Throughout the year, UMass Extension's Landscape and Urban Forestry Program offers a number of workshops for Green Industry professionals, many in conjunction with industry associations and public agencies. The workshops are designed to heighten knowledge of environmentally sound pest management strategies, business management, and current issues relating to tree care, landscape and nursery management. Don't forget to also visit the:

• UMass Extension Turf Program Conferences and Workshops page
• UMass Extension Vegetable Program Conferences and Workshops page
• UMass Extension Floriculture Program Upcoming Events page
• UMass Extension Fruit Program Tree Fruit Workshops and Small Fruit Workshops
• UMass Cranberry Station Calendar of Events

2009 Winter Lawn Care Conference
Date: January 21, 2009 (snow date January 22)
Location: Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, MA

Who should attend? Lawn, landscape, municipal and sports turf professionals and crews, and anyone interested in the ecologically sound, economically feasible turf management. Business owners and managers who want to learn from the best of their colleagues, making their businesses thrive. 2009 Winter Lawn Care Conference attendees will have the option to choose one of two education tracks: Business or Technical. The theme of the Technical Track will be Environmental Protection, with a focus on protecting water and managing invasive plants.

For complete information, including instructions on how to register online or by mail, visit our Winter Lawn Care Conference page

5 pesticide recertification contact hours will be available in the Technical Track for all New England states for category 36 (shade tree and ornamentals, category 37 (turf) and category 00 (licensed applicator). Professional certification credits have been requested. 1 pesticide recertification contact hour will be available in the Business Track for all New England states for category 37 (turf) and category 00 (licensed applicator).

The Winter Lawn Care Conference is held in partnership with the Massachusetts Association of Lawn Care Professionals. For more information, contact the UMass Turf Program at (508) 892-0382, mowen@umext.umass.edu or MALCP at (781) 274-7373, malcp@yahoo.com.

New England Grows!
Date: February 4-6, 2009
Location: Boston Convention and Exhibition Center - Boston, MA

For complete information visit http://www.negrows.org

Stockbridge School Job Fair
Date: February 10, 2009
Time: 10:00 AM -1:00 PM
Location: UMass Campus Center Auditorium - Amherst, MA

The Ecological Landscaping Association's 15th Annual Conference and Eco-Marketplace
Dates: February 27-28, 2009
Location: MassMutual Center - Springfield, Massachusetts

The title for this year's conference is 'Digging In: The Theory & Practice of Ecological Landscaping'. The conference program includes 16 workshops presented by educators, writers, and practitioners in the field of ecological landscaping. A concurrent Eco-Marketplace will feature exhibitors and live demonstrations, showcasing landscape techniques, information, products, and services needed to create and manage healthy communities. Sponsors include ELA and the New England Wildflower Society. For information visit http://www.ecolandscaping.org

Growing and Pruning Apples in the Home Garden
Date: February 28, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Clubhouse, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA and  Brooksby Farm, Peabody, MA

The visual experience of flowering fruit trees in the home landscape is surpassed only by the delicious variety of summer and fall fruits which they produce. Growing apples successfully can be a horticultural challenge, but it can be done! Wes Autio will present an in‑depth program on how to grow apples in the home landscape. Varieties, rootstocks, young‑tree care, nutrition, and tree/branch training will be covered in the morning.  In the afternoon, the class will move to Brooksby Farm for a hands-on apple pruning workshop.   Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning fruit trees in order to produce a bountiful crop. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

No Bad Apples: Dealing with Apple Pests
Date: March 7, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Clubhouse, Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA

The first step in dealing with the rots and worms in home apple trees is knowing what they are, and why they are causing you problems. With a little know-how, you can increase your chances of growing a healthy crop of apples. Dan Cooley will help participants with the basics of identification and control of the most important apple insects and diseases.  Plenty of opportunity will be provided to ask questions and discuss control of the problem pests. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Community Tree Conference
Saving Our Trees: A Conference for Arborists, Foresters, Tree Wardens, Sugar Bush Owners and Anyone Who Loves Trees
Date: March 10, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Stockbridge Hall, UMass Amherst

This one-day conference is designed for arborists, tree wardens, municipal managers, city planners, foresters, sugar bush owners and landscape architects who are involved with the management of property, both private and public. The University of Massachusetts Extension, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and the USDA Forest Service sponsor this annual conference.  With the identification of the Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) in central Massachusetts, it is imperative that anyone responsible for land and tree management have an understanding of this major pest. This conference will review the ALB, what is being done to manage it, and what you can do. Additional topics include identification of plant health care problems in New England, fruit tree management, conservation laws and regulations, and nutrient management.

