Composting Made Easy: Layering for Success

Sunday, September 28, 2025, 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Join us at Thomas Cole National Historic Site for a hands-on outdoor composting workshop where we’ll demonstrate how quick and easy it is to build a compost heap. We’ll cover what materials can and cannot be composted, troubleshoot common composting challenges, and explore different composting methods with a focus on lasagna layering. This simple technique involves layering sticks, browns, and food scraps in a structured way to create an effective, low-maintenance compost pile. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, you’ll leave with practical knowledge to start or improve your own composting system at home.

About the Instructors:

Kathryn Schneider is a Master Gardener and professional ornithologist. She has taught college biology courses, managed biodiversity inventory programs, consulted for government agencies, and authored a book on the birds of the Hudson Valley. A dedicated conservationist, Kathryn has served as President of the New York State Ornithological Association, a member of the Columbia County Environmental Management Council, and a volunteer with the Columbia Land Conservancy.

Jennifer DeFranco is a Master Gardener with experience in plant propagation, composting, and annual flower demonstration gardens. She is currently conducting a bush green bean trial of over 20 locally sourced varieties for Cornell Cooperative Extension. A passionate home gardener long before becoming a Master Gardener in 2021, Jennifer has a particular interest in old roses and is currently experimenting with tomato grafting and dry farming methods at her home in Columbia County.

Lindsey Strehlau-Howay is a Master Gardener and currently works for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia-Greene on the Natural Resources and Environment Team. She has received a Master Composter Certification from the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, volunteering many hours at the now Red Hook Farms - Compost Operation site. Having a past career in food systems, she continues to bring that experience into her work and learning, applying for a Wild Mushroom Food Safety Certification and ever-expanding experimenting with new produce and herbs in her home container garden.

Xandra Powers is the Community Horticulture Coordinator for CCE Columbia and Greene Counties, overseeing the Master Gardener Volunteer Program. Since stepping into the role in October 2023, she has successfully led the most well-attended Master Gardener training these counties have ever seen. With a background in Environmental Biology from SUNY New Paltz, Xandra has worked with the USDA on the plum pox virus survey and in the laboratory of an artisanal tea company, focusing on quality dried teas and herbs. She is passionate about connecting people with reliable gardening information and building a strong network of engaged volunteers.