Insect Laboratory: Hands-On Identification and Management Strategies
Wed, May 16, 2012
9:00am - 3:00pm
Agricultural Engineering Building, UMass Amherst
Join Bob Childs, UMass Extension Entomologist, for a hands-on workshop where participants will examine actual specimens in a teaching lab with the use of microscopes. Such pests as scale insects, gall formers, spider mites, leaf miners, and much more will be examined closely with different species and life stages being identified. Also, displays of preserved insect specimens such as the Asian longhorned beetle and winter moth will be examined in order to teach the participant how to identify and discern the important pest species in the Massachusetts landscape and nursery. This is an opportunity to hone your IPM monitoring skills and to become a better IPM and Plant Health Care practitioner.
This introduction to inland wetland plant identification begins with an overview of the major characteristics of woody and non-woody vegetation used for identification in most plant keys. Guided exercises will be used in a classroom/ laboratory setting to practice keying out plant specimens collected from local wetland sources. An afternoon field trip to a local wetland will allow opportunity to practice identification skills in a natural setting. Related topics such as plant adaptations to wetland hydrology and the concept of “hydrophytic” vegetation will also be discussed.
Participants will be introduced to some of the fundamental characteristics of soils that are used to identify hydric (wetland) soils in the field — including soil texture, color, horizon type and redoximorphic features. The afternoon will include a field trip to a local wetland where participants will examine plants and soils along a wetland/nonwetland gradient. Plant communities will be used to locate transitional wetland-upland areas in the landscape for further investigation of their soil characteristics. Participants should have taken Part 1 of this series or be able to identify wetland vegetation (by permission of instructor).
Scouting for Insect and Weed Problems of Woody Ornamentals
Thu, May 31, 2012
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Arnold Arboretum - Jamaica Plain, MA
To maintain landscapes sustainably, regular monitoring and using IPM practices is essential. Join Extension specialists for a diagnostic walkabout through the landscape for an up-close look at pest and cultural problems of woody ornamentals. Updates on new pests, diagnostic techniques and IPM strategies will be emphasized for a true hands-on learning experience. Workshop held rain or shine.
Scouting for Insect & Disease Problems of Woody Ornamentals
Thu, June 7, 2012
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Smith College, Northampton, MA
To maintain landscapes sustainably, regular monitoring and using IPM practices is essential. Join Extension specialists for a diagnostic walkabout through the landscape for an up-close look at pest and cultural problems of woody ornamentals. Updates on new pests, diagnostic techniques and IPM strategies will be emphasized for a true hands-on learning experience. Workshop held rain or shine.
Join Bob Childs, Extension Entomologist, and Dan Gillman, Extension Plant Pathologist, for a diagnostic walkabout through the landscape for an up-close look at insect and disease problems of woody ornamentals.
Broadleaf Weed Identification Workshop (Plus a Few Grassy Weeds)
Tue, June 26, 2012
9:00am - 3:00pm
Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided).
Broadleaf Weed Identification Workshop (Plus a Few Grassy Weeds)
Fri, June 29, 2012
9:00am - 3:00pm
French Hall - UMass Amherst
Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided).
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. The session will cover the topics of weed biology, weed ecology, herbicide modes-of-action, herbicide timings and more.
This workshop is the second (overflow) offering of Part A1 of the 2012 Invasive Plant Certification Program.
MNLA/MFGA Great Ideas Summer Conference and Trade Show
Thu, July 26, 2012
9:00am - 4:00pm
Elm Bank Horticulture Center, Wellesley, MA
The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association and the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association will again hold their Summer Field Day jointly in 2012. The day will offer horticultural education workshops by well known researchers and educators and a trade show.
The Invasive Plant Issue and Invasive Plant Identification (A3)
Tue, August 14, 2012
9:00am - 3:30pm
Doubletree Hotel, Milford, MA
An overview of the topic of invasive plants, focusing on why we should be concerned about them and enhancing your ability to readily identify invasive plants as well as their look-alikes. The work of the Massachusetts Invasive Plant Advisory Group, including its strategies, recommendations, and the recently released Early Detection/Rapid Response Priority List document, will be discussed.
This workshop is Part A3 of the 2012 Invasive Plant Certification Program.
Grassy Weed Identification Workshop: An In-Depth Look
Thu, August 23, 2012
9:00am - 3:00pm
French Hall - UMass Amherst
Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided).
Developing an Invasive Plant Management Program (B)
Wed, September 12, 2012
9:00am - 3:30pm
Doubletree Hotel, Milford, MA
This session will help participants develop and implement an invasive plant management program. Management tips and strategies will be discussed including herbicide selection and timing, non-chemical strategies and ways to avoid common program pitfalls.
This workshop is Part B of the 2012 Invasive Plant Certification Program.
Green School is a comprehensive certificate short course for Green Industry and agricultural professionals held bi-annually and taught by UMass Extension specialists and University of Massachusetts faculty.
