Tunnel Vision
Did you know there’s a tunnel in the Hollywood Hills near the intersection of Mulholland and Coldwater Canyon drives?
Don’t worry that this has something to do with an MTA subway construction project gone wildly off course. This is something else--and it’s a place of considerable interest to kids. Parents needn’t be concerned, because it’s also safe, even educational, according to the folks who supervise the tunnel. They’re the Tree People, the environmental organization based in Coldwater Canyon Park, a National Park Service facility on the southern rim of the Valley.
The official name of this educational display is “The Tunnel of the Dirt Factory.” According to Mary Skerrett, Tree People’s elementary education director, it’s a place where kids 5-12 can see what it’s like to be a bug that is “working hard to help make soil by breaking down leaves and natural waste into rich, nutrient-filled soil.” The whole display has been constructed above ground, like a science museum display.
Getting in there is sort of a treat, because the site is only available for visits by special appointment. It’s become a centerpiece attraction for “eco-birthday parties,” a new kind of theme party being offered for environmentally hip kids. The party package includes games, tours and environmentally themed party favors.
The “Dirt Factory,” actually a life-size, walk-in compost bin, is the inner sanctum of a composting exhibit. It’s become quite popular with elementary school teachers, summer-camp counselors and parent leaders of Brownie and Cub Scout troops. Family groups can book weekend visits.
Skerrett explains: “During the tour, children learn how things in nature function cyclically. In the “Dirt Factory,” they learn [that] leaves and branches fall to the ground to become mulch [and] mulch becomes soil and the nutrients return to the tree through the roots, [then] the tree will grow new leaves which will fall to the ground, etc.”
Kids also learn that they can help the process by recycling yard clippings and food scraps (but no meat or dairy) in a compost pile or bin at home. “The right combination of ingredients, with the help of some friendly bugs, makes healthy soil,” Skerrett tells kids.
If youngsters or their parents want to get serious about this topic, they can enroll in one of the regular composting workshops at Tree People’s site. It is conducted by a local educational services company, Squiggly Ranch, which is a study in itself. Its founder, Denise Epport, in addition to giving workshops for Tree People, markets backyard composters and worm bins to enable Angelenos to convert yard trimmings and food waste into soil amendments and fertilizer.
Yes, worm bins. Worms are big players in the composting game. She’ll even get you the worms. Call (888) GO-WORMS.
Meanwhile, back at Tree People’s 44-acre site, it should be noted that anyone interested in composting and forest-preservation can visit the mulch piles and seedling beds in the outdoor areas at any time during park hours, dawn till dusk.
But, according to Leslie Mylius, due to past problems with vandalism, access to “The Tunnel of the Dirt Factory” is handled on a reservation basis only.
BE THERE
“The Tunnel of the Dirt Factory,” a special feature at the Coldwater Canyon Park headquarters of Tree People, 12601 Mulholland Drive at Coldwater Canyon Drive. Call (818) 753-4600.
