Invasive Plant Certification Program

Japanese Knotweed

For some time now, there has been growing interest in invasive plants and their management. While turf and landscape professionals might be very proficient in the development of a weed management program for turf and/or landscape, invasive plant management often reveals many new and unique challenges. This 4-day program is intended to help participants meet these challenges when attempting to develop an invasive plant management program as part of their business.

UMass Extension offers a certificate in INVASIVE PLANT MANAGEMENT, which may be obtained by attending all four sessions and obtaining a passing grade for each.  

2023 is the final year we are offering this certificate program.

Those who have taken some of the classes in this series in the past and still wish to earn the certificate of completion are advised to finish up any remaining classes in 2023.

Classes in 2023 were March 16, 23, April 6, and 13.

The four sessions are:

  • Principles and Fundamentals of Weed Science (A1): 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
    Instructor: Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist
    A critical first step in the development of a weed or invasive plant management program is a strong and complete understanding of several principles and fundamentals of the discipline of weed science. Covers weed biology, weed ecology, herbicide modes-of-action, herbicide timings and more. Four pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator's License.
  • State Regulations Pertaining to Invasive Plant Management (A2): 8:45 AM - 2:30 PM
    Instructors: Dr. Deborah Henson, UMass Dept. of Environmental Conservation; Clayton Edwards, Mass. Dept of Agricultural Resources
    While landscape and turf professionals may be knowledgeable about the state regulations that govern the type of work they normally do, regulations that govern certain aspects of invasive plant management may be different. Covers state regulations including the Wetlands Protection Act, the Rivers Protection Act, and pesticide regulations, including those specific to right-of-ways. Two pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator's License. 
  • The Invasive Plant Issue and Invasive Plant Identification (A3): 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
    Instructor: Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist
    Why should you be concerned? Enhance your ability to readily identify invasive plants as well as their look-alikes. Discussion of the strategies and recommendations of the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, and the recently released Early Detection/Rapid Response Priority List document. Three pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator's License. 
  • Developing an Invasive Plant Management Program (B): 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
    Instructor: Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Weed Specialist
    Develop and implement an invasive plant management program, including management tips and strategies, herbicide selection and timing, non-chemical strategies, and ways to avoid common program pitfalls. MIPAG’s Guidance for the Effective Management of Invasive Plants. Four pesticide contact hours in categories 29, 36, 37, 40, 48, and Applicator's License.

Attendees are encouraged to take all four sessions in one season to get the most out of the information. All sessions may also be taken individually.

For additional information, contact the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery and Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895 or weeks@umass.edu.