Sustainability in Practice: Arizona Worm Farm’s Story (Part 2)

In this enlightening episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon continues his journey at the Arizona Worm Farm with Daniel Domenech. Daniel, front-end manager and sustainability educator, shares how the farm transforms waste into vital resources through innovative practices like composting, vermiculture, and black soldier fly larvae cultivation. Together, they explore how these closed-loop systems support no-till gardens, thriving food forests, and even affordable, off-grid housing for the unhoused. This episode showcases practical solutions for regenerative farming in challenging desert environments and emphasizes the power of community-driven sustainability.

Why Listen?

Join Daniel Domenech as he reveals how Arizona Worm Farm integrates nature’s cycles to create a model for sustainable living. This episode offers hands-on insights into composting, soil health, and climate-smart innovations perfect for gardeners, farmers, and eco-enthusiasts. Be inspired to transform your own space—no matter the size—into a thriving, resilient ecosystem.

Time Stamps

• 00:29 – Meet Daniel Domenech and Arizona Worm Farm overview
• 01:50 – Operations: composting, no-till gardens, worms, and black soldier fly larvae
• 03:15 – Community classes and hands-on education
• 04:21 – Building affordable, off-grid homes from adobe and straw
• 06:20 – Composting processes and challenges in the Arizona heat
• 08:46 – Food forest with 100+ edible trees and creating microclimates
• 11:20 – Larva Land: black soldier fly larvae and its unique benefits
• 17:50 – The Love Shack: reproducing black soldier flies
• 24:45 – Larvae as fertilizer and animal feed
• 26:18 – Compost screening and upcycling waste streams
• 28:40 – Worm wedges: harvesting castings and managing vermiculture
• 32:06 – Chickens, future aquaponics with tilapia, and integrated systems
• 33:09 – Call to action: visit, learn, and grow your own food

Call to Action

🌱 Ready to transform your garden and your community? Visit the Arizona Worm Farm to experience regenerative farming in action. Join Daniel Domenech’s hands-on classes, explore sustainable solutions, and take your first step toward leaving a social footprint. Subscribe to Harvesting Wisdom for more inspiring stories, and visit weareufe.org to support climate-smart education.

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