Symposium Overview: The 7th Annual Composting Symposium will provide an excellent opportunity to learn about composting organic materials from experts. The symposium will be held from 12:30-4:30 pm and will include topics ranging from backyard composting for beginners to large-scale projects for municipalities  or farms.

The symposium will be followed by a Build Your Own Bin (BYOB) workshop from 4:30-6:30 pm, where participants will have the opportunity to learn more about vermicomposting and construct their own composting bin for use at home or at work.

Live worms and a variety of books on composting and related topics will be available for purchase. (Cash and checks only, no credit cards).

Location: University of Illinois Extension:Sangamon-Menard Unit, 2501 North 8th Street, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Bldg #30, Springfield, IL 62702

Keynote Presentation: Composting for a Sustainable Future, will feature Ken Dunn, Founder and Director of the Resource Center in Chicago (www.resourcecenterchicago.org). Ken has over 20 years of composting experience, from backyard composting to commerical composting & urban agriculture. Ken will be presenting "Composting for a Sustainable Future"

Breakout Session Presenters: “Composting for Beginners,” Michelle Berg Vogel, University of Illinois Extension; "Compost Use According to Compost Quality," Leslie Cooperband, University of Illinois Extension; "Commerical Food Scrap Composting Gets a Shot in the Arm," David Smith, Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; “Vermicomposting for Beginners,” Duane Friend, University of Illinois Extension; "Advanced Composting," Bill Becker, The Crop Doctor; and "Bringing Commercial Food Scrap Composting to Illinois," Jen Walling, Chief of Staff, State Senator Heather Steans

BYOB Workshop Presenters: Wynne Coplea, City of Springfield; Bret Ivers, Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; and Jennifer Fishburn, University of Illinois Extension

Registration: Register on-line at the University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard website, www.extension.uiuc.edu/sangamonmenard. Online registration ends February 1st. Registration will be accepted the day of the symposium at the door.

Cost: The cost for the Symposium is $20 before February 1st and $25 after and at the door. The BYOB is - $15 for supplies before February 1st and $25 after and at the door. Symposium & BYOB is $35 before February 1st and $50 afterwards.

Sponsors: Illinois Stewardship Alliance, University of Illinois Extension, City of Springfield's Division of Waste and Recycling, North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, and Illinois Department of Agriculture.

Information: For more information on the program contact Wes King, Illinois Stewardship Alliance at 217-528-1563 or wes@ilstewards.org

To view a brochure on the symposium click here.

Exhibitors: Businesses or organizations related to composting or gardening, are invited to exhibit at the symposium. Exhibitor space is $55.00 which includes one registration (registration only, BYOB not included).

Registration: Register on-line at the University of Illinois Extension Sangamon-Menard website, www.extension.uiuc.edu/sangamonmenard. Online registration ends February 1st. Registration will be accepted the day of the symposium at the door.