UMass Extension's Green School

2006 Location: Radisson Hotel, 11 Beaver St., Milford, MA (at exit 19 off Route 495)

Description: Green School is a comprehensive certificate training program for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension Educators and Faculty.  This course is designed for landscape, turf, and other horticultural practitioners wishing to gain an understanding of horticulture fundamentals and strategies and their relation to environmental quality.  Green School attendees learn about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management in managed environments.  Green School’s curriculum is based on research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship and integrated pest management (IPM).  Participants develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources such as soil and water. Participants learn to make environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf and plant selection, plant maintenance, pest and nutrient management. 

Choose from 1 of 2 sections: Participants can choose either a Landscape Management or Turf Management specialization. The 60 plus-hour training program focuses on the management of the landscape as a whole, and is appropriate for garden center managers and employees, private or municipal grounds managers and personnel, landscape and lawn care operators, nursery operators and personnel, tree wardens, and professional gardeners. Sessions will be taught by UMass Extension educators and UMass faculty, along with other professionals recognized in their area of expertise in the Northeast.

2006 pesticide contact hours: 12 contact hours for Massachusetts categories 29, 36, 37; 6 contact hours for Massachusetts Licensed Applicator Training. Attendance at Green School will satisfy part of the Experience Requirement necessary to sit for the certification exam in Categories 29, 36, 37. Pesticide credits will be accepted for all New England states. Credits available for MCH, MCLP and MCA. ISA recertification credits requested.

UMass academic credits: No college credit available.

Certificate: Awarded upon achieving 75% average score. There will be a daily quiz on the preceding session's material, plus a take home quiz on the last day. An average of all quiz grades will comprise the final grade.

Questions? Send an e-mail to greenschool@umassgreeninfo.org. You may also call the Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895 or Mary Owen, Turf Program, at (508) 892-0382 .

Need driving directions? See the Driving Directions section of this web site.

