Queens Botanical Garden Compost Site Tours 2025

Join the QBG compost team for a tour of our mid-scale composting site. Learn how we transform food scraps and horticultural waste into nutrient-rich compost, explore the different stages of decomposition, and see sustainable waste management in action. From aerated static piles to small-scale systems in our Demo Site, you'll gain hands-on knowledge about the science behind composting and its role in community composting.

FREE. Registration required.

Takes place the third Sunday of each month from 12 pm to 1 pm.

Please plan to arrive a few minutes early to check in. The tour will begin promptly at 12 pm.

All attendees must register on Eventbrite.

For private, student, or corporate group tours, email at least three weeks in advance.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is there an age requirement?

Participants must be 16 years of age or older.

How much walking is involved?

The tour covers approximately 4/5 of a mile, primarily on paved paths. However, the Compost Demo Site features a woodchip-covered surface, providing a natural, cushioned footing. We recommend wearing sturdy, comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.

Will the tour be held in all weather conditions?

Yes, this event is rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In hazardous weather conditions (such as thunderstorms, heavy snow, or extreme winds), we will cancel the tour at least two hours in advance and notify all registered participants via email.

Where do I go once I get to the Garden? What time should I arrive?

Tour participants should meet at #25 "Blue Compost Trailer," listed on the maps located at both Garden entrances. The Blue Compost Trailer is the first building on your left when you enter the Garden from the Parking Garden. Please allow 10 minutes to walk from the Main Gate to the Compost Trailer, or 5 minutes to walk from the Parking Garden.

What are my transportation and parking options for getting to the Garden?

Please park in our Parking Garden lot at 42-80 Crommelin Street, Flushing, NY 11355. You do not have to pay for parking or admission. Tell the attendant your name and that you are here for a Master Composter Course.

By public transportation, take the number 7 subway line to Main Street, the Long Island Rail Road (Port Washington line) to Main Street/Flushing, or the Q44-SBS or Q20 bus.

For driving directions and more information: https://queensbotanical.org/directions

What should I bring?

This tour will be held outdoors, please wear weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting dirty--sun hats and sunscreen if it's hot or layers if it's cold. Don't forget sturdy close-toed shoes. Bring a water bottle and snack if you'd like. We have water available for anyone who does not bring their own.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

HEALTH & SAFETY

To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and for the health and safety of all visitors, follow our current health & safety guidelines, found on our website: https://queensbotanical.org/know-before-you-go

Restrooms are accessible by the ramp next to the Visitor & Administration Building. Please follow on-site instructions on how to enter restrooms.

CANCELLATIONS

In the case that an event is cancelled, you will be notified via email.

COMMUNICATIONS

By purchasing tickets and attending QBG events, you hereby opt in to receiving communications from the Garden. You may receive updates about future QBG events and news through the addresses you provide. If you do not wish to receive future communication, simply click the “unsubscribe” button at the bottom of an email or write to aW5mbyB8IHF1ZWVuc2JvdGFuaWNhbCAhIG9yZw==.

GARDEN ETIQUETTE

QBG staff strives to provide a place of peace, beauty, and safety for the quiet enjoyment of our visitors. QBG is a living museum, a collection of gardens for the study, culture, exhibition, and display of plants. We encourage our visitors to explore, enjoy, and be respectful of our plant collections and to be considerate of fellow guests as well. For more guidelines on garden etiquette: https://queensbotanical.org/know-before-you-go/

PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY

Queens Botanical Garden (QBG) occasionally photographs or films visitors and activities on site to support our mission in promotional media and materials, including print, online, broadcast, and social media. By attending this event, you grant permission to QBG use your likeness in perpetuity, in all forms of print and digital media used to promote, publicize, or advertise the Garden, its activities, and programs. If you do not give QBG permission to take and use your image, you must notify an event organizer or staff when you arrive for this event. QBG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

ABOUT QBG

QBG is an urban oasis where people, plants and cultures are celebrated through inspiring gardens, innovative educational programs and real-world applications of environmental stewardship. QBG is located on property owned by the City of New York, and its operation is made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, Queens Borough President, the New York City Council, State elected officials, the New York State Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, along with corporate, foundation, and individual supporters. For more information, visit www.queensbotanical.org or call (718) 886-3800.

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