Announcements:

Become a member of The Underground!
The Underground is pleased to welcome NOFA Accredited Organic Land Care Professionals to become members of our grassroots organization of more than 300 landscape professionals in New England. The Underground exists to promote the advancement of knowledge, education, and skill in the art and science of landscape design, installation, and maintenance techniques through the dissemination of information. As part of your free membership in The Underground, you will have the opportunity to have a professional listing on our 'Find A Landscape Professional' website. Your listing on our website is a great marketing opportunity for your business and will allow consumers to find you when they need your services. Listings will remain free until such time that has yet to be determined. For more information about The Underground and to sign up to become a member, please visit our website at http://theunderground.pbwiki.com To see our current listings at the 'Find A Landscape Professional' website go to http://findalandscapepro.pbwiki.com

New Accreditation Deadline!
The next accreditation deadline has been moved forward so we can have enough time to create the Guide to Organic Land Care and get it into your potential customers's hands in early spring.
You must have proof of credits and payment postmarked by January 1, 2008.

Credit Opportunities:

Specific Guidelines for Re-accrediation

Be sure to get the instructor's signatures on your re-accrediation form, available here.

July 18: MNLA 2007 Summer Meeting & Trade Show, Bolyston, MA
July 24: Broadleaf Weeds (plus a few grassy weeds), Arnold Arboretum, Jamaica Plain
July 31: Broadleaf Weeds (plus a few grassy weeds), UMass Amherst
AUGUST 8: TURFGRASS ID & SELECTION WORKSHOP - SOUTH DEERFIELD, MA
August 10-12: The 33rd Annual NOFA Summer Conference Amherst, MA
August 14: The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course North Shore of Massachusetts.
August 16: The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course Manchester, CT
August 23: Grassy Weeds: an in-depth look, UMass Amherst.
September 8: Fundamentals of Landscape Estimating , Attleboro, MA
September 13: Integrated Tree Health Workshop III:Managing the Root Environment, Hartford, CT
September 14: Posponed! SafeLawns and Landscapes Symposium, Purchase College, NY
September 18: Landscape Irrigation Auditor Class, Hauppauge, NY
September 27: Stormwater in the City: Managing Runoff, Improving Water Quality... Hartford, CT
October 5: Green City Forum:Celebrating the Past...Planning the Future Springfield, Massachusetts
October 16th: The Many Shades of Green,Yonkers, NY
October 17th: Managing High-Use Sports Fields, Greenville, NY
October 19, 2007: 21st Annual Rockfall Symposium, Chester, CT
October 23-25, 2007: International Erosion Control Association’s Conference,Burlington, VT
October 25, 2007 : CT Urban Forest Council Annual Conference MountainRidge, Wallingford, CT
Nov. 10, 2007: CACIWC's Environmental Conference MountainRidge, Wallingford, CT
Nov. 14, 2007: 1st Annual Statewide Smart Growth Conference!! Southern CT State University
December 5, 2007: Hudson Valley Horticulture's Perennials Conference, Wappingers Falls, NY
December 11: NOFA OLC Update Course Boylston, Massachusetts.
December 13, 2007: UMass Extension's Winter Botany - Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA
January 1, 2008: Postmark Deadline for Re-accreditation

What types of courses are approved for credit?

Archive of Past Credit Opportunities
March 2006 - March 2007 Archive
2007 Archive

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August 10-12
The 33rd Annual NOFA Summer Conference at Hampshire College in Amherst, MA. A sustainable future based on the strength of local economies will be the major focus of this year’s Summer Conference. Presenters from all over the Northeast will offer their strength of information and experience for all to deepen their knowledge in topics ranging from beginning and advanced organic farming and gardening, herbology, animal husbandry, organic land care, natural building, alternative energies, and growing locally. http://www.nofamass.org/conferences/s2007/index.php Each Workshop listed below is worth 1.5 AOCLP Credits.

• Becky Grube - Advanced disease ID
• Kim Stoner - Biological control
• Miranda Fisk - Nasami Farm Tour
• David Demarest - Rainwater Collection Systems
• David Fisher - Cover Cropping
• Eric Toensmeier - Perennial Vegetables
• Frank Crandall - Estimating
• Dan Kaplan - How to grow strawberries
• Bill MacKentley - Alternative uses for Woodlots
• Lee Reich - No spray fruit trees
• Kevin Smith - Energy flow for trees and associates
• Jono Neiger - intro to permaculture
• Elaine Peterson - Shittake mushrooms
• Jim Conroy - fix stressed plants
• Bernadette Giblin - organic athletic fields
• Alan Kettler - ecosystem gardening
• Mike Murray/Fred Newcombe - organic lawn care
• Marie Stella - sustainable landscape
• Kevin Stitt - soils, water and plants
• Ann Uppington - edge where garden meets the wild
• Mary Whitney - water-friendly landscaping
• Chester Mandrik - organic development - introducing your product/service
• Bryan Connolly - seed saving
• Carol Schminke - indoor composting with red worms
• Ed Stockman - managing soil moisture
• David Yarrow - trace elements
• Jonathan Bates - edible forest garden tour in Holyoke
• Brad Roeller - dealing with deer
• David Demarest - mycoremediation
• Bill MacKentley - nuts in the northeast
• Lee Reich - special pruning techniques
• Bill Duesing - growing fertile soil
• Carol Schminke - incorporating native plants
• Suzanne Wainwright-Evans - live beneficial insect demo
• Frank Albani - Growing Great Lettuce
• Amy LeBlanc - Tomatoes
• Elaine Peterson - Shittake Mushrooms
• Elizabeth Henderson - Growing Root Crops
• Nancy Hanson - Growing Great Fall Brassicas

