UMass Extension Symposium: Topics in Sustainable Landscape Design & Management
Current trends increasingly stretch the boundaries of the traditional landscape picture of lawn areas interspersed with tidy ornamental plantings. Designers are challenged to meet sustainability and management reduction goals for residential, commercial and recreational spaces, as well as public and private grounds, while simultaneously creating a functional aesthetic. Following the design and establishment phase, managers are faced with the task of maintaining the appearance of each landscape with fewer inputs and an eye towards natural resource conservation and minimal environmental impact. In meeting these challenges, there is a particular need for proper specification and establishment of plant material to increase the potential for positive project outcomes and long-term success.
This symposium will introduce the principles of sustainability and highlight the importance of proper specification and selection of plant materials for lawns, meadows, conservation areas, and sites that support grazing as well as the impact of input reduction for management of these areas. Landscape designers, architects, managers, technicians, business owners, public and private grounds personnel and all others interested in sustainable landscape design and maintenance are encouraged to attend.
Registration
PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED due to limited seating. The registration deadline is November 25, 2011.
An early-bird registration fee of $150 per person is in effect until November 11. After November 11, the registration fee is $175. Registration includes all program materials, morning coffee and complete lunch.
| To register by mail with check or PO#: | To register online with credit card: |
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The registration deadline has passed and registration is now closed. |
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Program Agenda
| 7:30 – 8:00: | Morning coffee and attendee check-in |
| 8:00: | Welcome & Introduction Ms. Mary Owen - Extension Educator, UMass Turf Program |
| Talk #1: | Composts: Evaluation & Use in the Landscape Dr. John Spargo - Director, UMass Soil & Plant Tissue Testing Laboratory Compost materials are an important tool for modern, sustainable landscape management. Attendees will learn about the qualities of compost, how to understand a compost analysis, when and where to use composts effectively. |
| Talk #2: | Pastures & Conservation Areas: Plant Selection & Establishment Dr. Stephen Herbert - Agronomist & Crop Physiologist, UMass Crop, Dairy & Livestock Program As the number of horses, camelids and other farm animals increase in backyards, more consumers are asking for property features suitable for grazing, pasture, and conservation areas. Attendees will learn about species appropriate for each use, as well as prudent considerations for establishment. |
| Talk # 3: | Turfgrasses: Selection and Establishment Dr. Scott Ebdon - Agronomist, UMass Turf Program The ultimate performance of turf areas depends on matching turfgrass species and varieties with site characteristics, intended use and goals for maintenance. This session will provide instruction for the careful selection of turfgrass species and cultivars based on these critical factors, with emphasis on sustainable principles. |
| Talk #4: | Transitioning to Meadows: A Case Study Mr. Russ Hopping - Ecology Program Manager, Trustees of Reservations In an effort to reduce energy use and meet long-term management goals, the Trustees of Reservations have begun to transition selected parts of their properties to high-mown meadows. Attendees will learn about the Trustees’ recent experience with this practice, including a project synopsis and practical measures for maintenance. |
| 11:45 – 1:00: | Lunch (provided) |
| Talk #5: | Turfgrass Alternatives for a Lawn-Like Look Mr. Nate McCullin - Staff Ecologist, New England Wildflower Society Many property owners express interest in non-grass ‘lawns’ which require comparatively less input in terms of mowing, irrigation and fertilization. Mr. McCullin will discuss the establishment and care of number of key plants appropriate for use when such a lawn-like appearance is desired. |
| Talk #6: | High-Mown Areas: Learning from the Golf Course Experience Mr. Jim Skorulski - Agronomist, United States Golf Association High-mown areas are increasingly desirable in golf course and similar settings, and often help to reduce inputs and meet ecological and aesthetic objectives. Mr. Skorulski will share first-hand knowledge garnered from many years of experience, and suggest how what has been learned on the golf course can be effectively applied in the landscape. |
| Talk #7: | Dealing with Invasives and Undesirables Mr. Randall Prostak - Weed Specialist, UMass Extension The primary threats to successful long-term management of high mown areas include invasive and problem plants. Learn approaches for managing invasive plants that may encroach into high-mown areas, as well as steps for evaluating the weed component before establishing a meadow or changing mowing height. |
| 4:00 | Adjourn |
Pesticide & Professional Certification Credits
Pesticide Credits:
- 1 Pesticide recertification contact hour has been approved (valid for all New England States) in Massachusetts certification categories 36 (Shade Tree & Ornamental), 37 (Turf) and 00 (Licensed Applicator).
Professional Certification Credits:
- 2 credits for the Massachusetts Association of Landscape Professionals MCLP certification.
- 1 credit for the Massachusetts Nursery & Landscape Association MCH certification.
- 4 credits for the Northeast Organic Farming Association AOLCP certification.
- 2 credits for the Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association RICH certification.
- 1 credit for the New Hampshire Landscape Association NHCLP certification.
- 4 credits for the Vermont Nursery & Landscape Association (Green Works) VCH certification.
- 6 credits for the New York State Nursery & Landscape Association CNLP certification.
- 1 credit for the Maine Nursery & Landscape Association MCL certification
- 0.60 Education Points for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America CGCS certification.
- 0.60 CEUs (6 contact hours) for the American Society of Landscape Architects LA CES program.
- 5.75 CEUs for the Association of Professional Landscape Designers certification program.
Contact
Mary Owen at 508-892-0382; mowen@umext.umass.edu or Jason Lanier at 413-545-2965; jdlanier@umext.umass.edu
Sponsorship and limited exhibition opportunities are available, please inquire.