Pesticide, ISA, SAF, CFE, MCA,  MCH and MCLP credits have been requested. Cost is $65.  Watch this location for registration information. Contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

Garden Center Employee Training
Date: March 2009 (TBA)
Location: TBA

Training for garden center employees, horticulture retailers and growers interested in information concerning organic methods, biological control and the use of Integrated Pest Management practices in managing insects and plant disease in the landscape and the garden. Customers routinely have questions and look for answers. This training will prepare the participants to better deal with these questions. For more information contact Tina Smith, 413-545-5306, tsmith@umext.umass.edu, Paul Lopes, 508-295-2212 ext. 24, lopes@umext.umass.edu.

Growing and Pruning Peaches, Plums, and Cherries in the Home Garden
Date: March 14, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: The Big Apple, Wrentham, MA

Although we are on the northern edge of the successful stone-fruit growing region, nothing beats the mid-summer taste of home-grown peaches, nectarines, plums, and cherries.  Culture is surprisingly easy if you follow the suggestions presented by Jon Clements in this seminar.  In the morning, site and variety/rootstock selection, nutritional needs, and pest management recommendations will be covered to insure your success.  Pruning stone fruits is not the same as apples.  In the afternoon, participants will be guided through the annual pruning process beginning with young trees progressing to mature trees. This hands-on workshop is an opportunity to learn how to prune peaches, plums, and cherries to achieve a good balance of vegetative growth, fruit buds, and tree health. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Weeds, Insects, and Diseases in the Home Landscape and Garden 
Date: March 21, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM
Location: Topsfield Fairgrounds, Topsfield, MA

Everyone who gardens battles a host of organisms whose goals include killing or maiming your favorite plants or taking their water and nutrients. During this day-long program, Randy Prostak, Bob Childs, and Dan Gillman will describe 10 each of the most common and problematic weeds, insects, and diseases in the home landscape, lawn, and garden. Participants will learn how to identify and control these troublesome pests. Organic strategies will be included. Plenty of opportunity will be provided to ask questions. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Weed Management for Garden Retailers
Date: March 26, 2009
Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Location: Doubletree Hotel, 11 Beaver St., Milford, MA

Customers commonly ask garden retailers questions about weed identification and the control of weeds in lawns, landscapes and gardens.  This program with help retailers answer many of these common questions.  A wide range of weed control strategies and retail products will be discussed in-depth.  Tips and resources for weed identification will be covered.  There will be plenty of time for questions and discussion on topics that are important to the participants, so be sure to bring your questions.  Cost is $50. Four pesticide contact hours available for categories 29, 36, 37, and 00.

Watch this location for registration information. Contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

Growing and Pruning Berries in the Home Garden
Date: March 28, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: Tougas Family Farm - Northborough, MA

Edible landscaping has been gaining popularity in recent years. Many types of berries fit well into an edible home landscape. The pleasure of walking out to the backyard berry patch for a handful of sweet berries is matched with some surprising ornamental qualities offered by these plants. Sonia Schloemann will present an in‑depth program on how to grow various types of berries in the home landscape. Site and soil requirements, planting systems, cultural practices, and pest control will be covered in the morning.  Pruning berries can be confusing. In the afternoon, participants will develop an understanding of the general principles of pruning blueberries and raspberries.  Participants will have the chance for hands‑on experience in pruning some bushes after receiving instruction. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Growing and Pruning Grapes in the Home Garden
Date: April 4, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: UMass Cold Spring Orchard - Belchertown, MA