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August 14
The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course North Shore of Massachusetts. Material to be covered in this one day course includes: Why Organic?, Basics of Organic Lawn and Turf, Site Analysis, Compost, Insect Pest Management, A Preventive Approach to Disease Management, The Business of Organic Lawns, Low Input, Low Cost Organic Lawns, Special Issues for Turf (e.g. constant foot traffic, mowing heights), Keeping Down the Cost of Organic Turf. Contact the Massachusetts Organic Land Care Coordinator, Kathy Litchfield at kathylitch29@yahoo.com or call (978) 724-0108. Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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August 16
The NOFA Organic Lawn and Turf Course Manchester Community College, Manchester, CT. Material to be covered in this one day course includes: Why Organic?, Basics of Organic Lawn and Turf, Site Analysis, Compost, Insect Pest Management, A Preventive Approach to Disease Management, The Business of Organic Lawns, Low Input, Low Cost Organic Lawns, Special Issues for Turf (e.g. constant foot traffic, mowing heights), Keeping Down the Cost of Organic Turf. Contact the CT NOFA Organic Land Care Coordinator, Bill Duesing at ctnofa@ctnofa.org or call (203) 888-5146. Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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August 23
UMass Extension's 2007 Weed Identification Workshops: Grassy Weeds: an in-depth look, UMass Amherst. Correct weed identification is an important first step in the development of an effective weed management program. Using a classroom presentation, potted weed herbarium and weed walk, UMass Extension Specialist Randy Prostak will help participants enhance their weed identification skills. Feel free to bring a weed or two to identify. Workshop held rain or shine (lunch not provided), 9 am - 3 pm. Cost $95/person (pre-registration required, space is limited). For a registration form go to www.umassgreeninfo.org. Worth 5 AOLCP Credits

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September 8
Fundamentals of Landscape Estimating, Attleboro, MA
Learn about the techniques for taking the guess-work out of landscape estimating. Our speaker will discuss the fundamentals of estimating landscape projects, pricing of plants and materials, vehicle and equipment costs, and job costing. Attendees will be provided with insights, methods, and techniques to help make their business more profitable. Worth 2 AOLCP Credits

For more information go to: http://theundergroundsept2007program.eventbrite.com/

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September 13:
Integrated Tree Health Workshop III: Managing the Root Environment, Hartford, CT
8:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Elizabeth Park, The Pond House
The purpose of this workshop is to educate municipal and commercial arborists about the complex
environment in which tree roots grow and the problems that limit root health. The program will
include formal, instructive presentations and practical demonstrations utilizing the abundant
resources of Elizabeth Park.
Presented by:
The Connecticut Tree Protective Association
5.0 credit hours for CT Arborist, Nursery and 3a; NYS and ISA credits available
Worth 6 AOLCP Credits


For more information go to: http://www.ctpa.org/IntegratedTreeHealthFlyer2007.pdf"

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September 14th Posponed!
SafeLawns and Landscapes Symposium, The Performing Arts Center Purchase College, NY. Includes a full day of professional development, where you will pick up the basic knowledge of how organic management of the soil works and how it can work for you, as well as the tips and tricks to make your lawn and landscape business more successful and more profitable. Speakers include: Todd Harrington, of Harrington’s Organicare, Paul Tukey, author of The Organic Lawn Care Manual, Peter Wild, founder of Arborjet in  Boston, MA, Shepherd Ogden, author of Straight Ahead Organic, Executive Director of SafeLawns.Org. Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

For more information go to www.safelawns.org/seminars2007/index.php

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September 18th
Landscape Irrigation Auditor Class, Hauppauge, NY
Learn how to perform field tests on irrigation systems to determine efficiency, as well as how to combine plant water use, soils and local weather data to calculate accurate water schedules for irrigation systems. Deals directly with the issue of wise water management.
Prerequisites A basic understanding of sprinkler system operation. "Irrigation System Installation and Maintenance" and "Field Hydraulics" are good precursor courses.
Math Skills Required Basic math skills are required. Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

