Composting Theory: Ecological Care in Practice 2025-2026
Jennifer Nash, Jocelyn Olcott, Saskia Cornes, Tania Rispoli
26 April 2026A hands-on workshop series in collaboration with the Duke Campus Farm, “Composting Theory: Ecological Care in Practice” explores ecological care through feminist and posthumanist readings, soil practices, and collective reflection. Sessions are scheduled Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm ET.
These workshops are designed primarily for faculty and graduate students. Advanced undergraduates interested in participating should email saskia.cornes@duke.edu.
Sessions take place on Saturdays from 10:00–12:00 pm at the Duke Campus Farm and begin with a light breakfast. Registration is free but required. To sign up write to revaluingcarelab@duke.edu.
Schedule
Fall 2025
Saturday, October 25, 10:00–12:00 pm
In person, Duke Campus Farm
Aula Verde (Tree Room) – A Method for Climate Justice
with visual artist and engineer Andrea Conte
Saturday, November 15, 10:00–12:00 pm
In person, Duke Campus Farm
Mushroom Inoculation – Growing Wonder
Readings: Anna Tsing
Spring 2026
Saturday, February 21, 10:00–12:00 pm
In person, Duke Campus Farm
Cultured: Edible Experiments with More-than-Human Worlds
A conversation on the intimate, interspecies connections made possible by the everyday work of fermentation, in a workshop bringing science, critical theory, and community together at the Duke Campus Farm. Participants will work co-create living kombucha or sauerkraut ferments to bring home.
Saturday, March 28, 10:00–12:00 pm
In person, Duke Campus Farm
Breakdown: Thinking and Making Compost Together
This session centers compost as both material process and theoretical problem, exploring decay, waste, labor, and transformation through collective compost-making and discussion.
Saturday, April 25, 10:00–12:00 pm
In person, Duke Campus Farm
Everyday Ecologies: Working with Soil Time
Focusing on soil as a living archive, this workshop reflects on questions of time and maintenance through hands-on soil work.
Shuangting Yao
Hi I’m a graduate student in MA computational media program, I want to attend the Mushroom Inoculation – Growing Wonder workshop this week Saturday. Thank you so much
Jason L
Do we have a carpool for this event? Thanks!
Yiwa Deng
Mushroom Inoculation would be very intersting！
Shannon Plunkett
I don’t think this is where I’m supposed to rsvp… but this is the only place I’m seeing I can comment and I’d love to come!
Lexy Rile
I couldn’t find another place to RSVP but would love to attend!
Travis Proctor
Hello, I would like to RSVP for the Mushroom Inoculation Lab on Nov. 15th. I’m a Professor (based in Ohio, but currently at the National Humanities Center) with an interest in the Environmental Humanities. If possible, I’d like to bring along my 10 and 8 yo children (who have experience with gardening/outdoor activities like this); please also let me know how to access the Anna Tsing readings. Thank you!