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This page is intended to keep turf managers abreast of current green industry events and educational opportunities in the Northeast region. Check back to this page often, as information pertaining to upcoming events will be posted as soon as it becomes available. If you have information about an upcoming event that you would like to see listed on this page, please contact the webmaster. Don't forget to also visit the UMass Landscape, Nursery, and Urban Forestry Program Conferences and Workshops page .

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Weed Identification Workshops
Session 1 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds): July 29, 2009, Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain, MA
Session 2 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds): August 6, 2009, UMass Amherst
Session 3 (Grassy Weeds: an in-depth look): August 26, 2009, UMass Amherst

Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program.  Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided). 5 pesticide contact hours available; MCLP and MCH credits will be offered.

Cost is $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). Note: Companies and municipalities sending 5 or more employees to the same event are eligible for a 10% discount.

Session 1 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds), July 29, 2009:

To register by mail with check or PO#:   To register online with credit card: Download registration form (PDF 109K) Click for online credit card registration

Session 2 (Broadleaf Weeds plus a few Grassy Weeds), August 6, 2009:

To register by mail with check or PO#:   To register online with credit card: Download registration form (PDF 109K) Click for online credit card registration

Session 3 (Grassy Weeds: an in-depth look): August 26, 2009:

To register by mail with check or PO#:   To register online with credit card: Download registration form (PDF 109K) Click for online credit card registration

Contact UMass Extension at (413) 545-0895, eweeks@umext.umass.edu.

In mid-summer 2009, the UMass Joseph Troll Turf Research Center will welcome interested turf managers for a special evening seminar.  Attendees will be offered a guided first-hand look at research projects and other items of interest at the Center. The educational program will focus on the viewing of stress-related turf problems in the field, and discussion will cover the integrated management of these issues unique to the summer season.  Remember to dress appropriately for the weather, as this event will be held rain or shine.

To register by mail with check or PO#:   To register online with credit card: Download registration form (PDF 58K) Click for online credit card registration

Two pesticide recertification contact hours have been approved for all New England states in category 37, Turf, and category 00, Licensed Applicator.

For more information contact Mary Owen at (508) 892-0382; mowen@umext.umass.edu or Jason Lanier at (413) 545-2965; jdlanier@umext.umass.edu.

Turfgrass Identification and Selection Workshop
Date: August 12, 2009
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Location: UMass Amherst - Amherst, MA
The ultimate performance of a stand of turf depends on matching turfgrass species and varieties with site characteristics, intended use and maintenance level, and knowing what you have is the key to knowing how to manage it.  In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to identify and recognize the principal cool season turgrasses and how to select cultivars for specific characteristics such as disease resistance, drought tolerance, wear tolerance, and vigor.

Pre-registration is required as space is limited, includes lunch and parking permit.

5 pesticide contact hours for all New England states have been approved for category 37 (turf), category 32 (sod) and category 00 (licensed applicator). 1 additional contact hour has been approved for those participating in a free optional NTEP session at the Joseph Troll Turf Research Center in South Deerfield.

To register by mail with check or PO#:   To register online with credit card: Download registration form (PDF 50K) Click for online credit card registration

For more information, contact Jason Lanier at (413) 545-2965; jdlanier@umext.umass.edu or Mary Owen at (508) 892-0382; mowen@umext.umass.edu.

Dollar Spot Resistance Field Trials and Oriental Beetle Discussion
Date: TBA (mid-August, 2009)
Location: Wianno Club, Osterville, MA

This program will provide an opportunity to see first-hand the results of the UMass Turf Program dollar spot resistance trials underway at the Wianno Club in Osterville, MA. Management strategies for delaying resistance development or managing existing resistance will be presented and followed by a look at the field trial plots. If you are experiencing inadequate dollar spot control (shorter interval or fungicide failure), this workshop will provide strategies to help manage these problems. This research is supported by the Golf Course Managers Association of Cape Cod and the following companies: BASF Corporation, Bayer Environmental Science, Cleary Chemical Corporation, Quali-Pro and Sygenta Professional Products.

For further information on the dollar spot resistance research trials, contact Dr. Geunhwa Jung at (413) 545-2243, jung@psis.umass.edu or the UMass Extension Turf Program at (508) 892-0382.
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