Wednesdays from 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm in STB 226
The aim of this series is to hear about the innovative and exciting research that is taking place within our college, thus both faculty and students are encouraged to give a colloquium presentation. Talks should be either 40 - 50 minutes in length for a single presenter colloquium or 20 - 25 minutes in length for a joint colloquium event. If you would like to sign-up to give a CNHS Colloquium Talk, email Efren Ruiz.
Date: 29 October 2025
Speaker: Dr. Norman Arancon, UHH College of Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resource Management
Title: The Power of (Earth)worms: Turning Trash into Treasure through Vermicomposting
Abstract: Every day, mountains of food end up in landfills—wasting precious resources and fueling climate change. But what if the solution to this global problem wriggled right beneath our feet? Vermicomposting harnesses the humble earthworm’s natural ability to recycle food and organic waste into nutrient-rich compost that can rejuvenate soils, boost plant growth, and even suppress pests and diseases. This presentation explores how vermiculture, composting with earthworms, transforms waste management from a dirty problem into a clean solution for a sustainable future. Through examples from the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo and global research, simple, small-scale worm bins can make a big difference in our homes, farms, and communities. Learn how to start your own vermicomposting systems, discover the science behind these “soil engineers,” and see how their efforts can reduce greenhouse gases, enhance crop productivity, and build a more resilient planet, one earthworm at a time.