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NOFA Advanced Workshop Series

New!

The NOFA Organic Land Care Program is now offering its first annual Advanced Workshop Series! Created in response to the demand for more in-depth and hands-on education; the NOFA OLC Program has put together 3 workshops that will take place this summer. Workshops within this series are designed to be conducted in small groups in an outdoor setting and led by experienced AOLCPs who are experts in the topicDon’t miss out on this unique experience to work one on one with highly experienced NOFA professionals.

Pruning Woody Trees and Shrubs
July 8th,  9am – 3pm  
Connecticut  Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT.


Registration Closed.


Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Teas
September 2nd ,  9am – 3pm  
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, NY (Westchester County)

Registration Closed.

Organic Invasives Removal with Donald Bishop
September 23rd, 9am – 3pm
Ghiloni Park, Marlborough, MA
Registration Closed.

 Pruning Woody Trees and Shrubs
 July 8th,  9am – 3pm  
 Connecticut  Beardsley Zoo, Bridgeport, CT. 


Put on your gloves for this unique experience to prune side by side with Mike Nadeau.

This  hands-on  workshop will focus on  advanced pruning techniques using Shigo Methodology.  Dr. Shigo's study of tree biology led to a broadened understanding of compartmentalization of decay in trees and led to major changes and additions to commercial tree care practices. The workshop will begin with a classroom introduction to proper pruning techniques and will cover

  • Why prune; what to prune; when to prune
  • Dose: how much wood to remove
  • CODIT (Compartmentalization of Decay In Trees)
  • Where to prune: Branch bark collar; branch bark ridge
  • Energy storage: Apoplast & Symplast tissue
  • Dynamic mass vs. static mass

An Outdoor Demonstration & Hands-On Instruction will follow and will be conducted in small groups of five.  Students will learn:

  • How to prune coniferous & deciduous trees
  • How to prune coniferous/evergreen & deciduous shrubs
  • Rejuvenation pruning (shrubs)
  • Heading back (both trees & shrubs)
  • Bud pointing  

Mike Nadeau is the co-founder of Plantscapes Organics, Inc and studied Forestry, Plant and Soil Science at the   University of Maine.  He also was given the award for Conserving Native Plants and Their Habitats by New England Wildflower Society (NEWFS). Mike studied closely with Dr. Alex Shigo, who is known as the "father of modern arboriculture." 

Workshop cost includes a local and organic lunch and free afternoon admission to the zoo following the workshop.  Workshop cost for AOLCPs and/or NOFA members is $185 and  General public costs $200 per person.  AOLCP who register before June 24 will receive a additional $35 discount (AOLCP course cost with early bird discount - $150)  To register contact Ashley Kremser, NOFA OLC Program Manager, at 203-888-5146.

Registration Closed.

Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Teas
September 2nd ,  9am – 3pm  
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, Pocantico Hills, NY (Westchester County)


Join us  for a hands-on workshop on Producing and Applying Actively Aerated Compost Tea with Peter Schmidt of Compostwerks! LLC.   

This workshop is a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience and to learn in a small group setting.  Some of the topics that will be covered include how to brew compost tea, customizing tea for specific uses, assessing compost tea quality and methods of application.  The workshop will be conducted both outside on the farm and in a classroom setting and includes a tour of the compost facilities at Stone Barns and a delicious local organic lunch catered by Blue Hill Restaurant. 

Peter Schmidt, certified arborist and founding partner of Compostwerks! LLC has been involved in the horticultural industry for 25 years.  He interacts with Elaine Ingham of the Soil Foodweb Inc. on a regular basis, and is working to become a certified advisor.

Workshop cost for AOLCPs and/or NOFA members is $185. General public costs $200 per person.  AOLCP who register before August 12 will receive a additional $35 discount (AOLCP course cost with early bird discount - $150)  For more information or to register visit contact Ashley Kremser, NOFA OLC Program Manager, at 203-888-5146.

Registration Closed

Organic Invasives Removal with Donald Bishop and friends
September 23rd
Ghiloni Park, Marlborough,   MA



Get out into the field with leading expert Donald Bishop for a workshop on organic invasive removal! Chemical treatment is commonly viewed as the only option available for invasive removal, however successful organic invasive removal techniques have been developed and implemented by industry leaders.

Join Don for a hands-on demonstration of organic techniques used for removing Japanese Knotweed, Phragmites, Asatic Bittersweet, and other herbaceous perennials. Physical, thermal, biological, and managerial methods will be covered. Other topics that will be covered include: identifying areas in need of invasive removal, site analysis, creating appropriate management plan, wetland regulations and management techniques that work! Make sure to wear work gear and bring gloves!

Don Bishop, is the owner of the award winning landscaping firm Gardens Are…, founding faculty member of the NOFA Organic Land Care Program, and member of the Massachusetts Invasive Plants Advisory Group. He is an industry leader on organic invasive removal and has been contracted for numerous large scale organic invasive removal projects.

Workshop cost for AOLCPs and/or NOFA members is $185. General public costs $200 per person.  AOLCPs who register before Septemeber 8th will receive a additional $35 discount (AOLCP course cost with early bird discount - $150)  For more information or to register contact Ashley Kremser, Program Manager, at 203-888-5146.

Registration Closed.

This courses provides 6 Credits for NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals and
approved for four Massachusetts' Pesticide Credits

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This page was last modified on September 30, 2009 at 12:53:54 PM.

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Organic Land Care Program
PO Box 164, Stevenson CT 06491
Contact the Organic Land Care Program Manager, Ashley Kremser at akremser@ctnofa.org or call (203) 888-5146
Contact the Massachusetts Organic Land Care Coordinator, Kathy Litchfield at kathy@nofamass.org
Contact the Organic Land Care Accreditation Manager, Carol Hannon at carol@organicland.net or call (203) 888-5146
Please direct any questions about the site to the Webmaster

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