Backyard Sustainability Series: Backyard Composting

Backyard Sustainability Series – Spring 2026

This six-part educational series explores practical, science-based approaches to creating more sustainable home landscapes in southeastern North Carolina. Each session features a local expert and focuses on actionable strategies homeowners can apply immediately.

All sessions are held Wednesdays from 5:30–6:45 PM.

Series Schedule & Speakers:

• May 6, 2026 – Our Ecological Backyard
  Ecological principles of sustainable home landscapes
  Speaker: Amy Mead
• May 13, 2026 – Stormwater Solutions
  Stormwater runoff, rain gardens, and water quality
  Speaker: Matt Collogan
• May 20, 2026 – Importance of Pollinators
  Native plants, wildlife habitat, and ecosystem support
  Speaker: Gabriella de Souza
• May 27, 2026 – Backyard Composting
  Composting methods, soil health, and waste reduction
  Speaker: Sarah Dousharm, New Hanover County Recycling & Waste
• June 3, 2026 – Trees for Resiliency
  Tree selection, climate resilience, and long-term landscape value
  Speaker: Amy Mead
• June 10, 2026 – Recycling Right
  Recycling best practices and contamination reduction
  Speaker: UNCW Recycling, Feletia Lee

To maximize educational impact, participants are encouraged to attend all six sessions, though individual registrations are welcome. Together, these programs provide a holistic look at how thoughtful landscape and household choices can support environmental health now and into the future.

Meet Sara Dousharm

Sara is the Program Coordinator for the Garbage to Gardens school composting program with New Hanover County Recycling and Solid Waste. She has a B.S. degree in conservation biology from UNCW and has been working as an environmental educator for the last decade. Her passion for composting is rooted in a deep appreciation for the environment and an interest in gardening. When she isn’t teaching about the wonders of decomposition, Sara enjoys birding, thrifting, and arts and crafts.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, NC State University will honor requests for reasonable accommodations made by individuals with disabilities. Please direct accommodation requests to: Gabriella de Souza, [email protected]. Requests can be served more effectively if notice is provided at least 15 days before the event.

NC State University is an equal opportunity institution.

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Host or Publisher N.C. Cooperative Extension, New Hanover County