PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS: SESSION 1 1.1) Heirloom Food Plants: What - - PDF document

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

• wns 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

• n 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

• r 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)

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS: SESSION 2

2.1) Ways to Increase Natural Enemies, Pollinators and other Good Guys in your Garden

• Dr. Jerry Brust, IPM Vegetable Specialist

This session will cover the natural enemies we have in our gardens and how we can increase their likelihood of showing up in the garden and around the home. The session will also discuss methods to increase the pollinators for the garden and for the general area. (I) 2.2) Anybody Can Plant a Tree, But How Do You Raise a Tree?: Understanding Structural Pruning

• Mr. Steve Allgeier, Carroll County Home Horticulture/Master Gardener Coordinator

Everybody loves a tree and anybody can plant a tree, but many don’t understand the principles and importance of structurally pruning a tree. Learn how to reduce or eliminate future problems and costs of mature trees by correctly pruning and training them while they are young. This presentation will give you a systematic approach to pruning young landscape trees without having to climb a ladder or the tree -- learn how to correct minor defects early, in order to develop an easier to maintain, safer and healthier landscape tree. This session will begin in the classroom and continue with a field trip outside to observe pruning techniques on a live tree. (I) (This presentation is repeated in Session 3.2.) 2.3) 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 1.2) 2.4) Stormwater 201: Stormwater Best Management Practices: The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

• Ms. Jennifer Dindinger, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

UME Watershed Restoration Specialist will review the 7 small-scale residential stormwater practices that are currently accepted by the Chesapeake Bay Program: rain barrel, rain gardens, tree plantings, permeable pavers, downspout disconnects, impervious removal, and urban nutrient management. Special focus will be placed on the problems we are seeing in the field with some of these practices. (B) (This session is the second in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 2.5) There is No Such Thing as Dwarf: Compact Plants For The Landscape

• Mr. Bryce Lane, Lecturer Emeritus, North Carolina State University

Home landscapes are shrinking, the average property size is now less than a quarter of an acre. More and more people are living in the city and have less and less space for plants. This has resulted in an increasing demand for dwarf/compact plants. In this presentation we will discuss the role that compact plants play in today’s modern gardens and I’ll recommend some of the very best plants for small spaces. (B, I) 2.6) Growing, Harvesting, and Preparing Therapeutic Herbs for Self-Care

• Ms. Donna Koczaja, Clinical Herbalist, Green Haven Living, LLC

Leaves, flowers, berries, and roots – learn how to harvest for creating herbal preparations for self-care. The basics of making herbal tea blends, syrups, tinctures, and more will also be discussed. Examples of specific herbs and their therapeutic benefits will be provided to illustrate each preparation method. (B) 2.7) Zone Maps for Gardeners

• Mr. Scott Aker, Head of Horticulture and Education, U.S. National Arboretum

Should gardeners be planning for Zone Creep as climate changes? Learn about the development of zone maps, how to interpret them, and how to push the limits on both cold and heat hardiness. (I)

2.8) Wild Lessons from the Past: The Increasing Importance of Foraging and Fermentation in Modern Foodways

• Dr. Bill Schindler, Associate Professor of Anthropology

For the past 10,000 years, the human diet has increasingly moved from wild foraged and hunted foods towards domesticated plants and animals. More recently we have developed an industrialized food system where almost the entire system is hidden from us. These transitions have completely and negatively transformed the quality and quantity of the food we consume, as well as the human-environmental relationship. This presentation will focus on ways to reintroduce wild foods and food processing techniques in order to incorporate wild microorganisms into our diets and to improve our own health and the health of the planet. Fermented and foraged edibles will be shared during the session. (B, I) (THIS PRESENTATION HAS BEEN CANCELED) 2.9 - MN) Restoring the Once-Mighty American Chestnut Tree

