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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:
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 Stockbridge School will host its 12th Annual Job Fair. Approximately
100 companies will be seeking qualified students and graduates for
full-time and internship positions. The Stockbridge School, an integral
part of the College of Natural Resources and the Environment, offers
the associate of science degree in six majors: Arboriculture and
Community Forest Management, Equine Industries, Fruit & Vegetable
Crops, Horticulture, Landscape Contracting and Turfgrass Management.
Registration deadline is December 31, 2008. Contact Elizabeth Wiernasz,
Stockbridge School Office, (413)545-2222, or via fax, (413)577-0242, wiernasz@nre.umass.edu.
On the web: http://www.umass.edu/stockbridge
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
To maintain landscapes sustainably, regular monitoring and using
IPM practices is essential. Join Extension specialists for a diagnostic
walkabout through the landscape for an up-close look at pest and
cultural problems of woody ornamentals. Updates on new pests,
diagnostic techniques and IPM strategies will be emphasized for a
true hands-on learning experience. Workshop held rain or shine. 2
Pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License
available. ISA, SAF, CFE, MCA, MCH, and MCLP credit requested. Preregistration
required as space is limited; the cost is $55. Watch this
location for registration information. Contact UMass Extension
at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.
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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