Cornell University Cooperative Extension of the Capital District provides educational programs that can help you improve your skills in horticulture, pest management, and business.  Below is a general announcement for our 2007 horticulture programs for professionals working in the green industry.  If you are on your county's Extension mailing list, you will receive further information about each class several weeks prior to the event.  If you have questions or need further information about these programs, call the contact person listed for each program.

Plant Health Care - January 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  Five days filled with a wide variety of issues on all aspects of keeping landscape plants and turfgrass healthy.  Topics will include alternative pest management, new pesticides, emerging pests, wildlife issues, maximizing fertilizer use, and much more.  NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits will be offered.  Contact Chuck Schmitt at 765-3500.

Bedding Plant Conference – Tuesday, January 9 at The Century House, Latham.  Learn about innovations in greenhouse production, insect management using IPM, new varieties and other growing trends.  Contact Chris Logue at 372-1622 x 265.

Nursery/Landscape Education Day - Thursday, February 1 at the Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs.  Classes on current issues and concerns, including pest management, regulations, perennials, ponds, soils, turf and more.  Co-sponsored by the Northeast New York Nursery/Landscape Association.  Contact Chuck Schmitt at 765-3500.

Certified Nursery Landscape Professional (CNLP) Review Session – Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, March 6, 7, 8 at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  A 3-day review session with topics including botany, soils, landscape installation and establishment, turfgrass, insect and disease pests and plant identification.  This review session is held in preparation for the CNLP exam.   For more information about the CNLP manual and to receive an application contact Chuck Schmitt at 765-3500.

30 Hour Pesticide Class for Category 3a (Turf and Ornamentals) –February 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  Six days of pesticide training offered in preparation for taking the NYSDEC Certified Pesticide Applicator Exams.  Contact David Chinery at 272-4210.                            

Pond and Lake Management Seminar - Thursday, March 15 at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  Pond management will be discussed, including dealing with weeds, fish, invasive species and government regulations.  Contact David Chinery at 272-4210. 

Pesticide Recertification Day – Thursday, March 22 at The Italian American Community Center, Albany.  Learn the latest on pesticide use, safety, and pest management for the upcoming season.  This program features sessions for several categories of pesticide applicators with NYS DEC recertification credits available.  Contact Chuck Schmitt at 765-3500.

Cut Flower Growers Conference – Wednesday, March 28 at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  Good information for people just starting in the business or those already producing.  New varieties, pest management, culture, harvesting and preserving, and marketing will be covered.  Contact Chris Logue at 372-1622 x 265.  

Woodlot Management – Saturday, April 14 at Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Albany County, Voorheesville.  Learn how to manage a woodlot for environmental health and financial benefit.  A field trip (rain or shine!) to a local woodlot will highlight the topics discussed.  Contact Chuck Schmitt at 765-3500.

Pesticide Training And Exam Dates

People applying pesticides to property owned by others can become a "Certified Commercial Applicator," a "Certified Pesticide Technician," or a "Pesticide Apprentice."  For complete information, call the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's Pesticide Bureau at 357-2234, your local Extension office, or visit the website pmep.cce.cornell.edu/certification.  You must register with Cornell University Cooperative Extension to attend the Pesticide Training and/or Exam sessions listed below.  Call the appropriate county for information.

COUNTY                     TRAINING                            EXAMS                       To register call

Albany                      February 16                           March 2                     372-1622 x 265

Rensselaer                    April 13                                 April 27                         272-4210

For additional important information contact Cornell University Cooperative Extension.