PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS: SESSION 1 1.1) Heirloom Food Plants: What are They and Why are They Important to Our Health? Dr. William Woys Weaver, Author The workshop presentation will address the question of what are heirloom varieties, how should they be sold and marketed, who owns the seeds, and the growing threat to biodiversity. Most importantly the speaker will explore heirlooms as the best health alternative today to commercially- raised foods subject to the “dilution effect” – a dramatic and critical decline in the nutritional value of modern hybrids. (All) 1.2) Soils, Soil Fertility, and Fertilizers: Questions & Answers Dr. Patricia Steinhilber, Program Coordinator, Ag Nutrient Management, ENST, UMCP Registrants will be contacted 3 weeks before the event for the top 3 questions they would like answered relating to soils, soil fertility and fertilizer usage. As many questions as possible will be answered during the session. (I) (This presentation is repeated in Session 2.3.) 1.3) Stormwater 101: Understanding all the Acronyms: Bay Health, Stormwater and Funding the Clean-up Mr. Eric Buehl, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland Extension TMDL, WIP, SRF? You’ve heard the acronyms – now learn where they came from, what they mean and how we are dealing with them. UME Watershed Restoration Specialists will present an environmental overview of our watershed and waterways and the legislation aimed at cleaning them up. Learn why the Stormwater Remediation Fee is really not a tax on the rain and how it is being used to fund local clean-up efforts. Hear how Master Gardeners can help with the clean-up efforts and potentially help their clientele get a reduction in their fees. (B) (This session is the first in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 1.4) Gardening on the Edge: The Latest Trends in Gardening Mr. Bryce Lane, Lecturer Emeritus, North Carolina State University Gardening is constantly changing, with new trends showing up constantly. Who would have thought "Fairy Gardening" would be so popular…and what is "Fairy Gardening" anyway? Find out about the latest trends in gardening, and how they are influencing the way we garden. (B) 1.5) Invasive Species Update Mr. Stanton Gill, Professional Bug Watcher; Extension Specialist in IPM and Entomology for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Management; Professor in Landscape Technology for Montgomery College Invasive species of insects are causing a major loss of plant material in Maryland. In this workshop you will learn the latest control measures and what resistant plant material you can advise your clientele to use for the emerald ash borer. We will also cover ambrosia beetles and thousand canker disease. You will learn how to diversify landscapes to reduce damage from these and other invasive insect pests. (I) 1.6) Leading Double Lives: Secrets of the Pollinators Dr. Michael Raupp, Professor, Extension Specialist, University of Maryland at College Park; Science Channel Expert Many insect species provide the critical ecosystem service of pollination, a service vital to flowering plant life on earth. But did you know that many pollinators lead a double life -- sometimes as maniacal predators wreaking havoc on pests in your garden and landscape. Others are themselves pests of plants. Come and see who is who in this world of dual identities. (All) 1.7) Growing & Caring for Uncommon Fruits Mr. Michael Judd, Edible Landscape Designer and Author Edible landscape designer and author Michael Judd will be sharing his favorite uncommon but easy to grow fruits and successful establishment practices. Favorites will include paw paw, hardy kiwi, currants, jujube, persimmons, and many more. Tree care and pruning discussed. (All)
1.8 - MN) Climate Change and the Native Plant Garden Dr. Sara Via, Professor, Department of Biology & Department of Entomology, UMD College Park The effects of climate change are already being felt in Maryland and are changing the landscape for Maryland’s native plants. Longer growing seasons and earlier springs favor invasives, increase deer damage, disrupt pollination and make native plants more susceptible to herbivory and disease. Key insect pests have expanded their range, putting native forests in jeopardy. Come and learn how native plant communities are changing and what you can do to protect natives in your home landscape. (B) 1.9) Solutions for Planting Poor Quality Nursery Stock Mr. James Urban, FASLA, Urban Trees + Soils Changes in nursery production, particularly trees grown in containers, are producing plants with very poor root systems. Roots too deep in the ball, circling and girdling roots, and bark potting medium all serve to slow the development of the plant and can severely reduce the plant's life expectancy. You can fix these problems -- but only with lots of hard work. This session will explain the problem and offer solutions. (I, A) 1.10 - MN) Injured, Orphaned, or Simply Misunderstood - The Wildlife-Human Interface Ms. Paula Becker, Natural Resource Biologist, MD DNR Wildlife & Heritage Service People don't always know what to do when they see wildlife babies unattended, or injured. Or what about those vultures who sit on my roof or the spiders in my shed?! We'll address safe, legal, and ecologically friendly ways to live with wildlife. (B) 1.11 - MN) Invasives 101: Botanical Bullies & Weed Weapons: ID and Management of Non-native Invasive Plant Pests Ms. Carole Bergmann, Forest Ecologist/Field Botanist, Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission Ms. Meghan Fellows, Weed Warrior Volunteer Coordinator, MNCPPC-Montgomery Parks With over 400 non-native invasive plants in Maryland, who has the time to learn them all? Come learn 17 of the most common invasive plants, tips to recognize them in all seasons and some of the best management techniques for the backyard gardener or large landowner. (B, I) (This session is the first in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 1.12 - MN) From Eggs to Adults: Jumping into Native Frog and Toad Identification Dr. Latice Fuentes, Postdoctoral Research Associate, University of Maryland This presentation aims to highlight common species of frogs and toads native to Maryland. Participants will learn how to identify several species by their mating calls, egg masses, tadpoles, and adults. We will also focus on important habitat, timing of breeding season, and conservation issues. (B) 1.13) Diagnosing Landscape Plant Diseases Dr. David Clement, Specialist in Plant Pathology, University of Maryland Extension Dr. Karen Rane, Coordinator & Director of UMD Plant Clinic & Extension Specialist Master Gardeners will observe diseased specimens in the lab, along with some microscope displays. After observation Karen Rane and Dave Clement will discuss diagnostic strategies and unique characteristics of each disease specimen. (I) (This presentation is repeated in Session 2.14.) 1.14) IPM Diagnostic Walk for Landscape Problems Ms. Mary Kay Malinoski, UMD Extension Specialist in Entomology Ms. Debbie Ricigliano, Certified Professional Horticulturist, Home and Garden Information Center In this walk you will have a chance to practice your diagnostic skills on the UMD campus horticulture. The session includes the examination and diagnosis of insect, disease and abiotic landscape problems. This session will be held rain or shine -- make sure to dress for the weather and bring a bottle of water. If you have a hand lens, please bring it to the session to better examine smaller specimens. (B) 1.15 - MN) Native and Non-Native Trees on the UMD Campus Ms. Carin Celebuski, UMD Arboretum Coordinator of Volunteers This presentation is an outdoor walking tour of campus and look at mature native trees and non-native trees, including some considered invasive in the area. Celebuski will also demonstrate the Arboretum Layer of our mobile-friendly Campus Web Map and how to use it to identify trees. (I)
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