Green School

 

Description: Green School is a comprehensive certificate short course for Green Industry professionals taught by UMass Extension Specialists and University of Massachusetts faculty.  This course is designed for landscapers, lawn care specialists, arborists and other horticultural practitioners wishing to gain an understanding of horticultural fundamentals and strategies and their relation to environmental quality.  Green School attendees learn about sustainable approaches to turf and landscape management and tree care, making environmentally appropriate decisions related to turf and plant selection, arboriculture, plant maintenance, and pest and nutrient management. Green School is only offered every other year, and won't be offered again until November-December 2012.

The Green School curriculum is based on current research and information emphasizing environmental stewardship and integrated pest management (IPM).  Participants develop an understanding of how proper management practices impact natural resources such as soil and water. This program focuses on the management of the landscape as a whole, and is appropriate for garden center managers and employees, private or municipal grounds managers and personnel, landscape and lawn care operators, nursery operators and personnel, tree wardens, arborists, and professional gardeners.

Classes run 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM daily. Students choose a "specialty track" when registering. Three tracks are offered:

• Turf Management
• Landscape Management, or
• Arboriculture, which is especially geared for professional arborists.

In addition, Green School is also helpful for people preparing to take the following professional certification exams:

• Massachusetts Certified Arborist (MCA) offered by the Massachusetts Arborist Association (MAA).
• Massachusetts Certified Horticulturist (MCH) offered by the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA).
• Massachusetts Certified Landscape Professional (MCLP) offered by the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals (MLP).

2010 pesticide contact hours: 12 contact hours for Massachusetts categories 29, 36, 37; 6 contact hours for Massachusetts Licensed Applicator Training. Attendance at Green School will satisfy part of the Experience Requirement necessary to sit for the certification exam in Categories 29, 36, 37. Pesticide credits will be accepted for all New England states. Credits available for MCH, MCLP and MCA. ISA, SAF and CFE recertification credits have been requested.

UMass academic credits: No college credit is available for this program.

Certificate: Awarded upon achieving 75% average score. There will be a daily quiz on the preceding session's material, plus a take home quiz on the last day. An average of all quiz grades will comprise the final grade.

Questions? Send an e-mail to greenschool@umassgreeninfo.org. You may also call the UMass Extension Landscape, Nursery & Urban Forestry Program at (413) 545-0895 or Mary Owen, Turf Program, at (508) 892-0382.

Schedule/Curriculum

Attend one of three sections:

• A - Landscape Management
• B - Turf Management
• C - Arboriculture

Classes run from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM each day with the exception of Day 1.  There is a daily quiz at 9:00 AM.

