Ohio State University will host an intensive course for people involved in large-scale composting on March 30-31 in Wooster.

Led by industry and university experts, the Ohio Compost Operator Education Course takes place at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, 1680 Madison Ave.

"The presenters will represent a wide range of expertise and many years of experience," says Mary Wicks, coordinator of Ohio State's Ohio Composting and Manure Management (OCAMM) Program and one of the course's organizers. "They'll provide an invaluable opportunity to learn the science as well as the art of composting."

Compost facility operators and managers, public health officials, farmers, nursery operators and managers, Extension educators, regulators, and consultants are among the target audience.

Continuing education units - 13.0 hours, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Waste Water Certification; 11.0 hours, Registered Sanitarian - are available for attending.

Registration costs $175 for members of the Ohio Recycling Association of Ohio and $225 for non-members. All materials, two lunches and two continental breakfasts are included.

Registration is due by March 22 and is limited to 25 people. Wicks suggests signing up soon so you don't risk getting closed out.

Send your name, affiliation, address, telephone number, e-mail address and check payable to OARDC/OSU to Ohio Compost Operator Education Course, OARDC/OSU, Ag Engineering Building, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691.

For more information, contact Wicks at 330-202-3533 or [email protected] or go to www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/ocamm.

To join ORAO and receive the registration discount, e-mail Linda Robertson at [email protected].