Our friends at MD Nursery & Landscaping in Driggs featured Grizzly Guard in their Grow & Gather newsletter this week, with a timely reminder about composting safely as bears bulk up for winter. Here's the message they sent to their customers, plus two free classes you won't want to miss.
Bear Crossing!
Bear activity is high this year, with lots of sightings near residential areas. Bears are getting ready to hibernate, and drought conditions have made foraging challenging.
Composting in Bear Country: What to Know
If you're a composter (and we hope you are), make sure you're doing it safely for wildlife and effectively to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment.
Keep your compost working its best with these simple tips:
Turn it often. Tumbling aerates the mix for faster breakdown.
Balance your browns and greens. Aim for a 3:1 ratio.
Maintain moisture. Think of a wrung-out sponge.
Chop it small. Smaller bits decompose faster.
Monitor temperature. Warm means active composting.
Cover your compost as completely as possible.
Remember: in Teton County, WY, compost containers and piles must be bear-resistant.
Looking for a bear-resistant composting option? The Grizzly Guard composter, designed locally by Robb Sgroi, is available at MD Nursery. Visit our Composting in Bear Country page for more tips and information.
Free Composting Classes — Saturday, October 3
MD Nursery is hosting two free classes at the nursery:
Kids' Vermicomposting Class, 10–11 am — Register for the kids' class
Adult Composting Class with Robb Sgroi, 11 am — Register for the adult class
Both classes are free. Come learn how to keep your compost active, your soil healthy, and your neighborhood bears out of trouble.
MD Nursery & Landscaping 2389 S. Highway 33, Driggs, ID 83422 Nursery hours: 8 am – 6 pm, Monday – Saturday mdlandscaping.com | Facebook | Instagram
Thanks to the MD Nursery team for spreading the word about bear-safe composting in Teton Valley.