High school science teacher Mary Appelhof, known as “Worm Woman,” earned recognition for developing the practice of vermicomposting.
Many talented classroom teachers become recognized specialists in their specific field of study. One of these educators is Mary Arlene Appelhof, a science teacher from Michigan, who became well-known for developing the practice of vermicomposting.
Mary was born on June 11, 1936, in Detroit, Michigan. As a young woman, she attended Berea High School in Berea, Ohio, where she graduated in 1954. Following her high school graduation, she enrolled in Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology in 1958. The following year she earned her Master’s degree in Biology there. She later earned a Master’s degree in Education and completed advanced courses in biology.
After earning her degrees, Mary taught science courses at Kalamazoo Central High School in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She also taught at Interlochen Arts Academy in Interlochen, Michigan.
In the early 1970s, Mary experimented with “vermicomposting,” a system using worms to recycle food waste into fertilizer. To spread the practice, she developed lessons for her students and home gardeners. She also talked to garden clubs, and exhibited at harvest festivals, barter fairs, and energy expos. She became a vocal advocate for protecting the environment when she served on solid waste planning committees. These efforts led others to nickname her the “Worm Woman.” For her work, the innovative teacher garnered a grant from the National Science Foundation to videotape her experiments. With footage developed with the money from the grant, she produced an educational video entitled Wormania! You can learn more about the practice of vermicomposing at Mary’s website, Worm Woman.com.
This amazing educator passed away on May 4, 2005. She was 68 years old. She is interred in Benzonia Township Cemetery. In 2009, the National Women’s History Project honored Mary Appelhof as a Women’s History Month Honoree.
