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Composting at Hilltop Hanover Farm and at Home THE “EARTH MACHINE” IS FOR SALE AT OUR FARM If it sounds like science fiction, it is… sort of. “Westchester County has sold compost bins for years at special events. Now we've made it easier than ever for residents to get started turning kitchen and yard waste into valuable compost to add to their lawns, gardens and houseplants. In addition to the value for residents in creating their own rich, moist soil amendments that can cut down on fertilization and watering needs, home composting can significantly reduce the amount of trash that municipalities haul away for disposal," said County Executive Andy Spano. The Earth Machine can help you cut down on household garbage by as much as 30 percent by spending only 10 minutes a week of your time. Compost increases soil porosity which aids in reducing stormwater runoff into our waterways. The Earth Machine stands just under three feet tall and has a sliding door to prevent animal entry and a twist top for easy ventilation control. It snaps together easily and installs with no special tools needed or holes to dig. You can purchase your own Earth Machine at the farm stand for $50. Instruction manual included. County parks also selling
For more information, including park hours and driving directions, please visit: For more information and helpful ideas visit:
Farmer Mary Ellen teaching a class.
Our demonstration kitchen (being repainted).
Volunteer Danielle teaching a class how to make a purse with a deck of cards.
Our class on how to make purses or totes using plastic bags and ironing them together.
Students enjoying our pickling class.
More pictures from our pickling class.
Worm composting class.
Old Time Jam Session |
Programs |
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In an attempt to protect and preserve the environment, Westchester County offers educational programs to the public, schools, and professionals affiliated with environmental education that teach agricultural sustainability, watershed protection, and the responsible use of natural resources. The programs are designed to expand awareness of the impact of human activity on the environment, offer alternatives to existing practices, and demonstrate practical methods for implementing new strategies. They range in focus from life on a farm for preschoolers to pesticide free turf management for commercial golf course managers to edible landscaping for homeowners. Please see our calendar for information on upcoming programs. Many of the programs at the farm are offered through our farm associates. Please click on the farm associates listed below for more information:
Programs impart a respect for and investment in the environment with all our visitors, no matter their age. Youth programs introduce a sense of wonder in our world, while adult programs reinforce the ideals of stewardship and sustainability. To find a program for a specific age group, please click on the offerings below: FOR YOUTH: FOR ADULTS: Class Tour and Programs: Our four hour programs usually last from 10-2 and consists of a 45 minute tour, 1 hour working in fields or greenhouses with our Farmers, break for lunch (LUNCH NOT INCLUDED), choice of one hour trail hike or additional work in the field with farmers. Field work may include planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting. The Fee is $5 per person.
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The Earth Machine compost bin employs some very basic principles of science to transform everyday kitchen and yard waste into rich, beneficial compost material. Science, yes, but definitely not fiction. For the first time, Earth Machine home-composting bins are available for sale at Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environ-mental Center and five other county parks.
Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center | 1271 Hanover Street Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 |
tel. (914) 962-2368 | fax. (914) 962-2509 | contact us via email