• Dr. Gary Carver, Owner of Carvers Carvings

Once dominant in eastern forests, the American chestnut tree provided light-but-strong and rot-resistant lumber, tannin, and prodigious quantities of nutritious nuts for people, farm animals and wildlife. In the early 1900s, a devastating blight fungus imported on nursery stock from Asia killed an estimated four billion trees. Several groups are pursuing different approaches to creating a blight-resistant American chestnut tree and restoring the species to eastern hardwood forests. These include traditional breeding, genetic engineering, and biological control of the blight fungus. Learn about the restoration process and discuss the benefits of restoring the American chestnut. Plus, explore the wood, burs, nuts, and leaves in an “American Chestnut Learning Box.” We will conclude with the most important purpose of this presentation: how you can participate in restoring the American chestnut tree by planting chestnut trees. (I) 2.10 - MN) The Story of The Monarch Butterfly

• Ms. Geraldine Lucas-Haji, Cecil County Master Gardener

In this session you will observe an innovative approach to teaching others about the Monarch butterfly. This session will cover a Monarch butterfly's life story in illustrations with commentary. The story will cover three obstacles threatening the Monarch's survival at this time as well as actions that can be done to help Monarchs. Attendees will be encouraged to plant native species (e.g., milkweed) in their gardens to help provide power for the Monarch's migration. (B, I) 2.11 - MN) Invasives 201: Impacts of Invasive Plant Species on Native Ecosystems

• Dr. Vanessa Beauchamp, Associate Professor, Towson University

This talk will cover ways that invasive plant species negatively impact native plants, animals and ecosystem services. (B) (This session is the second in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 2.12 - MN) The Most Common Reptiles and Amphibians of the DC Metropolitan Region

• Mr. Alonso Abugattas, Natural Resources Manager, Arlington County Parks, VA

Learn about the most common reptiles and amphibians of the DC Metropolitan Region, their identification, and natural history. Some artifacts and live creatures will be on hand, with the focus being on the reptiles/amphibians that are most likely to be encountered in yards, gardens, and local parks. Useful books and resources will also be covered and a local herpetology book covering all the DC region's species will also be available for inspection and may be purchased at the Annual Training Conference Tradeshow. (B) 2.13 - MN) Woodland Gardening

• Mr. Lyle Almond, Forest Stewardship Educator, UME

This talk will introduce conservation landscaping principles that you can apply to cultivate a resilient woodland ecosystem using an expanded palette of native plant communities to attract greater wildlife diversity. Woodland aesthetic design considerations will be featured, such as distilling the essence of the forest (biomimicry), creating spatial and temporal layers, framing and enclosing views, and celebrating natural light and form. (I) 2.14) 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 1.13.)

PRESENTATION DESCRIPTIONS: SESSION 3

3.1 - MN) Plantings and Native Landscapes for Maryland's Bees - Choosing the Most Important Plants

• Mr. Sam Droege, USGS - Patuxent Wildlife Research Center

Lists of pollinator friendly plants are available. However, these plants usually favor honey bees and the crow and sparrow native

• species. There are identified native plants that have a greater impact on promoting both vulnerable native bees as well as the

generalists -- we will cover those plants throughout the presentation. (I, A) 3.2) Anybody Can Plant a Tree, But How Do You Raise a Tree?: Understanding Structural Pruning

• Mr. Steve Allgeier, Carroll County Home Horticulture/Master Gardener Coordinator

Everybody loves a tree and anybody can plant a tree, but many don’t understand the principles and importance of structurally pruning a tree. Learn how to reduce or eliminate future problems and costs of mature trees by correctly pruning and training them while they are young. This presentation will give you a systematic approach to pruning young landscape trees without having to climb a ladder or the tree -- learn how to correct minor defects early, in order to develop an easier to maintain, safer and healthier landscape tree. This session will begin in the classroom and continue with a field trip outside to observe pruning techniques on a live tree. (I) (This presentation is repeated in Session 2.2.) 3.3) Stormwater 301: Stormwater Resources and Tracking

• Ms. Jackie Takacs, Regional Watershed Restoration Specialist, University of Maryland Extension

The UME Watershed Restoration Specialists will highlight resources available for Master Gardeners working on stormwater

• projects. Find out where you can get assessment and design help and hear about three new initiatives/partnerships coming from

UME - Watershed Steward Academies, Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional Program, and the Stormwwater Management and Restoration Tracker - and how you can become part of them! (B) (This session is the third in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 3.4 - MN) Managing Ponds

