Founded in 2005, Bay Worms is a non-profit dedicated to diverting waste from landfills by converting into rich soil amendments. By improving the quality of soil and illustrating the benefits of organic gardening we hope to educate the public of the advantages of a closed loop, self-sufficient, local organic food production model. Using vermicomposting methods, we provide compost, worm castings and worms to residents and businesses. We also offer educational opportunities such as workshops, seminars and school presentations.

Our History:

In 2005, Berkeley Worms, a UC Berkeley student organization dedicated to vermicomposting, lost its land lease. However, a number of interested students and volunteers hoped to continue the great work of Berkeley Worms and established itself as Bay Worms.  At the same time, the Alameda Point Collaborative desired to host a vermicomposting organization to compliment their community garden.

Bay Worms currently operates from APC’s Community Garden 4 days a week with a steady input of organic waste from local residents and businesses, such as Alameda Food Bank. Our greatest thanks goes out to them all! By diverting waste from landfills and illustrating the benefits of organic soil amendments and a closed-loop food production model, we hope to demonstrate how to live sustainably.

Meet our Board of Directors:

Phil Storch, President

bayworms.president@gmail.com

Coming soon...

Marissa Hockenberry, Secretary

bayworms.secretary@gmail.com

Marissa is a committed environmentalist, and believes in living a sustainable lifestyle whenever possible. Although only recently experimenting in growing her own vegetables, she has seen the positive effect of castings first hand and is excited to bring help educate others about this valuable resource. Full time, she works at TransFair USA, the nonprofit, 3rd party certifier of Fair Trade products in the US where she’s a National Accounts Manager. She holds a Business Administration degree, with a Concentration in Hospitality and Tourism, from College of Charleston, SC. Besides gardening, she volunteers with various local non-profits.

Paul Rogé, Treasurer

bayworms.treasurer@gmail.com

Paul Rogé is a graduate student in Environmental Science, Policy and Management at UC Berkeley. His research focuses on the resilience of traditional agricultural ecosystems. Paul is an experienced organic vegetable farmer and certified pest control adviser. He also is an expert composter, having served as the Finance and Operations Coordinator for the ASUC Auxiliary Composting Project (a.k.a. Berkeley Worms) from 2001 to 2004.