Commercial horticulture professionals in the “Green Industries” interested in a comprehensive 12-day certificate course can register now for UMass Extension’s Green School. Online classes will be held October 26 through December 10, twice weekly.
Specialty tracks, taught by UMass Extension specialists, University of Massachusetts faculty, and guest presenters are offered in: landscape management, turf management and arboriculture (specifically geared towards professional arborists).
The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated a shift to remote delivery. The traditional classroom Green School experience has been recreated using online technology. Instruction in 2020 will be 100% virtual, providing attendees with online resources via an online learning management system, including a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live lectures via Zoom and GoToWebinar, and live guided discussions/Q&A opportunities that complement pre-recorded lecture material via Zoom.
Green School is designed for landscapers, lawn care specialists, nursery operators, sports field managers, public and private grounds managers, arborists and others in the green industries. This comprehensive course is for horticultural professionals who want to gain an understanding of economically-feasible and environmentally-responsible plant and land care practices. Both experienced professionals as well as those entering the green industries will benefit from this course.
The early bird rate ($650) ends 9/15/20 ($725 after 9/15/20). The deadline for applications is October 15, 2020. This popular short course is offered every two years, fills up quickly and space is limited. Find the full schedule and pre-registration form here.
While in-person interactions and networking that a traditional Green School offers will be missed, this temporary shift to virtual instruction will benefit attendees in many ways while prioritizing current public health best practices and restrictions:
· Registration cost savings due to reduced overhead.
· Savings of time and travel expenses.
· Attendees who have previously been unable to attend due to travel restrictions/distance will now have the opportunity to join from the convenience of their own homes.
A former student said, “Green School is a must for the landscape professional. I had been in the landscape business for 29 years, operating at a high level. Yet, the amount of knowledge I gained helped to transform my business to the most effective tree care business in my area.”
For more information or to have a registration form mailed, call UMass Extension at 413-545-0895 or email eweeks@umext.umass.edu.
