Green School Landscape Management Track
Both new and experienced landscape practitioners are increasingly challenged to implement maintenance practices that are novel, sustainable and environmentally sound - while also delivering acceptable results. Green School's Landscape Management Track is designed for landscape managers who have either been working in the field for a number of years, or who are switching from another profession and haven't received formal training in horticultural fundamentals and strategies. Students will learn about modern, efficient approaches to landscape management and learn the skills necessary to make appropriate decisions in terms of plant selection, plant maintenance, and pest and nutrient management. By considering the landscape and the larger environment as a system, students will gain an understanding of how management practices can enhance our enjoyment of outdoor spaces while simultaneously protecting resources such as soil and water. The curriculum is based on current research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship, Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
For registration instructions and general program information, go to the Green School main page.
Landscape Management Schedule/Curriculum
Daily Schedule: Green School in 2022 will be held virtually on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons - see the schedule below. Having a computer or other device with reliable internet is a must to take this course.
NOTE: This schedule may be subject to change. The times in the schedule are in Eastern Standard Time.
October 11 and October 20 - You will need to attend ONE of these orientation sessions. |
||
4:00-5:30 pm | Live via Zoom |
Orientation and Technical Check-In |
Tuesday, October 25, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Plant Form and Function |
Wednesday, October 26, 2022 | ||
1:00-2:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Plant Form and Function (continued) |
3:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Basic Principles of IPM and PHC |
Thursday, October 27, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Soils Basics Deborah Henson, UMass Department of Environmental Conservation Understanding basic physical and chemical properties of soils and how proper management can improve soil health for better plant growth. |
Tuesday, November 1, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Nutrient Management for Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape |
Wednesday, November 2, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Site Assessment and Cultural Practice Problems of Woody Ornamentals |
Thursday, November 3, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Basic Entomology |
Tuesday, November 8, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Basic Plant Pathology |
Wednesday, November 9, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Woody Plant Selection |
Thursday, November 10, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Tree and Shrub Insects and Mites I |
Tuesday, November 15, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Pesticide Licensing and Regulations Pesticide Label Review and Pesticide Safety |
Wednesday, November 16, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Tree and Shrub Insects and Mites II Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension There are well over 100 different insect and mite species in the Northeast with the potential to be a problem on trees and shrubs in the landscape. This session covers the major feeding groups of these damaging pests including some noteworthy examples, along with many of the new invasive/exotic introductions. Brief information regarding identification, hosts, damage, life cycles, and management options will be provided for species of particular significance. |
Thursday, November 17, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Diseases of Trees and Shrubs I Nick Brazee, UMass Extension Description of the groups 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. |
Tuesday, November 22, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Principles of Weed Science |
Tuesday, November 29, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Diseases of Trees and Shrubs II |
Wednesday, November 30, 2022 | ||
1:00-2:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Tree and Shrub Pruning Best Practices Pruning is one of the most common jobs in the green industry; knowing why, how, and when to prune will help you create healthy trees with good structure that live for a long time. |
3:00-4:30 PM | Recorded lecture |
Troubleshooting Problems of Annuals & Perennials I |
Thursday, December 1, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Landscape Weed Management
|
Tuesday, December 6, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Turf Management in the Landscape |
Wednesday, December 7, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Biology and Ecology of Turf Insects |
Thursday, December 8, 2022 | ||
1:00-2:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Turf Management in the Landscape (continued) Jason Lanier, UMass Extension Continuation of material from 12/1. Turf is a principal component of our collective landscape, and well-managed turf has many societal and ecological benefits. Turfgrass characteristics, selection, establishment, key cultural practices, IPM and BMPs for turf on lawns and grounds will be discussed. |
3:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Troubleshooting Problems of Annuals & Perennials II Amanda Bayer, UMass Stockbridge School of Agriculture Problems caused by insects, diseases and cultural practices of herbaceous perennials in landscapes. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms and tips for diagnosis as well as problem prevention and management strategies. |
Tuesday, December 13, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom | Tree and Shrub Disease Management Strategies Nick Brazee, UMass Extension A detailed review of the regulatory, cultural, biological, and chemical methods of plant disease management. A clear understanding of all these methods provides a sound basis for integrating them into an effective woody plant care program. |
Wednesday, December 14, 2022 | ||
1:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Sustainable Site Development and Management Creating and maintaining a sustainable landscape requires an understanding and assessment of the site including soils, water, vegetation, and materials to be used at the site. This session will explore how to create and maintain a sustainable landscape in support of the environment along with being a functional space for use and enjoyment. |
Thursday, December 15, 2022 | ||
1:00-2:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Bee-ing More Aware About Pesticide Use |
3:00-4:30 PM | Live class via Zoom |
Deer Ticks: One Bite Can Change Your Life Lyme Disease is the most prevalent infectious disease in Massachusetts and is now considered to be a public health crisis. In addition to Lyme, deer ticks can carry the pathogens which cause Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis, Relapsing Fever and Powassan virus, all of which can be very serious. This program will review the basic life cycle and ecology of deer ticks, incidence rates and distribution of tick-borne illnesses in addition to a database under development on infection rates of ticks. A three point protection plan will be presented: Protect Yourself, Protect Your Yard and Protect your Pet. Tick-Borne Diseases are preventable. |
For registration instructions and general program information, go to the Green School main page.