Credit Opportunities

Pruning in Winter

Saturday, Jan 28 or Feb 4, 2012

9:00 am–12:00 noon

Hunnewell Building
125 Arborway
Boston, MA

Jen Kettell, an ISA-certified arborist, will explain the reasons for pruning and what to consider when pruning dormant trees, shrubs, and vines. She will demonstrate techniques, give guidelines for determining which plants benefit from winter pruning, and explain how plants heal from pruning wounds. Note: this workshop teaches ornamental pruning techniques; it does not provide information on pruning for fruit production.

Fee $35 member, $48 nonmember

For more information:  https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Info.aspx?EventID=1

CEU 3 AOLCP credits

Pruning Principles and Practices  123 HRT321 S

5 Tuesday, February 07, 2012; Exam – Tuesday, March 13, 2012

01:00 pm to 04:00 pm

New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, NY

This course combines class study and hands-on pruning, matching knowledge to practice. Topics include woody plant structure and physiology as it relates to pruning; correct pruning techniques and tools; pruning timing; and pruning as an integral part of plant health care. Pruning of trees and shrubs, conifers and broadleaves, and evergreen and deciduous plants are covered. Creation and maintenance of hedges is considered, along with authentic pollarding techniques. Come dressed for field work, and bring bypass pruners if you have them.

For more information:
http://conted.nybg.org:8080/WebModule/jsp/ed2df.jsp?df1=catalog&df5=HRT

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

Design-less Gardening: A Naturalistic Approach

Wednesday, February 8, 2012  

10 a.m. - 12 noon

Garden in the Woods,
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA

Disregard traditional design rules and adopt a new approach to garden design. Look to nature for your inspiration. What clues can you take from your landscape to help you provide the right plant for the right place? Learn to evaluate sunlight, moisture, soil and other factors to encourage a successful garden that does not require many inputs in the way of watering, fertilizing, extra coddling on your part. Create a low maintenance garden that actively supports the environment and provides beauty for all-- people and pollinators alike.
$24 (NEWFS Member) / $29 (Nonmember)

508-877-7630 x3303    Email Address:  lreed@newenglandwild.org
 http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn/catalog/hor4023

CEU 2 AOLCP credits

Soil and Nutrition: An Education and Coalition-Building Conference

NOFA Mass Chapter and Real Food Campaign

February 9-11, 2012

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

First Churches
129 Main St.
Northampton, MA

Thursday, February 9,  Seminar with John Kempf
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

National and international speaker on soil fertility, farmer consultant, and proprietor of Advancing Eco-Agriculture.
John speaks in clear practical language about scientific understandings of plant eco-systems and how the health of people is connected to healthy land and quality produce. He will explain three stages of plant health, and how by reaching each stage we can grow plants that are not only nutritious, but resistant to soil-borne and airborne fungal disease and insect damage. He will present practices and principles that we can take to the field - practical applications of what this information means for us as farmers and how we can generate disease and insect resistance with nutrition.

Friday, February 10,  Collaborative Symposium with Regional Experts on Managing Soils for Quality.
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

- Derek Christianson, CSA farmer, Brix Bounty Farm in Darmouth, MA
- Doug Flack, diversified grass and vegetable farmer in Enosburg Falls, VT
- Dan Holmes, diversified livestock farmer enhancing pasture fertility, Peterborough, NH
- Dan Kittredge, director, Bionutrient Food Association, North Brookfield, MA

For more information:  http://www.nofamass.org/seminars/winterseminar.php  or  contact: Ben Grosscup, ben.grosscup@nofamass.org, 413-658-5374

CEU 3 AOLCP credits each session

Soil and Nutrition: An Education and Coalition-Building Conference

NOFA Mass Chapter and Real Food Campaign

February 9-11, 2012

8:30 am – 5:30 pm

First Churches
129 Main St.
Northampton, MA

Friday, February 10,  Collaborative Symposium with Regional Experts on Managing Soils for Quality.
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

- Derek Christianson, CSA farmer, Brix Bounty Farm in Darmouth, MA
- Doug Flack, diversified grass and vegetable farmer in Enosburg Falls, VT
- Dan Holmes, diversified livestock farmer enhancing pasture fertility, Peterborough, NH
- Dan Kittredge, director, Bionutrient Food Association, North Brookfield, MA

For more information:  http://www.nofamass.org/seminars/winterseminar.php  or  contact: Ben Grosscup, ben.grosscup@nofamass.org, 413-658-5374

CEU 3 AOLCP credits

Grafting Techniques for Ornamental Trees

Saturday, February 11, 2012

9:00am–4:00pm

Arnold Arboretum
Dana Greenhouse
125 Arborway
Boston, MA

Grafting is the technique of joining parts of plants in such a manner that they unite and continue their growth as one plant. It is a practical propagation method for the hobbyist, since it does not require special conditions or equipment. You will learn methods of grafting and practice making graft unions, using both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. (Simple aftercare will be required until planting out in late spring.) If you own pruning shears or a grafting knife, bring them to class. You must sign an assumption-of-risk-and-release form in order to practice the techniques taught in class.