For more information go to: http://www.irrigation.org/edu/default.aspx?pg=crs_loc.ascx&id=40&crsid=48

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September 27th
Stormwater in the City: Managing Runoff, Improving Water Quality, Helping Neighborhoods, Hartford, CT
On Thursday, September 27th from 8:15 to 4:15, EPA New England, CT DEP, and Capitol Region Council of Governments are holding a conference at the Legislative Office Building (Hearing Room 2C) entitled "Stormwater in the City: Managing Runoff, Improving Water Quality, Helping Neighborhoods." This important conference is focused on issues of stormwater in an urban environment. Presentations specifically oriented towards a central CT audience will cover the effects of urbanization on water quality, examples of urban LID and CT stormwater programs, a panel focused on the relationship of upstream and downstream environments within the Park River watershed, and a training session by Center for Watershed Protection on urban restoration and retrofit successes and opportunities.

For more info and to register for this conference, visit the web site www.epa.gov/ne/urbanrivers
Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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October 5th
Green City Forum Celebrating the Past ... Planning the Future , Springfield, MA
The City of Springfield, Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts and the U.S. Forest Service, are hosting a one-day symposium on Friday, October 5, 2007 highlighting green space protection and enhancement as well as sustainable building techniques, using Springfield's success as a regional model for other communities to follow.
The goal of the symposium is to educate tree wardens, landscape architects, town planners, DPW heads, and public officials in New England cities and towns about positive steps that can be taken to help create a municipality that is engaged in the most cutting edge, environmentally friendly practices related to environmental planning, construction and sustainability.
Local and national experts will lead this day of seminars, including a short tour of some of Springfield's most significant green spaces. The event will be the first of its kind in New England and is expected to draw an enormous amount of interest.

Location: City Stage, 1 Columbus Center, Springfield, MA - In the heart of downtown Springfield.
Time: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM.
Off-street parking will be provided.Refreshments and plated luncheon is included in registration fee. Afternoon Bus Tour: Visit several of Springfield's most historic and important open space sites on this afternoon tour. Registration Fee: $75.00 per person. Credits available for ISA, SAF, MCH, MCA, and MCLP.
To register go to www.umassgreeninfo.org or contact UMass Extension at 413-545-0895.
Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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October 17th
Managing High-Use Sports Fields, Greenville, NY
The Sports Turf Managers Association of New York (STMONY), in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be holding a program in Orange County on October 17th at the Greenville VFW, Route 6 (west of Minisink Valley School). The topics covered will be field planting techniques, maintaining baseball infields on a limited budget, soccer field maintenance to reduce the need for pesticides, and preparing fields for winter. The registration fee is $25 and includes lunch, breaks, and program materials, lectures, trade show, and demonstrations. RSVP to Joann Gruttadaurio at joann@ stmony.org. For directions, check out the website: www.stmony.org.
Worth 2 AOCLP Credits.

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October 19, 2007
21st Annual Rockfall Symposium, Chester, CT
21st Annual Rockfall Symposium “Can We Plan Better in Middlesex County?”
Friday, October 19, 2007 from 8:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. at Camp Hazen YMCA on Cedar Lake in Chester, CT. The symposium will focus on how Middlesex County towns can develop, use, and share effective Plans of Conservation and Development that complement the Regional Plans and the State Plan.
Distinguished speakers are:
• David LeVasseur, W. David LeVasseur Undersecretary, Intergovernmental Policy Division, State of Connecticut Office of Policy and Management
• Maureen Hart, Sustainable Measures, West Hartford, CT
• Christine Nelson, AICP, Town Planner for the Town of Old Saybrook, CT
• Myron Orfield, Associate Professor, University of Minnesota Law School; Non-resident Senior Fellow, the Brookings Institution; President, Ameregis Corporation
The half-day program continues the Rockfall Foundation tradition of providing information and inspiration to local elected and appointed officials (including Planning, Zoning, Wetlands, and Appeals Board members), land use planners, developers, educators, architects, attorneys, realtors, and others concerned with effective community planning.

For more info, visit www.rockfallfoundation.org
Worth 4 AOLCP Credits

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October 23-25, 2007
Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association’s Annual Conference , Burlington, VT
Northeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Annual Conference & Trade Expo will be held on October 2007 in Burlington, VT. The following certification and training options are confirmed: - Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control® Review - How to Prepare a StormWater Pollution Prevention Plan - Certified Professional in Storm Water Quality™ Review - Certified Erosion Sediment & Storm Water Inspector™ Review - EXAMS for CPESC®, CPSWQ™ and CESSWI™ certification* Each of these classes provides 6 contact hours.