• Mr. Ray Bosmans, President of the Mid Atlantic Turtle and Tortoise Society, Emeritus Regional Extension Specialist in

Horticulture at HGIC This presentation will cover the topic of ponds and their benefits to wildlife. There will also be a focus on algae and vegetation

• management. (All)

3.5) Food Safe Vegetable Gardening

• Ms. Lisa Gonzalez, Extension Agent, Family and Consumer Sciences

This session will introduce Master Gardeners to principles of food safety with regards to home and community vegetable

• gardening. Participants will learn the basic components of food safety from garden to table and where to find trusted sources of

food safety information with regards to growing, storing, preserving, and preparing home-grown produce. (B) 3.6) How Insect Communities Respond to Native and Exotic Plants

• Dr. Paula Shrewsbury, Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Department of Entomology, University of Maryland

To plant natives or exotics – a dilemma for some. This session will provide research-based information on the influence of plant

• rigin (native vs. exotic) on insect communities, especially as it relates to pest outbreaks and biological control in urban
• landscapes. Ecological studies of plant-herbivore-natural enemy interactions help lead the way to innovative pest management
• ptions. Understanding these ecosystem level dynamics can help you make decisions that lead to more sustainable managed
• environments. (I, A)

3.7) Native Plants Need IPM Too!

• Dr. Sara Tangren, Associate Agent, Home & Garden Information Center

In this presentation the following three basic principles will be discussed and applied to the inclusion of native plants in your landscape: 1. the importance of the right plant in the right place; 2. how to keep your balance between native plants; 3. know the competition you and the plants are up against. You will learn about 12 great native species that you can add to your landscape and how those plants will help with your IPM program, as well as how your IPM principles will help you keep it all looking good while requiring minimal maintenance. (I)

3.8) Microgreens: Grow, Eat, Teach

• Mr. Jon Traunfeld, Extension Specialist, UME

More than a sprout and younger than baby greens, microgreens are edible plants that can play a useful role in your garden and

• diet. Learn best practices for continuous harvests indoors and outdoors. We'll also look at ways MGs can use microgreens to

engage and teach clientele. (B, I) 3.9 - MN) Trailside Geology in Maryland Parks

• Mr. Martin Schmidt, Jr, Teacher, McDonogh School, Owings Mills, MD

There are interesting and varied geologic features to find while walking the trails in Maryland parks - come see a sample in this

• session. We'll see rocks and processes, and talk about some information resources, so hopefully you'll see more the next time

you are out on trails you know or are exploring new ones. (B) 3.10 - MN) Invasives 301: The Eyes Have It!: Reducing the Impacts of Invasive Plants through the New Maryland Statewide Eyes Scouting Program

• Ms. Kerrie Kyde, Invasive Plant Ecologist, Maryland Department of Natural Resources

Any effective invasive plant removal and site restoration project requires baseline information on "how much of what species is where." The Maryland Invasive Plant Advisory Committee, which is establishing tiered status for invasive plants, needs more information about species occurrences across the state. You can contribute to this statewide data collection and mapping effort, using mobile technology and a national mapping system. Learn about IPAC's work and the Statewide Eyes program and how you can help fill this knowledge gap! (I) (This session is the third in a three-part series -- you are not required to attend all three.) 3.11 - MN) The Itsy-Bitsy Spider: Exploring the World of Spiders

• Ms. Kerry Wixted, Education & Outreach Specialist, DNR Wildlife and Heritage Service

Spiders are poorly misunderstood yet amazing creatures which provide many ecological services. Learn the basics of spider biology and ecology in addition to the neat spiders found around the world as well as those found in Maryland. (All) 3.12) Compost and Microclover to Reduce Fertilizer Use on Turfgrass

• Dr. Mark Carroll, Associate Professor, University of Maryland

This presentation will summarize recently completed research aimed at reducing runoff and fertilizer use on turfgrass. The use of compost materials in place of synesthetic fertilizers will also be discussed. A combined lecture and field tour approach will be used to provide attendees with an opportunity to evaluate the aesthetic appeal and use of microclover in lawns. This presentation will be held at the CMREC Paint Branch Turfgrass Facility on campus. A shuttle will be available to transport attendees to the location. (I)