$90 member, $120 nonmember

For more information:  https://my.arboretum.harvard.edu/Login.aspx

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

Hardworking Native Perennials

Saturday, February 11, 2012

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

(Snow date: Sunday, February 12, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

Hitchcock Center
525 S. Pleasant St.
Amherst, MA

Winter is the perfect time to plan for adding a punch to our spring, summer and fall gardens.
Discover which native plants can be counted on to grow vigorously, bloom generously,
and provide a strong backbone to your garden. Learn about their growing conditions, their habit, and ways to provide for striking color and foliage combinations. After the presentation, an informal roundtable discussion will allow for questions and answers and instructor suggestions.

$36 (Member) / $43 (Nonmember)

For more information:  508-877-7630 x3303,  lreed@newenglandwild.org
http://www.newfs.org/learn/catalog/hor1509

CEU 3 AOLCP credits

Reducing Pesticide Inputs and Exploring Organic Options for Sports Turf

February 21, 2012

8:00am –12:00pm

Rutgers University
New Brunswick, NJ

Turf managers are increasingly asked to reduce or even eliminate synthetic fertilizers and pesticides applications. When faced with the prospect of reducing traditional inputs, AND maintaining acceptable turf quality, managers know that 'going green' is easier said than done. This half- day course will provide strategies to manage sports turf either organically or with fewer pesticide inputs.

Topics will include:
* Organic sports field management - What is it?
* The importance of soil management and turfgrass selection in an organic program.
* Low-impact pesticide options.
* Management of sports fields and
turfgrass sites in Central Park, New York City.
 $175 before February 7, 2012; $195 after

For more information:
http://www.cpe.rutgers.edu/courses/current/at0504ca.html

CEU 2 AOLCP credits

Bones of the Garden: Strengthening the Design

Monday, February 27, Wednesday, February 29, 2012
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 3, 2012
9:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.

Garden in the Woods
180 Hemenway Road
Framingham, MA

Every memorable landscape has one thing in common – strong “bones.” The placement of trees and shrubs creates form, directs movement, and organizes the garden space. Learn to select, situate, and integrate these stately elements into the cultivated landscape. Explore the concepts of creating space, the impact of plant growth over time in locating structural elements, and review a selection of native plant varieties that are well-suited for New England sites. Using your new knowledge, develop your own site-specific design. Receive feedback on designs and plant combinations, and, during the final session, inspect the “bones” of Garden in the Woods with a late winter walk.   $108 (Member) / $130 (Nonmember)

For more information:  508-877-7630 x3303,  lreed@newenglandwild.org
http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn/catalog/hor4223

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

CT NOFA Winter Conference        

Saturday, March 3, 2012

8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Manchester Community College
Great Path
Manchester, CT

Wild Bees and Pollination
Honey bees are important pollinators, but the 420+ other species of bees we have in CT are important, too! This workshop will introduce many of these species; their role in pollination of fruits, nuts and vegetables; and what flowers and nest sites they need to thrive.

Science and Principles of Soil Microbiology
This workshop focuses on the importance of microbes (and building the soil food web) in turf, tree and plant health. It will cover how to use microbiology to reduce fertilizers and pesticides. You will learn to go green while lowering costs and increasing the health and quality of your products.

Growing Nuts in Connecticut
Several kinds of edible nuts can be grown  in Connecticut, and provide an interesting hobby and a little something extra for the table.  Species needs, growing conditions, care, and harvest will be discussed, and some cookbooks recommended.

Worm Composting Simplified
This presentation consisting of a PowerPoint Presentation, a questions and answers period, is designed to teach the participants the re-discovering of worm-composting. What kind of worms to use, how to build a conventional compost bin without spending money, and a detailed hands-on approach on how to turn a plastic container into a wormery, plus added  information that will benefit organic gardeners and farmers of all facets.

Before 2/18/12 NOFA Members $45; Non-Members$55; Students/Seniors $30
After 2/18/12 NOFA Members $50;  Non-Members  $60;  Students/Seniors  $35
Volunteer for 2 hours and receive $10 off the registration price!

