W
hile we are starting to open up and offer a few classes in a modified traditional classroom setting, there are still some online options for getting credits. NCDA&CS has a listing of fee-based classes that can be taken between now and the end of June. These classes are ideally for those that only need one or two additional credits between now and June 30th.
You maybe getting calls from clients to come out and control the mysterious murder hornet. While there is a large Asian hornet that does kill and eat smaller insects including honeybees it is not found in NC and although the insect was found in the state of Washington they were eradicated. Most likely the insect that your clients are seeing is the European hornet. These insects can resemble the larger species to an untrained eye, particularly someone that may have been spending a lot of time on social media or watching a lot of TV. This kind of thing makes for sensational news even when the truth gets stretched.
Check out some good
photos comparing the Asian “murder” hornet to insects that we do have in NC and have some resemblance:
Keep in mind that hornets are beneficial insects in their own place. However, like your clients, I honestly don’t want to share my living space or a picnic with them. So although your clients may think they have the Murder Hornet, chances are they have something else. If they do need to control the insects they have, make sure that it is properly identified that they follow this linked information for
controlling them.
Certified Plant Professional Short Course 2020
AUG 14 - SEP 17, 2020
The North Carolina Arboretum
100 Frederick Law Olmstead Way, Asheville, NC 28806
This class is designed to assist participants in developing their level of knowledge and professionalism in the area of landscape plants and use. While past participants tend to score higher on the Certified Plant Professional exam we do not make any guarantees that you as a student will do so. You will need to make a personal commitment to study the materials provided and attend each class. It should also be noted that individuals with less than one year's experience in the green industry are not eligible to take the CPP exam. While this class is a good review for those individuals it would be advisable to wait or retake the class near the date you plan to take the exam. All outdoor classes are weather permitting. They will go on rain or shine if there’s not a thunderstorm or high winds making things dangerous.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
We now accept online registration and credit card payments for all of our Green Industry Certification Programs using Eventbrite. We prefer participants use the new online method of registration to ensure a seat and help us with attendance accountability.
What's that Weed?
JUN 19, 2020 | 10:00 - 12:00 pm
JUN 19, 2020 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
JUN 26, 2020 | 10:00 - 12:00 pm
JUN 26, 2020 | 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Transylvania County Board of Elections Conference Room
150 S. Gaston St., Brevard, NC 28712
4 classes offered. Some will fill up quickly.
Proper identification of summer weeds along with the proper timing and use of pest management tools is an important part of a landscape contractor’s effort in maintaining the health of a landscape as well as that of the environment and those that live in that environment. This class is one that will help landscapers correlate the problem with the correct method of management. By popular demand we will also look at some of the Ethnobotany involved with many of the weeds to create perspective of why the plants are here. Oftentimes understanding some of a plant’s history and use helps us decide whether to keep it or not.
As social distancing will be exercised in this class we are limiting the number of participants to 9. If you are feeling sick please don’t come! When the class is over, you will be asked to send me a copy of your licenses by email. Photo or scan the license.
CREDITS EARNED
2 hours have been approved for Categories L for Landscape Contractors and NCDA&CS Pesticide Credits in Categories H, L, N, O, D, and X.
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
We now accept online registration and credit card payments for all of our Green Industry Certification Programs using Eventbrite. We prefer participants use the new online method of registration to ensure a seat and help us with attendance accountability.
We Are Still Available for Assistance!
As many of you know, we have been following safe distancing protocols and working from home through the past 2 and half months, however, we are still available to our clients. As we move into phase 2 and 3 of reopening please, feel free to contact us. I am still available for site visits by appointment and have made some while exercising social distancing or visiting the site without the client being there and sending them the diagnosis or “verdict”.
Our offices will start opening up soon and we will start having face-to-face classes again. At first we will have to reduce class sizes to 9 (10 counting instructor) and then increase them as permitted. This may mean more classes and varied locations. Feel free to email me photos or questions to cliff_ruth@ncsu.edu. I can always receive text messages at 828-551-5985, but calling me may have mixed results.
