environment: Materials Recovery Facility monthly open houses give the public a chance to look at recycling operations, participate in fun activities

For more information, call the MRF tour coordinator at 734-794-6000 ext. 43118 or e-mail nstone@a2gov.org. Individuals and families may drop in during the open house hours; groups of five or more are asked to pre-register. Weekday pre-arranged tours of the MRF are also available for groups of 15 or more; please call for more information or check www.a2gov.org/mrf.

Oct. 15: Presentations at 10 and 11:30 a.m.: Nature’s Recyclers
A Leslie Science & Nature Center naturalist will provide a fun, interactive program featuring a vulture and other living recyclers. An optional MRF tour follows the raptor presentation. Interested attendees must pre-register by Oct. 10 at 734-794-6000 ext. 43118. Space is limited! No charge.

Nov. 5, 10 a.m. - noon: Recycled Bird Feeder
Help celebrate America Recycles Day using your empty soda pop bottle to make a bird feeder. Put one of these up and you’re sure to attract some new feathered friends. Starter seed will be provided. Optional tours offered.

Dec. 10, 10 a.m. - noon: Paper Making
Paper is important to our everyday lives, which explains why more than 75 percent of all recyclables collected at the MRF are paper products. Learn how to make recycled paper by crafting your own sheet to take home. MRF guests will also be able to see alternative “tree-free” papers.

Jan. 14, 2012, 10 a.m. - noon: Postage Stamp Crafts
Create a unique refrigerator magnet or bookmark while reusing colorful, cancelled postage stamps. All are welcome to enjoy this craft project, as well as tour the MRF.

Feb. 11, 2012: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.: Worm Bin Workshop
Join us for a workshop on vermicomposting and building your own worm box. A complete “worm bin kit” is only $25 and contains a half pound of red worms, "Worms Eat my Garbage" book by Mary Appelhof, bin, newspaper, and turner. All are welcome to attend the presentation, but those making a worm box must pre-register by Jan. 30 at 734-794-6000 ext. 43118. Space is limited for each of two separate sessions starting at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

March 10, 2012 10 a.m. - noon: Terrific Tile Making
Create your own mosaic tile from found art, recycled glass and buttons. Turn recycled materials into internationally inspired artwork. The small tile is perfect for gardens, wall hanging, decorations, or trivet. These recycled creations are a great activity for families, clubs, and scout groups and are easily recreated at home.

April 14, 2012, 10 a.m. - noon: Celebrate Earth Day with Compost
Come see how our hard-working compost crew helps nature turn leaves and grass clippings into wonderfully rich compost. Guests will take home a seedling they plant in compost, tour the MRF, and take an optional drive through the adjacent 25-acre compost center.

May 19, 2012, 9 a.m. - noon: A2 Downtown Blooms Day
Join hundreds of volunteers in continuing to keep Ann Arbor’s downtown beautiful. Volunteers help plant and mulch flower planters during this annual event. Interested groups, families, and individuals meet at Liberty Plaza at 9 a.m. All volunteers will receive a free T-shirt and pizza lunch. Pre-register by calling 734-794-6000 ext. 43112. www.a2gov.org/green Note: No MRF Open House is offered in May.

June 2, 10 a.m. - noon: Wonderful Windsocks
Celebrate summer sunshine by creating a recycled-content windsock using colorful surplus hot air balloon fabric and other durable items from the Scrap Box. This windsock is perfect for hanging inside or out.

In case of severe weather, check www.a2gov.org/mrf or call 734-794-6000 ext. 43112 for recorded updates on open house cancellations.

Groups of 15 or more may schedule tours and enjoy 60-90-minute programs on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., finishing by 5 p.m. The MRF offers free tours that are designed for school groups, scouts, youth groups, civic groups, college classes, and others interested in learning about recycling. Please contact 734-794-6000, ext. 43118 or ext. 43112, or check www.a2gov.org/mrf.

Nicole (Lowen) Berg is the MRF education center and special projects coordinator at the City of Ann Arbor. Nicole can be reached at nlowen@a2gov.org. Visit http://www.a2gov.orgfor more information on local environmental topics including recycling, composting, water conservation, and choices for green living.

Your World provides local environmental information to our community. Contributing partners include: Washtenaw County’s Environmental Health Division; the nonprofit Recycle Ann Arbor; the City of Ann Arbor’s Public Services Area, Natural Area Preservation, Systems Planning programs for Energy, Environmental Coordination, Solid Waste, Transportation, and Water Resources.