Go to this website for more information:  http://ctnofa.org/events/CAOC/2012/2012_Winter_Conference.html

CEU 1 AOLCP credits for each

18th Annual ELA Conference & Eco-Marketplace

Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8, 2012

MassMutual Center
1277 Main Street
Springfield, MA

Thursday March 8th, 2012
Morning Sessions 9:00 – 10:30

Coming Full Circle: Restoration of Wellesley College Alumnae Valley

Ecological Pest Management in Turf

Water Neutral Gardens: The Greywater Component

Above CEU 1 AOLCP credits each


Morning Sessions  11:00 – 12:30

Native Plant System Design to Increase Habitat Diversity

Knowing the “Enemy”: Practical Solutions for Deer and Other Pests

Above CEU 1 AOLCP credits each

Afternoon Sessions  2:00 – 3:30

Designs that Feed Us

Going to Extremes: How Climate Change Could Impact Invasive Species

Our Neighbors Down Under: Microbes in the Soil

Above CEU 1 AOLCP credits each

Afternoon Sessions  4:00 – 5:30

Going Up and Out: Green Roofs and Living Walls

Above CEU 1 AOLCP credits each

For more information and pricing, go to:
http://www.ecolandscaping.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/2012-ELA-Confer...

Natural Lawn and Turf Management Training for Lawn Care Professionals

and Municipal Officials

March 12 & 13, 2012

Full day

Sturbridge Host Hotel
366 Main St
Sturbridge, MA                           

Topic to be covered:

History of conventional management
What is a systems approach to turf care?
Understanding soil biology
Choosing the right turf grass
Managing soil fertility
Cultural practices
Understanding insects, weeds, disease and control products
Managing transition periods
Practical strategies for customer satisfaction

$350    Pre-registration required:  $175 non-refundable deposit.

Contact Osborne Organics for more information at:  781-631-2468, or info@osborneorganics.com

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

Landscape Care and Maintenance     123 GAR440

4 Wednesdays,  March 14, 2012

10:00 am to 01:00 pm

New York Botanical Garden
Bronx, NY

Learn traditional and cutting-edge techniques in garden and landscape maintenance, including planting methods, care, and maintenance regimens for trees, shrubs, turf, and perennial gardens. Discuss site analysis and plant selection, principles of IPM (Integrated Pest Management), organic gardening practices, and a calendar of landscape and garden activities. While this class has no prerequisite, it presumes basic knowledge of gardening.

For more information:
http://conted.nybg.org:8080/WebModule/jsp/ed2df.jsp?df1=catalog&df5=GAR

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

Intro to Wetland Restoration Management     123 HRT347

Monday, March 19, 2012

10:00 am to 03:30 pm

The New York Botanical Garden
200th Street and Kazimiroff Boulevard
Bronx, NY 10458-5126

Lakes, streams, brooks, ponds, bogs, and vernal pools are a vital part of a living ecosystem. In all sites, from management of storm water runoff to riparian buffers, proper wetland management is important for improving and maintaining water quality and for preserving the natural beauty. Explore the ways you can work with engineers, architects, and planning boards to improve your land ethic and sustainability practices.

For further information:

http://conted.nybg.org:8080/WebModule/jsp/ed2df.jsp?df1=location&df5=NYBG

CEU 4 AOLCP credits

Bark: Get to Know Your Trees

Saturday, March 24, 2012
1-4pm

Tower Hill Botanic Garden
11 French Drive
Boylston, MA

The traits typically used to describe trees-leaves, twigs, and buds-are often not clearly visible or seasonally absent. Join Michael for an indoor/outdoor exploration of bark, which is always visible, in any season. You will learn about a system for distinguishing bark characteristics and discover clues to bark ecology.

Member $30, Nonmember $35
For more information:
http://www.socialweb.net/Clients/THBG/adult.lasso?-SkipRecords=40&-token...

CEU 2 AOLCP credits

Design and Plant a Native Perennial Garden in the Spring

Cambridge Center for Adult Education,
42 Brattle St
Cambridge, MA

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

5:45-7:45 p.m.

Early spring is the perfect time to begin or enhance a perennial border or woodland edge garden. Landscape designer Laura Eisener discusses how to design a perennial garden taking color, shape, texture, and plant growth characteristics into account. She suggests plants, including many North American native species, and offers low-maintenance tips to ensure success for your new garden. The daytime session at Garden in the Woods includes a walk through the landscaped collection.

$24 (Member) / $29 (Nonmember)

For more information:
http://www.newenglandwild.org/learn/adult/by-month/mar/

CEU 2 AOLCP credits