2012 Winter Educational Programs for the Green Industry

Registration information and a more detailed program description will be available about five to eight weeks before most programs begin.

Programs marked with an * indicate that pesticide update credits will be provided. For a complete list of approved pesticide update opportunities, visit the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Bureau of Plant Industry

For more information on pesticide education visit the Penn State Pesticide Education Program website

In addition to pesticide update credits, many Penn State Extension programs provide advanced training and update certification for various “Green Industry” groups.
Examples include ISA’s Certified Arborist program and PLNA’s Pennsylvania Certified Horticulturist program.

Please contact the person in charge of individual programs for more details or for verification of your participation in Penn State Cooperative Extension programs.

January 16 and 17, 2012
Kutztown University, Kutztown, PA
Emelie Swackhamer, 610-391-9840; exs33@psu.edu
Trees can reduce home heating and cooling costs, lower crime and gentrify new housing developments. Healthy trees are the anchors of residential landscape design. In this two-day class, Penn State horticulture professor Dr. David Sanford will cover deciduous and coniferous trees recommended for Pennsylvania landscapes, discuss key identification characteristics and growing requirements, and share information about pest and disease issues.

 January 23, 27 - February 6 - March 1, 7
Berks County Ag Center
Nancy Bosold, 610-378-1327; nfb1@psu.edu
We will be showing five webinars at the Berks County Agricultural Center for your viewing and convenience in obtaining pesticide credits. These webinars are taught by Penn State specialists at other sites and video broadcast to Berks. You may attend one or all sessions. Please bring your pesticide license to the meeting.

Wildlife in Your Backyard Woods Workshop
January 27, 2012
Holiday Inn, Morgantown, PA
Julianne Schieffer, 610-489-4315; jxs51@psu.edu
As a follow-up to the successful Woods in Your Backyard, this workshop explores the relationship your forest has with its wildlife. Learn to attract or detract local creatures. ISA, LA, and Act 48 credits are available.

Tree Ordinance Workshop
February 2, 2012
Holiday Inn, Morgantown, PA
Julianne Schieffer, 610-489-4315; jxs51@psu.edu
This is your opportunity to learn aspects of natural resource management by using tools such as the PMPC and local ordinances. Ask the experts your burning questions!

*Winter Grounds Management Seminar
February 15, 2012
Kutztown Grange, Kutztown, PA
Emelie Swackhamer, 610-391-9840; exs33@psu.edu
Local landscape and nursery professionals help plan this meeting where pest management and horticultural practices are discussed. Come for the information, networking, and the famous grange lunch!

Arborist Short Course
March 2012 - exact date to be announced
Location: To be announced
Julianne Schieffer, 610-489-4315; jxs51@psu.edu
The Arborist Short Course is designed to increase working tree knowledge, professional arborist skills, and to prepare you for the ISA Certified Arborist exam. We supply International Society of Arboriculture materials. Class is limited to 40 people.

Related Industry Events

PA Christmas Tree Growers Assoc.
January 19, 2012
Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA
Contact: PCTGA, 1-800-547-2482;

*2012 Northeastern PA Turf Conference and Trade Show
January 26, 2012
The Woodlands Inn and Resort, Wilkes-Barre
Contact: PA Turfgrass Council, 814-237-0767; info@paturf.org

*LCAP Winter Lawn Care Conference
February 7, 2012
Holiday Inn Lehigh Valley, Allentown
Contact: Judy Becker, 1-888-577-6801 (phone/fax); lawncareofpainfo@aol.com

*KAFMO Athletic Field Conference
February 17, 2012
Holiday Inn, Grantville
Contact: Linda Kulp, 717-921-8803; kafmo@aol.com

ISA Shade Tree Symposium
February 27-28, 2012
Lancaster Convention Center, Lancaster, PA
Contact: April Hutcheson, 717-412-7473; ahutcheson@penndelisa.org