Grapes are one of the most universally enjoyed fruits available. Many of the new varieties have excellent taste, are winter hardy, and can make excellent wine. Grapes are fun to grow but present some challenges. Duane Greene will help participants through the basics and give them the tools to overcome some of the challenges. Specific topics will include selecting varieties, planting, fertilizing, controlling pests, pruning, and vine training.  Participants will have the opportunity to conduct actual pruning and gain both experience and confidence in pruning and training grapes in order to produce a bountiful crop. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Grafting Apple Trees, A Hands-on Workshop
Date: April 18, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: UMass Cold Spring Orchard - Belchertown, MA

Many people do not realize that all apple varieties are reproduced by grafting – they are not grown from seed.  For horticultural enthusiasts, one of the most satisfying techniques to master is grafting.  Wes Autio will present a hands-on workshop on “bench grafting” and “cleft grafting” of apple trees.  Other grafting techniques will be discussed.  Proper tools and sharpening will be discussed.  All participants in the workshop will graft several of their own apple trees to take home. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Pruning Ornamental Trees and Shrubs
Date: April 25, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
Location: TBA (Eastern MA)

There is no need to be afraid of pruning, but your efforts will be much more successful after this demonstration and hands-on workshop.  Dennis Ryan will guide participants through the art and science of pruning ornamental trees and shrubs in the home landscape.  Pruning tools, basic pruning techniques, and pruning safety will be discussed.  Participants will have the opportunity to prune trees and shrubs with expert guidance and gain both experience and confidence that can be taken home and used on their own landscape. For more information, go to http://www.umassgarden.com or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-2254, dyork@umext.umass.edu.

Scouting for Pests and Problems of Woody Ornamentals Walkabouts
Session 1 (Diseases and Weeds): April 30, 2009, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
Session 2 (Insects and Weeds): June 4, 2009, Heritage Museums, Sandwich MA
Session 3 (Diseases and Weeds): October 1, 2009,  Location TBA

Identifying Freshwater Wetlands in the Landscape
Date: June 3 & 10, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM
Location: French Hall, UMass Amherst

This workshop series will be useful to anyone who needs to be able to identify the presence of freshwater wetlands in the landscape, such as land surveyors, foresters, landscapers, etc.

• Training I: Inland Wetland Plant Identification
  Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2009
  This introduction to inland wetland plant identification will begin with an over-view of the major characteristics of woody and non-woody vegetation which are used for identification in most plant keys. Guided exercises will be used in a classroom / laboratory setting to practice keying out plant specimens collected from local wetland sources. An afternoon field trip to a local wetland will allow opportunity to practice identification skills in a natural setting. Related topics such as plant adaptations to wetland hydrology and the concept of "hydrophytic" vegetation will also be discussed. Cost: $100. Required Text: Field Guide to Nontidal Wetland Identification, by Ralph W. Tiner, Jr.  Cost: $25 for text. (Please indicate when registering, if you wish to purchase a copy of this field guide.)
  
  
• Training II: Identifying Inland Wetland Soils
  Date: Wednesday, June 10, 2009
  Participants will be introduced to some of the fundamental characteristics of soils that are used to identify hydric (wetland) soils in the field -- including soil texture, color, horizon type and redoximorphic features. The afternoon will include a field trip to a local wetland where participants will examine plants and soils along a wetland/nonwetland gradient. Plant communities will be used to locate transitional wetland-upland areas in the landscape for further investigation of their soil characteristics. Participants should have taken Training Session I of this series or be able to identify wetland vegetation (by permission of instructor). Cost: $100.
  
  If registering for both sessions, total cost = $190. Watch this location for registration information. Contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu

MNLA/MFGA Great Ideas Summer Conference and Trade Show
Date: July 22, 2009
Location: Sylvan Nursery, Westport, MA

The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association and the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association will again hold their Summer Field Day jointly in 2009. The day will offer horticultural education workshops by well known researchers and educators and a trade show. For more information, go http://www.mnla.com

Weed Identification Workshops
Session 1 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds): July 29, 2009, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
Session 2 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds): August 6, 2008, UMass Amherst
Session 3 (Grassy Weeds: an in-depth look): August 6, 2008, UMass Amherst

Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program.  Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided).  Cost $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). 5 pesticide contact hours available; MCLP and MCH credits will be offered. Watch this location for registration information. Contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

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