Compost Tea Party

Public Event On-Site

Compost Tea Party

Join Lotusland’s Sustainability Manager Chris Ziliotto along with special guest, renowned educator and pioneering environmentalist Dr. David White, for an insightful look into Lotusland’s compost tea program. After a brief presentation by Dr. White on the soil food web, we will trek to Lotusland’s compost piles for a behind-the-scenes look at how the tea is made, the methods of application, and the science behind why it works. Reception to follow in the Pavilion Patio. Go home with organic materials to jump start your own compost tea program.

Chris Ziliotto

Chris Ziliotto, Lotusland’s Sustainability Program Manager, is advancing the Garden’s sustainable horticulture practices through innovative composting, soil health initiatives, and organic methods. For the past 25 years, Lotusland has been a pioneer in sustainable horticulture, and Chris is building on that legacy by refining composting systems, closing the loop with locally sourced ingredients, and actively reducing the Garden’s carbon footprint. A Santa Barbara local, he has a degree in Environmental Horticulture from Santa Barbara City College and a degree in Rangeland Resource Management from Cal Poly Humboldt, specializing in wildland soils with a minor in botany. With experience in nurseries, estates, and private greenhouses, Chris brings extensive expertise to his role, driving forward Lotusland’s commitment to sustainability.

Dr. David White

Born and raised in Scotland, David studied Biological Sciences at Edinburgh University and graduated with a Ph.D. in Cell Biology.  After conducting research at Cornell Medical school and the University of Idaho, he moved to Ojai to work in nature based education and organic land management. He currently consults on soil health and regenerative techniques.  He has worked with numerous environmental groups, including the Keep the Sespe Wild Committee, Food for Thought Ojai, White Buffalo Land Trust, the Captain Planet Foundation and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition. David co-founded the Center for Regenerative Agriculture in 2002 and worked as its Executive Director for twenty years. Since 2010, David has directed the Once upon a Watershed education program which currently serves 23 public schools in Ventura County. In 2020 he brought the Oaktober initiative to Southern California. With a focus on connecting children to nature, one of David’s favourite things to do is to plant trees with kids.