Green School Landscape Management Track

Choose either October 22nd, 4-5 pm, or October 23rd, 10-11 am

Orientation and Technical Check-in Day
Technical trouble-shooting plus an overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.

Plant Form and Function
Mary Owen, UMass Extension
Learning how plants are put together, how they grow, and how they respond to their environment can help practitioners understand the cultural requirements of landscape plants, be helpful in avoiding problems relating to plant health, and aid in the diagnosis of plant health issues.

Basic Principles of IPM and PHC
Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension
The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the foundation for understanding and implementing wise management strategies for pests. IPM management techniques assist in reducing pest populations while protecting beneficial organisms and utilize best management practices that are least harmful to humans and the environment. This often includes reducing dependence on chemical pesticides. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.

Soils Basics
Deborah Henson, University of Massachusetts
Understanding basic physical and chemical properties of soils and how proper management can improve soil health for better plant growth.

Nutrient Management for Trees and Shrubs in the Landscape
Geoffrey Njue, UMass Extension
Which nutrients are essential for plant growth, how to manage soils to create an optimal supply of those nutrients, how to compensate for soil nutrient deficiencies through the addition of natural or synthetic sources of fertilizer, and timing and method of fertilizer applications.

Pesticide Licensing and Regulations
Taryn LaScola-Miner, MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources
A look at pesticide regulations, particularly in context for Massachusetts, and a review of Massachusetts pesticide applicator licensing and the process of applying for and maintaining your license. 

Pesticide Label Review and Pesticide Safety
Natalia Clifton, UMass Extension
Review of the different components of a pesticide label with a focus on the selection of personal protective equipment.

Site Assessment and Cultural Practice Problems of Woody Ornamentals
Russ Norton, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension
An overview of how to assess a site and evaluate above and below ground characteristics essential to choosing the right plant for the right place. In addition, common cultural practices problems and better management practices will be discussed.

Basic Entomology
Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension
An overview of the characteristics that define insects from their close relatives, identification of the major orders of insects common to the Northeast, and life strategies common to these groups. Also a brief look at identifying larval (immature) insects and their development as driven by temperature. Basic entomology will set the stage for the common insect pests encountered by the Green Industry, while reminding us that the majority of insects are not pests.
 

Principles of Weed Science
Randy Prostak, UMass Extension
General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.

9:00-11:45

AM

Basic Plant Pathology
Angela Madeiras, 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. Also, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.

Tree and Shrub Insects and Mites I
Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension
Discussion of the basic types of injury that insects can inflict on trees and shrubs, best management practices as pertaining to an IPM approach, current management strategies, a look into bio-rational pesticides, and how to avoid the development of pesticide resistance.

9:00-12:00 PM

Tree and Shrub Diseases 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.

Tree and Shrub Pruning Best Practices
Ken Gooch, Arborist
Proper methods of pruning trees and shrubs in residential, commercial, and municipal settings.

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.

Woody Plant Selection
Amanda Bayer, University of Massachusetts
Appropriate plant materials for different types of landscapes. Choosing the appropriate plant for the landscape, key identification features, and ornamental features of woody plants for Massachusetts landscapes.

Turf Management in the Landscape
Jason Lanier, UMass Extension
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.

9:00-11:45

AM

Biology and Ecology of Turf Insects
Olga Kostromytska, University of Massachusetts
Biology and identification of turfgrass damaging insects; integrated pest management, including setting tolerance levels; current status of biological control strategies; and ways to minimize reliance on insecticides.

Landscape Weed Management
Randy Prostak, UMass Extension
Control strategies for landscape weeds including prevention, cultural practices, non-chemical/organic methods, and herbicides.

Tree and Shrub Diseases II
Nick Brazee, UMass Extension
Continuation of material from 11/12. 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.

Troubleshooting Problems of Annuals and Perennials
Amanda Bayer, University of Massachusetts
Problems caused by insects, diseases and cultural practices of annuals and herbaceous perennials in landscapes. Learn to recognize signs and symptoms and tips for diagnosis as well as problem prevention and management strategies.

Bee-ing More Aware About Pesticide Use
Kim Skyrm, MA Dept. of Agricultural Resources
Interest and activity in urban beekeeping has increased dramatically over the past decade with more honey bee hives managed in Massachusetts than ever before. As responsible applicators, land managers, and stewards of the environment, it is important to broaden your awareness about beekeeping and honey bee health. We’ll learn the latest updates on local and national trends in honey bee health, beekeeping in the Commonwealth, and review steps applicators can take to reduce unintended negative impacts. 

Sustainable Site Development and Management
Amanda Bayer, University of Massachusetts

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. 

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.

Deer Ticks: One Bite Can Change Your Life
Larry Dapsis, Entomologist, Cape Cod Cooperative Extension

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.

Environmental Turf Management
Jason Lanier, UMass Extension
This session pulls together the information learned throughout the course, focusing on managing turf as an enhancement to our environment in a systematic and deliberate manner. How to minimize and eliminate potential for adverse environmental impacts.