Will has been an innovator in methods of composting, vermicomposting( using worms to refine and fertilize compost) and aquaponics( growing fish and food plants in a closed system). These and other intensive practices result in remarkable yields of food, even in a very small area. Today, Growing Power is involved in more than 70 projects and outreach programs in Milwaukee, across the United States and throughout the world. Will has trained and taught in the Ukraine, Macedonia and Kenya, and has plans in place to create community food centers in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Haiti. In the U. S., Growing Power has set up multiple Regional Outreach Training Centers throughout the U. S. In 2008, Will was awarded the John D. and Katherine T. McArthur Foundation“ Genius Grant” and named a McArthur Fellow – only the second farmer ever to be so honored. Will is also a member of the Clinton Global Initiative. On Feb. 9, 2010, was one of four national spokesmen who stood on the dais with First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House to launch her“ Let’ s Move!” initiative to reverse the epidemic of childhood obesity by 2015. In May 2010, Time magazine named Will as one of 100 World’ s Most Influential People. Despite his busy schedule as an international ambassador for urban agriculture and universal food security, Will continues to farm his own property in Oak Creek and direct operations at Growing Power, still headquartered in the original location on Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee.
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