A - Landscape Management	B - Turf Management	C - Arboriculture
Monday, November 1
8:45 AM Orientation An overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, snow cancellation policies, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.	8:45 AM Orientation An overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, snow cancellation policies, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.	8:45 AM Orientation An overview on note taking, preparing for exams, general operating procedures, snow cancellation policies, credit for certification programs and Mass. pesticide license, instructor evaluations and certificate requirements.
9:15 Plant Form and Function   Ron Kujawski, 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. Such knowledge can be helpful in avoiding problems relating to plant health, and can aid in the diagnosis of plant health issues.	9:15 Plant Form and Function   Ron Kujawski, 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. Such knowledge can be helpful in avoiding problems relating to plant health, and can aid in the diagnosis of plant health issues.	9:15 Plant Form and Function   Ron Kujawski, 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. Such knowledge can be helpful in avoiding problems relating to plant health, and can aid in the diagnosis of plant health issues.
2:00 PM Basic Principles of  IPM and PHC Robert Childs, UMass Extension The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the foundation for understanding and implementing wise management strategies for pests in both traditional agriculture and the Green Industry. Although its practice allows for the use of pesticides, IPM mandates that all actions in pest management be based on well-informed practices that have emerged from years of university research and are proven to assist in reducing pest populations to desirable levels, protect beneficial organisms, and are the least harmful to humans and the environment. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.	2:00 PM Basic Principles of  IPM and PHC Robert Childs, UMass Extension The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the foundation for understanding and implementing wise management strategies for pests in both traditional agriculture and the Green Industry. Although its practice allows for the use of pesticides, IPM mandates that all actions in pest management be based on well-informed practices that have emerged from years of university research and are proven to assist in reducing pest populations to desirable levels, protect beneficial organisms, and are the least harmful to humans and the environment. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.	2:00 PM Basic Principles of  IPM and PHC Robert Childs, UMass Extension The principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) form the foundation for understanding and implementing wise management strategies for pests in both traditional agriculture and the Green Industry. Although its practice allows for the use of pesticides, IPM mandates that all actions in pest management be based on well-informed practices that have emerged from years of university research and are proven to assist in reducing pest populations to desirable levels, protect beneficial organisms, and are the least harmful to humans and the environment. Plant Health Care (PHC) employs many of the aspects of IPM and is tailored for the Green Industry.
Wednesday, November 3
9:30 AM Basic Plant Pathology     Dan Gillman, 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. In addition, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.	9:30 AM Basic Plant Pathology     Dan Gillman, 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. In addition, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.	9:30 AM Basic Plant Pathology     Dan Gillman, 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. In addition, a description of the conditions necessary for disease infection and an overview of infectious disease management strategies.
1:00 PM Woody Ornamentals: Cultural Practices and Problems    Bob Childs, UMass Extension Proper planting techniques and identification of common cultural problems.	1:00 PM Management Systems and Turfgrass Selection      Mary Owen, UMass Extension This session will include a discussion of integrated management systems based on expectations and performance. In addition, characteristics of turfgrass types and criteria for selection of grasses for specific uses will be addressed.	1:00 PM Woody Ornamentals: Cultural Practices and Problems    Bob Childs, UMass Extension Proper planting techniques and identification of common cultural problems.
Monday, November 8
9:30 AM Soils Basics Deb Picking, University of Massachusetts Understanding basic physical and chemical properties of soils and how proper management can improve soil health for better plant growth.	9:30 AM Soils Basics Deb Picking, University of Massachusetts Understanding basic physical and chemical properties of soils and how proper management can improve soil health for better plant growth.	9:30 AM Soils Basics Deb Picking, University of Massachusetts Understanding basic physical and chemical properties of soils and how proper management can improve soil health for better plant growth.
1:00 PM Basic Entomology Robert Childs, UMass Extension Insects are the largest known group of animals on the planet.  This lecture will highlight what characteristics define an insect, their close relatives, how they develop, the identification of major larval (immature) types, and their importance in the greater scheme of life.	1:00 PM Basic Entomology Robert Childs, UMass Extension Insects are the largest known group of animals on the planet.  This lecture will highlight what characteristics define an insect, their close relatives, how they develop, the identification of major larval (immature) types, and their importance in the greater scheme of life.	1:00 PM Basic Entomology Robert Childs, UMass Extension Insects are the largest known group of animals on the planet.  This lecture will highlight what characteristics define an insect, their close relatives, how they develop, the identification of major larval (immature) types, and their importance in the greater scheme of life.
Wednesday, November 10
