Two pesticide contact hours for categories 29, 35, 36, and Applicators License. 2 MCA, 2 MCLP, 1 MCH, 5.75 ISA, 5.5 (cat 1) SAF, and 5 (cat 1) CFE credits available.
AGENDA
8:30 Welcoming Remarks
Brian Kane, Ph.D., Mass. Arborists Association Professor, UMass Dept. of Environmental Conservation
David Bloniarz, Ph.D., USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
8:45 Pioneer Valley Healthy Air Initiative: Citizen-science to study trees and air quality
Yoni Glogower, City of Holyoke, Conservation & Sustainability Director
This presentation outlines the Pioneer Valley Healthy Air Initiative, which represents a partnership between leading researchers and communities in the CT River Valley. The project team are examining the relationship between trees and air quality, using neighborhood residents as citizen-scientists.
9:30 Boston Urban Forest Master Plan: A Model for Community Forestry
Liza Meyer, Chief Landscape Architect, Boston Parks and Recreation Department; Maggie Owens, City of Boston Planner; and Max Ford-Diamond, City of Boston Arborist / Tree Warden
The Urban Forest Plan (UFP) is a long-term citywide strategic vision to create a sustainable and equitable urban forest in Boston. It sets a framework, not only for the care, management, and expansion of the urban forest, but also for how the Boston community works together to plan for its future.
10:15 Break
10:30 Engaging Community in Action and Education: Fostering a Community-Rooted Forest
David Meshoulam, Ph.D., Executive Director, Speak for the Trees Boston
Since its founding in 2018, Speak for the Trees has worked across the city of Boston to increase awareness about the importance of urban trees. This presentation explores the complexity of emotions, histories, and knowledge that residents have about trees and how the organization's programs leverage community work to grow a healthy urban forest.
11:15 PowerCorps Boston Green Skills Program
Davo Jefferson, Executive Director, PowerCorps Boston
This session introduces an innovative new program, which is being used to train at-risk youth from Boston’s low-income neighborhoods in green skills and environmental stewardship. Arboriculture, urban forestry, and horticulture are some of the topics that are introduced during this full-time, six-month program.
12:00 Lunch break
12:30 Presentation of Scholarships
- Kevin Cleveland, Mass. Arborists Association
- Ed Olsen, Mass. Tree Wardens & Foresters Association
- Dave Lefcourt, New England Chapter - International Society of Arboriculture
- Daniel Cohen, Hartney Greymont
- Paul Fletcher, Julian Reese, and Gary Nedorostek - Bartlett Tree Foundation
12:45 MA Greening the Gateway Cities Program
Joshua Soojian, Forester, MA DCR, GGCP
Ryan Fawcett, Quincy GGCP Coordinator
This session will outline the Massachusetts Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP), using the success of this initiative in the town of Quincy. An update of the statewide program will also be provided, along with examples of community engagement in the GGCP cities.
1:30 Insect Pests of Trees and Shrubs – Updates
Tawny Simisky, UMass Extension Entomologist
Presenter will discuss insect pests of trees and shrubs that were reported in 2022 - including but not limited to: scale insects, bark and ambrosia beetles, and updates about invasive insects to keep your eye on in 2023. Cultural/mechanical management, biological control, and chemical management options to be discussed as time allows.
2:30 Diseases of Trees and Shrubs – Updates
Nicholas Brazee, Ph.D., UMass Plant Diagnostic Laboratory
Current diseases threatening ornamental trees and shrubs, including their identification, biology, and management options.
3:25 Adjourn, Wrap-up, Instructions for Pesticide and Association Credits
Preregistration required so attendees receive the Zoom link ahead of time.
