiful, with a view of the city in the background and some mountainous land formations with a bordering bog. The bog used to contain an old automobile junk yard, but was regenerated back to its natural form. We saw some wild life, including a falcon! This field trip was pretty cool and I am definitely thinking about starting my own small compost pile in the backyard when I return home. Its a great way to build up soil for a garden and can help reduce waste in the household.