Introduction to Organic Land Care 2020

The Rutgers Cooperative Extension Introduction to Organic Land Care course focuses on promoting healthy soil, enhancing biodiversity, and reducing polluted runoff from managed landscapes. 

The dates are February 6, 13, 20, and 27, 2020 (snow date: March 5) from 8am- 5pm. Lunch and breakfast included. 

Over 20 university and industry experts teach the course and share their experience of how to successfully transition a landscape to organic management and add organic services to a business.

The course is designed for professional landscapers, property managers, public works employees, groundskeepers, landscape architects, and Master Gardeners and anyone interested in learning ecologically sound management practices.  

One day registration options available. Interested in soil health, but not plant care? Register for whatever topic you are intersted in. 

Day 1: Thursday, February 6- Soil Health and Introduction to Organic Philosophy

Day 2: Thursday, February 13- Organic Turf and Plant Care

Day 3: Thursday, February 20- Pests, Disease Management, and Rain Gardens

Day 4: Thursday, February 27- Bringing it All Together

Certificate Program- The certificate program requirements include:

• Attendance at all 4 days of the Organic Land Care course

• Passing an optional exam based on course content

Participants that pass the exam will receive a certificate of completion and be listed on the Find a Landscaper section of the organic land care program website: www.njaes.rutgers.edu/organiclandcare

Anticipated course offerings (check website for updates) :

•  Pesticide re-certification credits in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania 

•  Fertilizer applicator NJ re-certification (ProFact) approved: Day 1: 8 credits; Day 2: 3 credits 

•  The NJDEP Natural Turf and Landscape Management Certificate.

•  NOFA AOLCP

•  Landscape Architecture Continuing Education System (LA CES)

• International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Credits

PROGRAM AND SPEAKERS

Day 1: Thursday, February 6– Soil Health and Introduction to Organic Philosophy         

• Welcome and Organic Land Care Overview. Michele Bakacs, Environmental Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
• Understanding the Soil Beneath Your Feet: Physical, Chemical, Biological Aspects of Soil. Eileen Miller, Owner, Healthy Landscapes, Inc.
• Soil Food Web. Jennifer Adams Krumins, Associate Professor, Montclair State University
• Compost and Compost Tea. Michael Kolenut, President, Lincoln Landscaping

 Day 2: Thursday, February 13- Organic Turf and Plant Care

• Lawn Installation, Fertilization, and Management– James Murphy, Specialist in Turfgrass Scienc and Brad Park, Sports Turf Research & Education Coordinator, Rutgers University
• Incorporating Native Plants and Lawn Alternatives- Rik McCoy, President, McCoy Horticultural Services
• Tree and Shrub Planting and Plant Care- Larry Kuser, Owner, Fernbrook Farm

 Day 3: Thursday, February 20- Pests, Disease Management, and Rain Gardens

• Pesticide Risk, Toxicity and Environmental Contamination- Roy Meyer, Former Bureau Chief, NJDEP
• Key Insect/Mite Pests of Landscape Trees & Shrubs- Steve Rettke, Ornamental IPM Program Associate, Rutgers
• Diseases and Disorders in the Landscape: Managing the Mania- Nick Polanin, Department Chair, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
• Rain Garden Planning Installation and Maintenance- Amy Rowe, Environmental Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension

 Day 4: Thursday, February 27– Bringing it All Together

• Bringing It All Together: Best Management Practices for Earth-wise Landscapes, William Hlubik, County Agent, Rutgers Cooperative Extension
• Organic Landscapers Panel Discussion- Barry Draycott, Tech Terra Environmental; Keith Haitz, HydroGreen; Rik McCoy, Mke Kolenut 
• Certificate Exam, pesticide recertification form distribution, program evaluation