9:30 AM Nutrient Management for Woody Plants    Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Application of fertilizers alone is not always the best way to ensure good plant growth and plant health. We'll look at which nutrients are essential for plant growth, how to manage soils to create an optimal supply of those nutrients, and how to compensate for soil nutrient deficiencies through the addition of natural or synthetic sources of fertilizer.  Timing and method of fertilizer applications will also be examined.	9:30 AM Turfgrass Nutrition    Mary Owen, UMass Extension The fundamentals of turfgrass nutrition and the role of nutrients in turf management. Develop an understanding of macronutrients and micronutrients, including how they are absorbed and utilized by turfgrass plants.	9:30 AM Nutrient Management for Woody Plants    Ron Kujawski, UMass Extension Application of fertilizers alone is not always the best way to ensure good plant growth and plant health. We'll look at which nutrients are essential for plant growth, how to manage soils to create an optimal supply of those nutrients, and how to compensate for soil nutrient deficiencies through the addition of natural or synthetic sources of fertilizer.  Timing and method of fertilizer applications will also be examined.
1:00 PM Tree and Shrub Insect Management Robert Childs, UMass Extension This lecture will highlight the basic types of injury that insects can inflict and discuss the best management practices.  Current strategies, such as the organic trend, bio-rational pesticides, how to avoid the development of pesticide resistance, and new pesticide laws that are determining our choices for pest management will be highlighted.	1:00 PM Developing a Fertility Program for Turf Mary Owen, UMass Extension Strengths and weaknesses of available fertilizer technologies in developing an effective fertilizer program.	1:00 PM Tree and Shrub Insect Management Robert Childs, UMass Extension This lecture will highlight the basic types of injury that insects can inflict and discuss the best management practices.  Current strategies, such as the organic trend, bio-rational pesticides, how to avoid the development of pesticide resistance, and new pesticide laws that are determining our choices for pest management will be highlighted.
Monday, November 15
9:30 AM Tree and Shrub Diseases Dan Gillman, UMass Extension Description of the categories 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.	9:30 AM Diseases of Turfgrasses M. Bess Dicklow, UMass Extension A brief description of the biology and identification of the most common turf diseases. Management strategies stressing the concepts of Best Management Practices (BMP) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Introduction to the concepts of low-input lawns and ecological landscaping as these issues pertain to turfgrass disease management. Introduction to biorational and biological disease control materials.	9:30 AM Tree and Shrub Diseases Dan Gillman, UMass Extension Description of the categories 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.
1:00 PM Tree and Shrub Insect and Mite Problems Robert Childs, UMass Extension The diversity of woody plant material that is utilized in the landscape and nursery is extensive and diverse.  Virtually every plant has at least one insect pest that can cause harm; some plants have numerous pests. There are well over 100 different insect and mites species in the Northeast that have the potential to become problematic at any time on trees and shrubs. The major groups of these damage-causing pests, along with many of the new invasive/exotic introductions, will be covered.	1:00 PM Turf Establishment Mary Owen, UMass Extension Factors essential for successful establishment of turf including soil preparation, seed and sod selection, installation and care.	1:00 PM Tree and Shrub Insect and Mite Problems Robert Childs, UMass Extension The diversity of woody plant material that is utilized in the landscape and nursery is extensive and diverse.  Virtually every plant has at least one insect pest that can cause harm; some plants have numerous pests. There are well over 100 different insect and mites species in the Northeast that have the potential to become problematic at any time on trees and shrubs. The major groups of these damage-causing pests, along with many of the new invasive/exotic introductions, will be covered.
Thursday, November 18
9:30 AM Principles of Weed Science Randy Prostak, UMass Extension General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.	9:30 AM Principles of Weed Science Randy Prostak, UMass Extension General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.	9:30 AM Principles of Weed Science Randy Prostak, UMass Extension General principles of weed science and weed identification strategies.
1:00 PM Plant Selection - Part 1 Roberta Clark, UMass Extension Choose the right plant for the right place. An introduction to selecting sustainable woody plants for the managed landscape.	1:00 PM Water Use in Turf Scott Ebdon, Univ. of Massachusetts How turf plants use water and the cultural practices that conserve water and protect the environment.	1:00 PM Plant Selection - Part 1 Roberta Clark, UMass Extension Choose the right plant for the right place. An introduction to selecting sustainable woody plants for the managed landscape.
Monday, November 22
9:30 AM Tree and Shrub Disease Management Strategies Dan Gillman, UMass Extension A detailed review of the regulatory, cultural, biological, and chemical methods of plant disease management. A clear understanding of all of these methods provides a sound basis for the integration of them into an effective woody plant care program.	9:30 AM Turf Weed Management Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for turf weeds including prevention, cultural practices, non-chemical/organic methods and herbicides.	9:30 AM Tree and Shrub Disease Management Strategies Dan Gillman, UMass Extension A detailed review of the regulatory, cultural, biological, and chemical methods of plant disease management. A clear understanding of all of these methods provides a sound basis for the integration of them into an effective woody plant care program.