2006 SCHEDULE/CURRICULUM - Attend 1 of 2 sections: Landscape Management or Turf Management:

LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT TRACK - A		TURF MANAGEMENT TRACK - B
Session 1: Tuesday, October 31:
8:45 - Orientation AB An overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, snow cancellation policies, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.		8:45 - Orientation AB An overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, snow cancellation policies, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.
9:15 - Plant Form and Function A Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Investigating the plant as a whole; understanding the relationship between structure and function and how plants respond to their environment.		9:15 - Turfgrass Growth and Development B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Turfgrass plant parts, structure, and function. Environmental and seasonal influences on turfgrass growth.
1:00 - Soils and Garden Prep AB Dawn Pettinelli, University of Connecticut Physical and chemical properties of soils and the process of soil preparation for planting.		1:00 - Soils and Garden Prep AB Dawn Pettinelli, University of Connecticut Physical and chemical properties of soils and the process of soil preparation for planting.
Session 2: Thursday, November 2
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Basic Plant Pathology AB Dan Gillman, UMass Extension A discussion of the microbiology of plant disease-causing bacteria and fungi along with references to a few of the many beneficial microbes. In addition, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.		9:30 - Basic Plant Pathology AB Dan Gillman, UMass Extension A discussion of the microbiology of plant disease-causing bacteria and fungi along with references to a few of the many beneficial microbes. In addition, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.
1:00 - Basic Entomology AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension Based in Bioclassification: how insects fit into the animal kingdom, what is an insect, key body structure components, close relatives to insects (millipedes, centipedes, crustaceans, arachnids, etc.). Also insect development and common larval type identification (caterpillars, grubs, etc.).		1:00 - Basic Entomology AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension Based in Bioclassification: how insects fit into the animal kingdom, what is an insect, key body structure components, close relatives to insects (millipedes, centipedes, crustaceans, arachnids, etc.). Also insect development and common larval type identification (caterpillars, grubs, etc.).
Session 3: Monday, November 6
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Basic Principles of IPM and PHC AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the basic management strategies for traditional agriculture as well as for the Green Industry. Although its practice allows for the use of pesticides, IPM mandates that all actions be based in well-informed management strategies that reduce or keep pest populations at desirable levels, protect beneficial organisms, and are the least harmful to humans and the environment. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.		9:30 - Basic Principles of IPM and PHC AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the basic management strategies for traditional agriculture as well as for the Green Industry. Although its practice allows for the use of pesticides, IPM mandates that all actions be based in well-informed management strategies that reduce or keep pest populations at desirable levels, protect beneficial organisms, and are the least harmful to humans and the environment. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.
1:00 - Woody Ornamentals: Cultural Practices and Problems A Deborah C. Swanson, Plymouth County Extension Proper planting techniques and identification of common cultural problems.		1:00 - Turfgrass Selection B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Characteristics of turfgrass types. Criteria for selection of grasses and cultivars for specific uses.
Session 4: Thursday, November 9
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Nutrient Management for Woody Plants A Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension A look at how to manage soil to insure optimal supply of nutrients for plant growth. Presentation includes information on the need, selection and application of fertilizers.		9:30 -Turf Nutrition B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Turfgrass nutrition and the role of nutrients in turfgrass management.
1:00 - Tree and Shrub Insect Management Issues A Robert Childs, UMass Extension A review of the old style of pest management and its inherent problems in detail. Current strategies, such as the organic trend, biorational pesticides, how to avoid the development of pesticide resistance, and new pesticide laws that are determining our choices for pest management will be highlighted.		1:00 - Developing a Fertility Program for Turf B Scott Ebdon, University of Massachusetts Fertilizer characteristics and the development of a year-round fertility program.
Session 5: Monday, November 13
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Tree and Shrub Insect and Mite Problems A Robert Childs, UMass Extension There are well over 100 different insect and mites species in the Northeast that have the potential to become problematic at any time on trees and shrubs. The major groups of these damage-causing pests, along with many of the new invasive/exotic introductions will be covered.		9:30 - Turfgrass Identification B Jason Lanier, UMass Extension Learn to recognize physical characteristics useful for identifying turfgrasses. Test your skills with hands-on examination of the major cool season turfgrass species.
1:00 - Tree and Shrub Disease Management Strategies A Dan Gillman, UMass Extension A detailed review of the regulatory, cultural, biological, and chemical methods of plant disease management. A clear understanding of all of these methods provides a sound basis for the integration of them into an effective woody plant care program.		1:00 - Turf Insects B Pat Vittum, University of Massachusetts Biology and identification of turfgrass damaging insects; integrated pest management strategies and materials.
Session 6: Thursday, November 16
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Tree and Shrub Diseases A Dan Gillman, UMass Extension Description of the categories of root, stem, branch, and foliage diseases of woody plants, including illustrations of the signs and symptoms of common woody plant diseases as well as suitable management approaches to use in landscapes and nurseries.		9:30 - Turfgrass Establishment B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Factors for successful establishment of turf, including soil preparation, seed and sod selection, installation and care.
1:00 - Basic Weed Science AB Randy Prostak, UMass Extension General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.		1:00 - Basic Weed Science AB Randy Prostak, UMass Extension General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.
Session 7: Monday, November 20
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Landscape Weed Management A Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for landscape weeds including prevention, cultural practices, biological/natural controls, and herbicide programs.		9:30 - Diseases of Turfgrasses B M. Bess Dicklow, UMass Extension Biology and identification of the most common turf diseases; integrated pest management strategies, cultural controls, birational and biological controls, and low-input lawns.
1:00 - Pruning Trees and Shrubs A H. Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts Proper methods of pruning trees and shrubs in residential, commercial, and municipal settings.		1:00 - Turf Cultural Practices I B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Aerating, thatching, mowing, and other cultural practices.
Session 8: Tuesday, November 28:
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Plant Selection A Deborah C. Swanson and Roberta Clark, UMass Extension Choose the right plant for the right place. An introduction to selecting sustainable woody plants for the managed landscape.		9:30 - Turf Drainage B Dr. William Dest, Emeritus, University of Connecticut Understanding water infiltration, retention, and movement in soils. Selecting, amending, and improving soils for best turf growth.
1:00 - Plant Selection A (continued)		1:00 - Turf Weed Management B Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for turf weeds including prevention, cultural practices, biological/natural controls, and herbicide programs.
Session 9: Thursday, November 30
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Herbaceous Perennials A Deborah C. Swanson, Plymouth County Extension Culture, maintenance, and uses of perennials.		9:30 - Turf Cultural Practices II B Mary Owen, UMass Extension Aerating, thatching, mowing, and other cultural practices, continued.
1:00 - Landscape and Turf Irrigation AB Thom Griffin, UMass Extension Features and functions of turf and drip irrigation system components, troubleshooting and retrofitting.		1:00 - Landscape and Turf Irrigation AB Thom Griffin, UMass Extension Features and functions of turf and drip irrigation system components, troubleshooting and retrofitting.
Session 10: Tuesday, December 5
9:00 - Quiz A
9:30 - Turf Management in the Landscape A Mary Owen, UMass Extension Turfgrass selection, key cultural management practices, and IPM for landscape and residential turf.		(This day is optional for Turf Management Track B)
1:00 - Turf Management in the Landscape A (continued)
Session 11: Thursday December 7
9:00 - Quiz AB		9:00 - Quiz AB
9:30 - Understanding Pesticides AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension Understanding the laws that govern pesticides and how we use them will be discussed along with knowing formulations of pesticide products, application equipment, and safety concerns. Reading and understanding all aspects of the pesticide label and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be covered in detail.		9:30 - Understanding Pesticides AB Robert Childs, UMass Extension Understanding the laws that govern pesticides and how we use them will be discussed along with knowing formulations of pesticide products, application equipment, and safety concerns. Reading and understanding all aspects of the pesticide label and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be covered in detail.
2:30 - Pesticides in the Environment AB Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Understanding the use, movement, and fate of pesticides and fertilizers in landscapes. Identifying potential situations for groundwater contamination and developing strategies to avoid contamination.		2:30 - Pesticides in the Environment AB Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Understanding the use, movement, and fate of pesticides and fertilizers in landscapes. Identifying potential situations for groundwater contamination and developing strategies to avoid contamination.
Session 12: Tuesday, December 12
8:30 - Quiz AB		8:30 - Quiz AB
9:00 - Horticultural Calculations AB Mary Owen, UMass Extension Calculations commonly used in landscape management necessary for efficient purchase and use of fertilizers and other materials		9:00 - Horticultural Calculations AB Mary Owen, UMass Extension Calculations commonly used in landscape management necessary for efficient purchase and use of fertilizers and other materials
Take-Home Quiz AB		Take-Home Quiz AB

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