For more info and to register for the Annual Conference, visit www.ieca-nechapter.org
Worth 4 AOLCP Credits

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October 25, 2007
The Connecticut Urban Forest Council's 2007 Conference, Wallingford, CT
Trees, the Law and Getting Things Done: Successful Collaborations:
Featuring: Attorney General Richard Blumethal as the keynote speaker talking on "Laws, Regulations and Connecticut's Trees" Breakout Sessions include: • A Tree Warden's Role • Urban Forestry and the CT Legislature • Municipal Variations - 169 Ways to Interpret Regulations • Can We Protect Trees on Private Land • Roads, Right of Ways and Boundaries • Building a Volunteer Program and a Closing Panel on: • "Building Successful Collaborations" with several of the day's participants discussing how the lessons of the workshop can be brought home to individual towns and projects MountainRidge in Wallingford, CT, and will run from 8 am until 3:30 pm. Registration is $40 before October 18th and $45 after that date and at the door. Please register early.

For more info and to register for the Annual Conference, visit the web site www.cturbanforestcouncil.org
Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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November 10, 2007
CACIWC's Environmental Conference and Annual Meeting , Wallingford, CT
November 10, 2007 Connecticut Association of Conservation and Inland Wetlands Commission’s Environmental Conference and Annual Meeting

KEY NOTE ADDRESS
Effective Preservation of Biological Communities;
Local and Regional Strategies
Dr. Klemens’ work has encompassed almost three decades of herpetological research in the United States and Africa. This body of science has led him to the conclusion that, in order to bring about tangible conservation results, scientific research cannot be conducted outside of its social, political, and economic context. In order to bridge the gap between conservation science and land use planning processes, Dr. Klemens has translated biological data and conservation concepts into planning tools that achieve better conservation at local and regional scales. His most recent book, Nature in Fragments: The Legacy of Sprawl, is the definitive book on this subject to date. He strongly advocates that science have a responsibility to actively engage in conservation efforts.
On Saturday, November 10, 2007 CACIWC is again hosting a day-long series of workshops for conservation and inland wetlands commissioners and staff. The workshops are organized into four tracks: Open Space/Resource Conservation, Wetlands Protection, Science & Technology, and Commission Leadership & Administration. The conference brochure including a registration form, workshop descriptions, and a schedule of events has been mailed to each commission.
For more information, visit www.caciwc.org
Worth 6 AOLCP Credits

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November 14, 2007
1st Annual Statewide Smart Growth Conference!!, Southern CT State University’s Michael J. Adanti Center
More information to come! Visit their website at www.1000friends-ct.org

December 5, 2007
Perennial's Conference : Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls, NY

It's that time of year again! The ever-popular Perennials Conference, hosted by Hudson Valley Horticulture, will be held on December 5, 2007 at Villa Borghese in Wappingers Falls, NY from 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. The theme of this year's conference is "Designing Livable Landscapes." The speakers are:
Michael Ruggiero- Perennials for the Shade
David L. Culp- A Sense of Place (Making Gardens Adapt to Regional Influences)
Carlo Balistrieri- Rock Gardens
Marvin P. Pritts- Edible Landscaping
Registration is $90 per person before November 28th. Late registration is subject to availability and the fee is $100. For questions or to register call Donna at 845.429.7085.

Your Local Extension Educators
* Westchester County, contact Richard Harper, mailto:rwh26@cornell.edu, 914-946-3005
Worth 5 AOCLP Credits.

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December 11
The NOFA OLC Update Course. Worchester, Massachusetts.

Come join us from 10 am - 4 pm at Tower Hills Botanic Garden for day of workshops! This is the last NOFA class that will be offered before the reacreaditation deadline! Learn about controlling invasives organically, compost and compost quality and how the changing climate will effect plant growth and land care.
Worth 4 AOCLP Credits.

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December 13
Winter Botany : Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Boylston, MA

10 – noon
Join Roberta Clark, Barnstable County and UMass Extension, and Deborah
Swanson, Plymouth County and UMass Extension, for a session of winter botany.
We will cover the basics of plant identification, including terminology and
the use of a dichotomous key, using a lecture/slide presentation as well as
hands-on practice. Participants will learn characteristics of important
landscape trees and will key out several examples of common trees in the
landscape. Weather permitting, a walk through the landscape will follow. Cost
is $50, space is limited. ISA, MCA, MCH, and SAF credits have been requested.

For more information or a registration form, go to www.umassgreeninfo.org or
contact the Landscape, Nursery, & Urban Forestry Program at (413)545-0895,
eweeks@umext.umass.edu.
Worth 2 AOCLP Credits.

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January 1, 2008

Postmark Deadline for Re-accreditation. The next accreditation deadline has been moved forward so we can have enough time to create the Guide to Organic Land Care and get it into your potential customers's hands in early spring. You must have proof of credits and payment postmarked by January 1, 2008. Specific Guidelines for Re-accrediation. Be sure to get the instructor's signatures on your re-accrediation form, available here.

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