1:00 PM Plant Selection - Part 2 Michael Arnum, Tower Hill Botanic Garden Choose the right plant for the right place. Selecting sustainable woody plants for the managed landscape, continued......	1:00 PM Turf Cultural Practices Mary Owen, UMass Extension Cultural practices are the foundation of an integrated management system and are crucial to the successful implementation of sustainable, low input and organic management. Mowing, aeration, thatching, proper timing, and other practices will be discussed.	1:00 PM Plant Selection - Part 2 Michael Arnum, Tower Hill Botanic Garden Choose the right plant for the right place. Selecting sustainable woody plants for the managed landscape, continued......
Wednesday, December 1
9:30 AM Turf Management in the Landscape Mary Owen, UMass Extension Turfgrass selection, key cultural practices, and IPM for landscape and residential turf. This discussion is pertinent to all types of management systems including organic.	9:30 AM Turf Management in the Landscape (optional for Section B) Mary Owen, UMass Extension Turfgrass selection, key cultural practices, and IPM for landscape and residential turf. This discussion is pertinent to all types of management systems including organic.	9:30 AM Arboricultural Certification and Arboricultural Safety Dennis Ryan, Univ. of Massachusetts A review of the Z-133 Arboricultural Safety Standard and the OSHA  regulations that apply to the tree care industry. Introduction to Arboricultural certification and licenses in New England and their testing requirements.
1:00 PM Turf Management in the Landscape, continued    Mary Owen, UMass Extension	1:00 PM Turf Management in the Landscape, continued (optional for Section B)        Mary Owen, UMass Extension	1:00 PM Construction Injury to Trees Dennis Ryan, Univ. of Massachusetts A review of the causes of construction injuries to trees and methods of  protecting trees.
Friday, December 3
9:30 AM Horticultural Calculations Mary Owen, UMass Extension A review of calculations commonly used in landscape management necessary for efficient purchase and use of fertilizers and other materials.	9:30 AM Horticultural Calculations Mary Owen, UMass Extension A review of calculations commonly used in landscape management necessary for efficient purchase and use of fertilizers and other materials.	9:30 AM Horticultural Calculations Mary Owen, UMass Extension A review of calculations commonly used in landscape management necessary for efficient purchase and use of fertilizers and other materials.
1:00 PM Biology and Ecology of Turf Insects Stan Swier, University of New Hampshire 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.	1:00 PM Biology and Ecology of Turf Insects Stan Swier, University of New Hampshire 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.	1:00 PM Cabling, Guying, and Lightning Systems Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts Introduction to A-300 methods of cabling and lightning systems; problems and liability issues will be reviewed.
Wednesday, December 8
9:30 AM Landscape Weed Management Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for landscape weeds including prevention, cultural practices, non-chemical/organic methods, and herbicides.	9:30 AM Landscape Weed Management (optional for Section B) Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for landscape weeds including prevention, cultural practices, non-chemical/organic methods, and herbicides.	9:30 AM Landscape Weed Management Randy Prostak, UMass Extension Control strategies for landscape weeds including prevention, cultural practices, non-chemical/organic methods, and herbicides.
1:00 PM Pruning Trees and Shrubs / Introduction to CODIT H. Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts Proper methods of pruning trees and shrubs in residential, commercial, and municipal settings along with an introduction to CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).	1:00 PM Pruning Trees and Shrubs / Introduction to CODIT (optional for section B) H. Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts Proper methods of pruning trees and shrubs in residential, commercial, and municipal settings along with an introduction to CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).	1:00 PM Pruning Trees and Shrubs / Introduction to CODIT H. Dennis Ryan, University of Massachusetts Proper methods of pruning trees and shrubs in residential, commercial, and municipal settings along with an introduction to CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay in Trees).
Friday, December 10
9:30 AM Understanding Pesticides Robert Childs, UMass Extension Understanding the laws that govern pesticides and how we use them will be discussed along with knowing formulations of pesticide products, application equipment, and safety concerns. Reading and understanding all aspects of the pesticide label and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be covered in detail.  Exact details on how to obtain pesticide label information via the web will be highlighted.	9:30 AM Understanding Pesticides Robert Childs, UMass Extension Understanding the laws that govern pesticides and how we use them will be discussed along with knowing formulations of pesticide products, application equipment, and safety concerns. Reading and understanding all aspects of the pesticide label and the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) will be covered in detail.  Exact details on how to obtain pesticide label information via the web will be highlighted.	9:30 AM Tree Risk Identification and Management Brian Kane, Univ. of Massachusetts Trees provide many benefits, functional, environmental, and aesthetic, when planted in our communities. In this way, they are important community assets. If not properly maintained, however, they can become liabilities, especially as related to breaking and causing damage. We will cover the basics of tree risk assessment, including identifying defects, managing risk, and remedial actions.
1:00 PM Herbaceous Perennials Tina Smith, UMass Extension Culture, maintenance, and uses of perennials.	1:00 PM Herbaceous Perennials Tina Smith, UMass Extension Culture, maintenance, and uses of perennials.	1:00 PM Herbaceous Perennials Tina Smith, UMass Extension Culture, maintenance, and uses of perennials.