Workshops

Dig deeper into green industry subjects.

 

WORKSHOP A: Making the Right Moves to Enhance Your Weed Control Program

Aaron Patton, Purdue University

January 24: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / Room 107
CCH = 3a:1.0, 3b:3.0, 6:1.0, RT:3.0

An effective weed control program must be built on a strong foundation. Through proper cultural practices including mowing and fertilization many weeds can be reduced substantially but not eliminated. In this presentation, learn the most important principles for optimizing control with herbicides including weed identification, herbicide selection, application timing, water quality, and adjuvant selection. The presentation will also cover common mistakes made in the creation and implementation of weed control programs.


 WORKSHOP  B / Two-day course    
Concrete Paver Installer Certification

Speaker: Donny Duke, Arbor Gold Software

January 24: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm / Room 108
January 25: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm / Room 108

For contractors involved in the residential and commercial installation of interlocking concrete pavements, the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) Concrete Paver Installer Certification is THE industry recognized program for the professionals committed to industry guidelines for segmental concrete pavement installation. The two-day course equips individuals currently employed in the concrete paver installer industry with training and tools to properly install interlocking concrete paving systems. In addition, participants have the opportunity to pursue certification at the end of the workshop, as well as potential industry recognition in the future.

Note: Workshop price includes continental breakfast, lunch and refreshments — both days.


WORKSHOP C: Native Plants

Mark O’Brien, Cardno and Indiana Native Plant Society

January 24: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / Room 116
CCH = 2:1.0, 3a:3.0, RT:3.0

Native plants provide many ecological benefits to the landscape and environment. The addition of native plants will provide habitat and food for many pollinators, birds, and beneficial insects, while reducing any impacts of potentially invasive species. In addition, native plants promote biodiversity within the landscape and can reduce inputs. This workshop will discuss utilizing native plants in the landscape and provide insights that you can use to educate your clients in promoting native plants. In addition, the increasing interest and implementation of solar farms across the Midwest will be discussed as an opportunity to increase the usage of native plants. This discussion can lead to a viable and profitable opportunity, thus potentially gaining the knowledge to successfully bid jobs in these solar farms.


WORKSHOP D: Rooting Out Soilborne Turfgrass Diseases with Timely Management

Lee Miller, Purdue University

January 24: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm / Room 117
CCH = 3b:3.0, RT:3.0

Soilborne turfgrass diseases are particularly difficult to diagnose and manage because the pathogens subversively infect and damage roots well before plant symptoms arise.  This seminar will describe the soil environment in correlation with the biology and epidemiology of the pathosystem of soilborne diseases infecting cool-season turfgrasses.  The course will also explain the crucial aspects of each disease cycle, highlighting where disease control measures can most effectively impede pathogen development.


WORKSHOP E:  Turf Math
Aaron Patton and Ross Braun, Purdue University

January 24: 1:00 – 4:00 pm / Room 107
CCH = 3a:3.0, 3b:3.0, 6:2.0, RT:3.0

Practical math calculations are essential for any manager for planning, purchasing, and applying anything to turf. Though few of us like math, these instructors make it educational as well as enjoyable! This workshop covers area calculations, fertilizer and pesticide calculations, calibration, and purchasing decisions. Attendees will receive a comprehensive packet with how-to-instructions for all the content covered and more.


WORKSHOP F: Indiana Accredited Horticulturist (IAH) Review and Exam

Jim Messmer, Vincennes University, retired

January 24: 1:00 – 5:00 pm / Room 112
1:00 – 3:00 pm: IAH Review (additional fee) / 3:00 – 5:00 pm: IAH Exam

As an educator and experienced IAH facilitator, Jim will aid you in preparing for the afternoon exam. There will be ample time for questions and individual attention. The review is also a great refresher for those already certified  — earn IAH CEUs by attending.

Contact the INLA (800-443-7336) for program materials which are an additional fee. 


WORKSHOP G: Landscape Maintenance 101

Kyle Daniel, Tom Creswell, John Bonkowski, Purdue University

January 24: 1:00 – 4:00 pm / Room 116
CCH = 3a:3.0, RT:3.0

This workshop, which is designed as an introductory course for landscape management basics, will include topics, such as proper planting, pruning, fertility, weed control, mulching, how plants grow, and more.  We’ll also demonstrate calibration of backpack sprayers as a hands-on demonstration.  This course will cover many topics that entry-level employees (and those that need a refresher) will need to know for the 2022 season.